Local Governor

We're looking for a Local Governor to be part of a school trust that is focused on providing children with the best possible education through collaborative working.

Position: Local Governor

Salary: This is a voluntary role however expenses can be paid in line with the allowances policy

Location: Derby

Time commitment: Around ten meetings a year.

About the role:

Local Governors sit within the Trust’s overall governance structure. The Department for Education sets out that in an academy trust, the purpose of governance is to provide:

• strategic leadership
• accountability and assurance
• strategic engagement

The board has collective accountability and strategic responsibility for the trust. It has a focus on ensuring the trust delivers an excellent education to pupils while maintaining effective financial management and must ensure compliance with:

• the trust’s charitable objects
• regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements
• their funding agreement

The Board of Trustees delegates some aspects of this work to the Local Governing Board of each school in the Trust.

Key responsibilities will include:

Local Governing Boards work closely with headteachers and senior leaders. Headteachers are responsible for day-to-day management whereas the role of the governing body is strategic. As such, local governors are responsible for:

• Determining the mission, values, and long-term ambitious vision for the school (in keeping with the Trust’s overall objectives)
• Approving key local policies
• Working with Trust Central Team to ensure there is an accurate evaluation of the school’s performance and appropriate plans for improvement are in place and being monitored
• Ensuring that parents, pupils, staff, and the wider community are involved, consulted and informed as appropriate
• Ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum such that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life
• Working with Trust Central Team and headteacher to set and monitor the school’s budget and ensure it is managed effectively together with premises and other resources
• Measuring the school’s impact and progress towards priorities on the School Improvement Plan

About you

You will have experience in participating and decision-making at a middle or senior level; independence of thought and judgement; a strong belief in the ethos and values of the charity and time to commit. A background in education is not necessary; any professional skills would be of use.

About the organisation

The organisation is a trust that was formed to provide opportunities for collaboration, support, and challenge for the schools of Derby while allowing each school to retain its identity and accountability to its local community.