School Governor

As a School Governor, you will work collaboratively with fellow governors and the school's leadership team to provide strategic oversight, support and challenge. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic leadership and accountability: Contributing to the Academy's strategic direction, priorities and long-term development.
• GDPR and data protection: Bringing relevant knowledge or an interest in data protection to support governors in understanding their responsibilities around the secure, lawful and appropriate handling of personal data.
• Risk management and compliance: Helping the Governing Body consider data protection risks, information governance, confidentiality and compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
• Personnel and resources: Contributing to discussions and decisions relating to staffing, resource allocation, financial oversight and the effective use of school resources through the Personnel and Resources Committee.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Reviewing relevant information, asking informed questions and supporting the Governing Body in holding school leaders to account for the Academy's performance and priorities.
• Safeguarding and pupil welfare: Supporting the Governing Body's oversight of safeguarding, wellbeing and the promotion of a safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Constructive challenge and support: Working positively with fellow governors and school leaders, maintaining confidentiality and acting in the best interests of the Academy and its pupils.
• Professional development: Undertaking relevant induction and training to develop your knowledge of school governance, data protection and the responsibilities of a governor.
Commitment and Meetings The successful candidate will be expected to attend:
• Full Governing Body: Six meetings per academic year, approximately one every half term.
• Personnel and Resources Committee: Three meetings per academic year.
Governors will also be expected to read papers in advance, prepare for meetings, participate actively in discussions and undertake relevant training. Some additional time may be required for occasional governor activities, correspondence and monitoring visits into school. The role requires a consistent commitment to attendance, preparation and active participation., The Chair provides leadership to the Governing Body, facilitates effective meetings, supports constructive working relationships with the Headteacher and senior leadership team, and helps ensure that the Governing Body fulfils its strategic responsibilities effectively. Previous experience as a Chair is not essential, but candidates should be willing to develop the skills and knowledge required to undertake this responsibility, with appropriate induction, training and support. What You Will Gain This voluntary role offers the opportunity to:
• Make a tangible difference to the strategic direction and future success of the Academy.
• Apply your professional skills and knowledge in an educational setting.
• Support strong data protection practices and responsible information governance.
• Develop your leadership, governance and strategic decision-making skills.
• Work alongside dedicated governors and school leaders.
• Contribute to the wellbeing, safety and educational outcomes of pupils.
Appointment and Eligibility The appointment will be subject to the Academy's usual governor appointment procedures, including relevant eligibility checks and safeguarding requirements. All governors are expected to act in the best interests of the Academy and its pupils, uphold the principles of effective governance and comply with applicable policies, codes of conduct and confidentiality requirements.

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic volunteer to join our Governing Body at our Stand-Alone Academy. We are particularly interested in candidates with an interest, knowledge or professional background in GDPR, data protection and information governance. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the strategic leadership, accountability and continued development of our school, helping to ensure that pupils receive the best possible educational experience in a safe, supportive and well-managed environment. The successful candidate will bring a thoughtful, strategic approach to governance, with the ability to provide constructive challenge, support school leaders and contribute to effective decision-making. Experience of school governance would be desirable, although candidates with relevant professional expertise and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply. We are particularly keen to hear from someone who would be willing, in due course, to take on the role of Chair of Governors, providing leadership to the Governing Body and helping to ensure effective governance across the Academy.,
• An interest in, or knowledge or experience of, GDPR, data protection, information governance or information security.
• A commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for children and young people.
• The ability to analyse information, ask thoughtful questions and contribute to informed decision-making.
• Good communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively while offering constructive challenge.
• Sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to confidentiality.
• A willingness to undertake training and develop an understanding of the responsibilities associated with school governance.
• A commitment to the values, aims and strategic priorities of the Academy.
• A willingness to consider taking on the position of Chair of Governors.
Desirable Experience
• Previous experience of school governance, ideally as a school governor or committee member.
• Professional or practical experience in GDPR, data protection, information security, compliance, risk management or information governance.
• Experience of strategic leadership, chairing meetings, committee work or organisational oversight.
• An understanding of the education sector and the regulatory environment in which schools operate.