Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee school management, ensuring compliance and supporting educational excellence.
- Company: CATS Global Schools inspires future leaders through quality education across 16 institutions worldwide.
- Benefits: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while working with passionate educators and leaders.
- Qualifications: Five years of senior school leadership experience and knowledge of compliance regulations required.
- Other info: Candidates will undergo background checks and must demonstrate commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About CATS Global Schools: CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts school, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada and China. Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
Role overview: The overall responsibility for ensuring that procedures, policies and training are in place in CGS’s UK schools lies with the proprietorial body. The responsibilities are set out in the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) 2024. The Independent Governor will work alongside the Head Teachers and will support the schools, ensuring all Schools and Colleges meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
Independent Governors are responsible for overseeing the management side of a school: strategy, policy, budgeting and staffing. They will support the schools within CGS to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders and supporting teachers to provide excellent education to children. Independent Governors will be expected to attend governing body meetings.
We are currently looking to appoint two Independent Governors; one will have commercial insight and knowledge of delivering sales, school growth and increasing EBITDA and one will have experience of Ofsted/ISI as an inspector and will have experience in senior/exec school leadership and ideally have held an executive role in a group of schools. Experience of EYFS would be advantageous but not essential.
Responsibilities: As Independent Governor you will:
- Contribute to the strategic oversight of the schools
- Provide appropriate challenge, insight and expertise to ensure that the schools meet compliance and keep children and staff safe
- Support the governing body’s statutory responsibilities and decision making processes ensuring that the schools operate in accordance with their mission, values and legal obligations
- Support the monitoring and audit of practice and policies
- Support and advise on the school’s financial targets
- Be a team player in the governing body and understand the difference between the roles of the executive and governors
- Make ethical and informed decisions promoting a culture of transparency and high standards
With respect to wider statutory compliance: Lead internal audits to assess compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies, identifying areas of risk and non-compliance. Support the Chair of Governors to monitor and advise on ISI compliance and support inspections where necessary. Arrange Governors audits of Schools/Colleges. Collate KPI data for Governors meetings. Be alert to regulatory and inspection methodology changes.
Person Specification: At least five years of Senior/Executive School Leadership Experience. In depth knowledge of KCSIE, ISI and other statutory compliance requirements. Experience of carrying out school audits/monitoring visits for safeguarding and compliance and experience of ISI inspections.
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity: We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values - Pioneering, Persevering, People - we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers, and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice.
All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal declaration form and will be subject to online checks which may include social media.
Independent Governor employer: CATS Global Schools
Contact Detail:
CATS Global Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Governor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) 2024. Understanding this framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and compliance, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Independent Governors or school leaders to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the challenges and expectations of the role, helping you to articulate your understanding during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic oversight and compliance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to school governance or similar environments, as this will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent changes in educational regulations and inspection methodologies. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your proactive approach and readiness to support the schools in meeting their legal obligations.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Governor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of an Independent Governor at CATS Global Schools. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience, particularly in senior/executive school leadership, compliance knowledge, and any auditing experience. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to contribute to strategic oversight and governance.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and your commitment to safeguarding and compliance. Address how your background aligns with the needs of the role, and mention any specific experiences that relate to KCSIE and ISI regulations.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at CATS Global Schools
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of an Independent Governor. Familiarise yourself with KCSiE and ISI compliance requirements, as well as the specific schools under CATS Global Schools.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of an Independent Governor. Highlight any experience you have with school audits, compliance, or strategic oversight, as these will be crucial in your role.
✨Demonstrate Ethical Decision-Making
During the interview, be ready to provide examples of how you've made ethical decisions in past roles. This is particularly important for a position that involves safeguarding and compliance, so emphasise your commitment to transparency and high standards.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about their vision for the schools and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.
