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- Tasks: Lead change and inspire futures by volunteering as an Academy Councillor.
- Company: Join Cabot Learning Federation, a family of 36 academies in Bristol.
- Benefits: Make a lasting impact on education and develop leadership skills.
- Why this job: Influence education and help young people thrive in your community.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and commitment.
- Other info: Connect with over 300 passionate volunteers and make a tangible difference.
Lead Change. Inspire Futures. Become an Academy Councillor with CLF. Volunteer and Make a Lasting Impact on Education Across Bristol! Are you passionate about helping young people thrive? Do you want to influence education in your community? At Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), we are looking for committed volunteers to join our Academy Councils and help shape the future of learning. CLF is a family of 36 academies including primary, secondary, all-through schools, and post-16 provisions spanning Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucester, Weston-Super-Mare, and Somerset. Our shared purpose is simple: every child deserves the best possible start in life. The Bristol Cluster includes a mix of primary, secondary and alternative provision academies.
Key Responsibilities Of An Academy Councillor
- Attend Council Meetings regularly (around 5 per year, 2 hours each).
- Champion Safeguarding & Wellbeing: Ensure health and safety policies are implemented and statutory training is met.
- Monitor Risk & Improvement: Review risk registers, academy improvement plans, and responses to Ofsted/DfE inspections.
- Hold Leaders to Account: Oversee student attainment, attendance, and curriculum effectiveness.
- Policy & Compliance: Approve and monitor local policies and procedures.
- Panel Participation: Take part in panels for exclusions, complaints, and key decisions.
- Financial Oversight: Review financial plans and monitor resource allocation.
- Recruitment & Appraisal: Engage in senior leadership recruitment and contribute to Principal appraisals.
- Champion Inclusion: Advocate for disadvantaged pupils and educational equity.
- Act as an Ambassador for the academy, its pupils, and staff.
Average time commitment: around 1 hour per week across the year.
Why Volunteer with CLF?
- Influence Education: Help guide strategic decisions and hold leaders accountable.
- Professional Growth: Develop skills in leadership, governance, and strategic planning.
- Community Impact: Make a tangible difference to children and families in your area.
- Networking: Connect with over 300 passionate volunteers across the South West.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life. No prior education experience needed, just enthusiasm and commitment. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups.
Bristol Cluster: Our Local Academies
Primary Academies (Ages 3-11)
- Begbrook Primary Academy
- Evergreen Academy
- Frome Vale Academy
- Lansdown Park Academy
- Minerva Primary Academy
- Summerhill Academy
- Wicklea Academy
- Woodlands Academy
Secondary Academies (Ages 11-16)
- Bristol Brunel Academy
- Bristol Metropolitan Academy
- City Academy Bristol
Alternative Provision
- Snowdon Village
- Snowdon Village Provides Specialist Education Through Four Distinct Provisions
- Bristol Futures supporting students with complex needs
- Engage tailored intervention for learners requiring additional support
- Nest therapeutic and nurturing environments
- City School bespoke education for students needing alternative pathways
To learn more about our academies, their locations, and Cabot Learning Federation as a whole, visit the CLF website and explore the Our Academies section.
How To Apply
By clicking Apply on the advert page, you will be re-directed to the CLF Governance Page. On this page, please access and complete the Expression of Interest form (towards the bottom of the page and titled Express Your Interest) and detail the academy you are interested in becoming an Academy Councillor. The Governance Team will pick this up and contact you directly to arrange an initial call/meeting, along with informing you about any other next steps of the process. We welcome visits from potential volunteers. If you would like to arrange a school visit as part of your interest in becoming an Academy Councillor at one of our academies, please let us know during the initial call/meeting you have with a member of our Governance Team.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
We take safeguarding seriously. All volunteers must complete an application form, provide references, and undergo checks, including a DBS.
Academy Councillor - Bristol Cluster employer: BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Councillor - Bristol Cluster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the academies in the Bristol Cluster! Familiarise yourself with their missions and challenges. This will help you connect better during meetings and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Academy Councillors or volunteers. They can share insights and tips that could give you an edge when you're stepping into those council meetings.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to champion safeguarding and wellbeing. Brush up on relevant policies and best practices. Showing that you’re clued up on these topics will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it’s super easy to fill out the Expression of Interest form. Let’s get you started on this rewarding journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Councillor - Bristol Cluster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and what drives your passion for education. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
Show Your Commitment: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for volunteering and how you plan to contribute to the Academy Council. We’re looking for dedicated individuals who genuinely want to make a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to research the specific academies within the Bristol Cluster. Mentioning how your skills align with their needs shows that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply via our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get in touch with you about the next steps. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Academies
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific academies within the Bristol Cluster. Familiarise yourself with their values, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how you can contribute as an Academy Councillor.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of an Academy Councillor. Be prepared to discuss how you can support the leadership teams, champion safeguarding, and advocate for inclusion. Think of examples from your own experience that demonstrate your commitment to education and community impact.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the role, the council's goals, and how they measure success. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position, but also in making a meaningful contribution to the academy and its students.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for education and helping young people shine through during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the community. Remember, they’re looking for volunteers who are genuinely passionate about shaping the future of learning!
