At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Education Committee to enhance educational quality for learners with special needs.
- Company: Bromley Mencap, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with learning difficulties.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid role with opportunities for personal development and community impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to meaningful change in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young learners while shaping educational strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational governance and a passion for inclusive education.
We are seeking to appoint someone with experience of educational governance to chair our established Education Committee, which oversees our Training Centre for learners aged 18–25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and moderate Special Educational Needs.
As Education Committee Chair, you will help our board to oversee and evaluate the quality, effectiveness, and strategic direction of the Training Centre, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and other relevant educational standards, while supporting continuous improvement in our educational provision.
What are we looking for?
Bromley Mencap is seeking someone with experience of educational governance to lead our Education Committee and help drive quality, aspiration and impact in our Training Centre. As chair of the Education Committee, you will:
- Lead on providing constructive challenge and support to our Senior Leadership Team.
- Be responsible for providing advice to the Board of Trustees on matters related to education provision.
- Bring experience and confidence in monitoring and evaluation of the quality of education services, ensuring compliance with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and other educational regulatory requirements.
- Review and assess performance data, including learner outcomes, staff performance, and feedback from students and stakeholders.
- Support the development and implementation of strategic plans related to education services.
What will you be doing?
Bromley Mencap has established a Training Centre for learners aged 18–25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and moderate Special Educational Needs, which opened in September 2023. We offer a two-year programme for learners to help develop their confidence, life and employability skills. In the first year, the pathway focuses on independence and employability, along with Maths and English. In the second-year pathway explores vocational skills and subjects, along with IT/computing. Our qualifications and courses are accredited by OCN London, and we are regulated by Ofsted.
The role is available as a co‑opted Education Committee member, or as a full trustee of the Charity. You will be required to attend approximately six Education Committee meetings per academic year (typically Monday 4-5.30pm). Meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams, providing flexibility to enable strong attendance. You will be expected to engage, where possible, in learning walks and open days. Collectively, this equates to a commitment of around 1-2 hours per month, with flexibility to contribute more if willing and available.
If you wish to become a member of the Board of Trustees, this will require an additional commitment to attending four Board meetings per year, which are held in person (typically Monday 2-4.30pm). You will also need to set time aside to read and review Committee and Board papers in preparation to contribute to informed discussion. Papers are circulated a week in advance of the meetings.
The role will:
- Participate actively in Education Committee meetings, strategy days, and other relevant internal meetings and events.
- Oversee the development and delivery of the Training Centre’s strategy in line with the Charity’s overall strategy, reflecting local needs and context while upholding the Charity’s vision and values.
- Support and appropriately challenge the Senior Leadership Team to deliver high‑quality, inclusive educational outcomes, offering constructive input and robust challenge where needed.
- Monitor key performance indicators to ensure effective oversight of service delivery across inclusion, safeguarding, curriculum, achievement and participation.
- Ensure strong financial stewardship by using resources efficiently and in line with agreed priorities.
- Provide effective safeguarding oversight by reviewing the Training Centre’s arrangements, ensuring statutory compliance, and promoting a strong safeguarding culture.
- Undertake training and development to strengthen your knowledge and skills, stay informed about specialist provision for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities, and support continuous improvement.
The role is subject to a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (known as a DBS check), as it involves occasional direct contact with learners.
Education Committee Chair - Volunteer in Bromley employer: Bromley Mencap
Bromley Mencap is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, particularly for those passionate about educational governance and special educational needs. As the Education Committee Chair, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Training Centre, with opportunities for professional growth through active participation in strategic discussions and community engagement. Our hybrid working model and commitment to continuous improvement ensure that you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexibility in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Committee Chair - Volunteer in Bromley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events or workshops. This is a great way to meet people, learn more about the field, and showcase your passion for educational governance. Plus, it’s a fab chance to pick up some insider tips!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from volunteering! It’s a brilliant way to gain experience and show your commitment to educational governance. Plus, it can help you build a solid reputation in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join us. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to our mission at Bromley Mencap.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Committee Chair - Volunteer in Bromley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in educational governance. We want to see how you've contributed to similar roles before, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to our job description. Use the same language and key phrases we’ve mentioned, as it shows you understand what we’re looking for and how you can make a difference.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for education shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Bromley Mencap.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bromley Mencap
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of educational governance and the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role, especially in monitoring and evaluating educational services.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to strategic plans in previous roles. Think about how you can support the Senior Leadership Team and drive quality in educational outcomes, and be ready to share those insights.
✨Engage with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with Bromley Mencap's vision and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can uphold these while ensuring compliance and promoting a strong safeguarding culture within the Training Centre.
✨Be Ready for Constructive Challenges
Think about how you can provide constructive challenge and support to the team. Prepare to discuss your approach to monitoring key performance indicators and how you would ensure effective oversight of service delivery.
