At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead change and inspire futures by supporting local academies in North Somerset.
- Company: Join Cabot Learning Federation, a family of 36 academies dedicated to education.
- Benefits: Make a lasting impact, develop leadership skills, and connect with passionate volunteers.
- Other info: Flexible time commitment of around 1 hour per week, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and advocate for young people's success.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and commitment to make a difference.
Lead Change. Inspire Futures. Become an Academy Councillor with CLF. Volunteer and Make a Lasting Impact on Education Across North Somerset!
Are you passionate about helping young people thrive? Do you want to influence education in your community? At Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), we’re 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 provision—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 North Somerset Cluster includes a mix of primary, secondary, and alternative provision academies.
Key Responsibilities of an Academy CouncillorAs a Sponsored Academy Councillor, you’ll act as a critical friend to the academy, providing challenge and support to Principals and leadership teams. Your responsibilities include:
- 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.
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 & InclusionWe take safeguarding seriously. All volunteers must complete an application form, provide references, and undergo checks, including a DBS.
Academy Councillor - North Somerset Cluster in Bristol employer: Cabot Learning Federation
At Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on education in North Somerset. As an Academy Councillor, you will join a supportive community of over 300 passionate volunteers, gaining invaluable experience in leadership and governance while championing the wellbeing and success of local students. Our inclusive work culture encourages diverse perspectives, ensuring that every voice is heard as we strive to provide the best educational opportunities for all children in our academies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Councillor - North Somerset Cluster in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the academies in the North Somerset Cluster! Familiarise yourself with their values, challenges, and successes. This will help you engage meaningfully during your meetings and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other Academy Councillors and volunteers. Share experiences, tips, and insights. Building relationships can open doors and provide support as you navigate your role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for issues to arise; actively seek out ways to contribute and improve the academies. Your enthusiasm and commitment can inspire others and lead to positive changes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, if you have any questions or want to chat about the role, don’t hesitate to reach out during your initial call with the Governance Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Councillor - North Somerset Cluster in Bristol
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. Don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Show Your Commitment:Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for volunteering and your dedication to making a difference in the community. We’re looking for people who genuinely care about helping young people thrive, so let that passion come across in your writing!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and responsibilities carefully. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for in an Academy Councillor. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! Click ‘Apply’ on the advert page and fill out the Expression of Interest form. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get the ball rolling on your journey with CLF.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cabot Learning Federation
✨Know Your Academies
Familiarise yourself with the specific academies in the North Somerset Cluster. Understand their unique challenges and successes, as this will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth and improvement during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Be ready to share why you're passionate about helping young people thrive. Think of personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to education and community involvement, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best support the academy's goals and initiatives.
✨Highlight Your Skills
Reflect on your skills that align with the responsibilities of an Academy Councillor, such as leadership, governance, and strategic planning. Be prepared to discuss how these skills can help you hold leaders accountable and champion inclusion within the academies.
