At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a founding board to shape a new school for young people in need.
- Company: Esland, dedicated to transforming education for vulnerable students.
- Benefits: Gain governance training, direct access to leadership, and have your expenses covered.
- Other info: Voluntary role with significant influence in a dynamic start-up environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people from the start.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, safeguarding, or social work; passion for helping others.
In September 2026 we open a new Esland school in Doncaster. Empty classrooms now. Young people in them within weeks.
Most of them will arrive having been let down by mainstream education.
Classes of five, curriculum freedom and a trauma-informed team are how we turn that around.
A founding governing body that asks hard questions from day one is how we make sure it holds.
We are looking for one independent governor to join that founding board. It is a voluntary role, and you will never have more influence over a school than you do in its first year.
- The rare chance to help build a school from nothing, for young people who have very few people in their corner
- A founding board seat, where the questions you ask now shape how this school runs for years
- A proper induction, governance training and access to safeguarding and Ofsted-readiness briefings
- A direct line to the headteacher and to Esland's senior leaders
- Reasonable expenses paid in full, including mileage, travel and any care costs that let you attend
To be straight with you: this is an unpaid, voluntary appointment. There is no salary or honorarium. We cover your expenses, and we do not waste your time.
Safer recruitment
Esland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list check, a Section 128 direction check, a prohibition from management check, identity and right to work verification, and two references.
Every check is verified and signed off by a person, not a system.
- A genuine interest in children who have had a hard start, and the patience to stick with it
- The confidence to challenge in a room full of professionals, and the warmth to do it well
- Real strength in at least one of three areas: quality of education, SEN, or safeguarding
- That might come from being a headteacher, curriculum or quality lead, SENCO or SEN adviser, designated safeguarding lead, social worker, local authority officer or inspector
- The appetite for a start-up. Nothing will be tidy for the first two terms
- Time to read the papers properly before the meeting
- A willingness to complete safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check
If you have never been a governor before, apply anyway. We will train you.
Independent Governor in Doncaster employer: Esland Care
Esland Care is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of looked-after children. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training and support, fostering a collaborative and compassionate work culture. Our flexible shift patterns and commitment to staff well-being ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a difference in your community.
