At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex disabilities to achieve their educational goals as a Governor.
- Company: Join a leading disability charity in England and Wales dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, expand your network, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of around 12 hours a month with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in management within special education and excellent communication skills.
Following our recent successful recruitment of Governors, we are looking to further consolidate the expertise of our current Board of Governors to ensure that young people with complex disabilities get the best education possible to help them develop and achieve their life goals.
The role of Governor involves using your significant experience in a management role within a specialist school or further education provision for young people with complex physical, medical, and learning disabilities to help our team of Governors oversee and monitor college activities. The Governor team works tirelessly to ensure that students have every opportunity to achieve the best outcomes they can, with access to a personalised, broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life after college, whilst promoting learner voice and inclusive practice in a positive learning environment.
You will contribute your personal and professional expertise and strategic perspective to help the charity achieve its vision and mission, as well as using your expert knowledge to ensure the charity’s services comply with legal regulatory and statutory requirements, including Ofsted, Care Quality Commission, and Estyn. In particular, we are looking for knowledge/experience of:
- Special Educational Needs sector, preferably in Further Education
- Health and Safety management
- A strong interest in and experience of promoting the learner voice
Excellent communication skills will be essential to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including other Governors, Trustees, and other senior employees, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others and using tact and diplomacy to contribute your own perspectives and creative ideas to help the charity explore innovative approaches to education, student success, and community engagement.
Your commitment as a Governor typically involves devoting around 12 hours a month to your role at National Star. Some months are busier than others due to the cycle of meetings, but generally, you will have three formal meetings (termly) plus two informal development sessions each year. The meetings can be during the day or early evenings. To help you plan your time, all meetings are set by July for the next academic year. Each Governor has a lead responsibility, which will involve having contact/meetings with key staff between meetings. We also encourage Governors and Trustees to attend annual leavers’ ceremonies in Ullenwood, Wales, Hereford, and Worcester, as well as the colleague recognition awards and colleague long-service awards.
Benefits of joining our Governing body include the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales, as well as having the opportunity to expand your own skills, knowledge, and professional development with the support of the whole team. Your fresh perspective could help us to see things in a different light, and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values. You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.
Governors at National Star are volunteers and therefore not eligible for full staff benefits. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. New Governors are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
Contract Type: Fixed Term | Contract: Part time | Salary: Voluntary | Location Status: On site (Ullenwood) | Interview Date: TBC | Closing Date: 31/05/2026
Governor in England employer: National Star
National Star is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people with complex disabilities through education. As a Governor, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of this leading charity while enjoying a collaborative work culture that values your expertise and promotes professional growth. Located in Ullenwood, you will have the unique opportunity to engage with a passionate team and contribute to meaningful change in the lives of students, all while expanding your own skills and network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governor in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and special needs sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about opportunities or can give you insights into the role of a Governor.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with current Governors or during interviews, share your personal experiences and why you care about supporting young people with complex disabilities. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those meetings! Familiarise yourself with the charity’s mission and values, and think about how your expertise aligns with their goals. This will help you contribute meaningfully and 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 shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Governor in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with complex disabilities shine through. We want to see how your personal experiences and professional background align with our mission at National Star.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your significant experience in management roles within specialist schools or further education. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in the Special Educational Needs sector and how it can benefit our Board of Governors.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and vision.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this important role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Star
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Special Educational Needs sector, especially in Further Education. Familiarise yourself with the legal and regulatory requirements like Ofsted and Care Quality Commission standards. This will show that you're not just interested but also well-informed about the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a Governor.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your management experience in a specialist school or further education setting. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, particularly in promoting learner voice and inclusive practices. This will help demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the Board.
✨Communicate with Empathy
Since excellent communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically. Be ready to discuss how you can work collaboratively with other Governors and stakeholders, showing that you understand the needs of young people with complex disabilities and can advocate for their best interests.
✨Be Ready to Engage
Expect to discuss innovative approaches to education and community engagement. Think about creative ideas you could bring to the table and be prepared to engage in discussions about them. Showing that you're proactive and willing to explore new strategies will set you apart from other candidates.
