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- Tasks: Support governance and uphold the values of Orchard Hill College and Trust.
- Company: Join a family of specialist education providers supporting over 1500 students with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in governance while making a positive impact in education.
- Why this job: Be a key guardian of integrity and accountability in a meaningful volunteer role.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for education and advocacy.
- Other info: This is a volunteer position with a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Location: Various locations across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire
Commitment: Part-time
Orchard Hill College (the College) and Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (the Trust) together form Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHC&AT), a family of specialist education providers for over 1500 pupils and students from nursery to further education across 14 academies and 9 college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. Pupils and students within the OHC&AT family have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs including autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication difficulties; social, emotional and mental health; profound and multiple disabilities; and physical disabilities including multi-sensory impairment and complex health needs.
The College and the Trust are looking for dedicated Members (a volunteer role) to play a vital, albeit limited, role in safeguarding the governance of the College and Trust. As a Member you will act as key guardians of the College’s and Trust’s integrity, accountability, and alignment with their charitable objectives. Members ensure that the governance framework operates effectively, and that Trustees fulfil their duties in accordance with these objectives. As Members of a company limited by guarantee, Members are the equivalent of shareholders in a company limited by shares, acting as the ‘guarantors’ of the College and Trust; however Members do not receive financial dividends like their public sector counterparts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Overseeing the performance of the College and Trust.
- Ensuring the College and Trust uphold their values and ethos.
- Safeguarding the charitable purpose and promoting the interests of the College and Trust.
- Supporting and advocating for the College and Trust.
Please see the job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for. If you’re interested in becoming a Member (volunteer role) at Orchard Hill College or Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with Caroline Davies with your initial enquiry and attach your CV for more information or to apply – CaDavies@ohcat.org
Closing Date: 2nd June 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Member employer: Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Member
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and ethos of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. Understanding their mission will help you articulate how your personal values align with theirs during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Members of the College and Trust. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share their experiences, which can help you prepare for your own involvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current issues in education, particularly those affecting students with additional needs. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your understanding of the challenges faced by the College and Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your initial enquiry. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gather important information about what is expected from a Member.
We think you need these skills to ace Member
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Member at Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. Familiarise yourself with their values and ethos to demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous volunteer work or governance experience, as well as your commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and your desire to contribute to the College and Trust. Be specific about how your background and values align with their objectives and how you can support their mission.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider sending a polite follow-up email to Caroline Davies to express your continued interest in the role. This shows initiative and enthusiasm for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a Member entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and how they align with the values and ethos of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust.
✨Show Your Commitment
As this is a volunteer role, demonstrate your passion for safeguarding education and supporting students with additional needs. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to these causes.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the governance of the College and Trust.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any previous experience you have in governance, education, or working with vulnerable groups. This will help illustrate your capability to oversee the performance of the College and Trust.
