At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people's wellbeing and outcomes through strategic governance.
- Company: Join Bradfields Academy, part of the supportive Fortis Trust community.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable governance experience and training.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and develop your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be a voice for young people and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: No specific education background needed; just a passion for making a difference.
Bradfields Academy, part of Fortis Trust, is seeking a committed and values-driven Community Governor to join its Local Governing Committee.
About the role
- Community Governors contribute to strong governance by focusing on what matters most: the experiences, outcomes, and wellbeing of young people.
- SEND
- Supporting oversight of high-quality specialist provision
- Ensuring the academy continues to meet a wide range of complex needs
- Contributing to strategic priorities that improve inclusion, independence, and life outcomes
- Safeguarding
- Ensuring safeguarding is embedded across culture, systems, and decision-making
- Maintaining oversight of safeguarding practice and statutory responsibilities
- Standards
- Providing appropriate challenge and support regarding quality of education and outcomes
- Ensuring high expectations for all students
- Stakeholders
- Supporting strong relationships with parents, carers, and the wider community
- Bringing a community-informed perspective into governance discussions
Who we are looking for
Fortis Trust welcomes applications from individuals outside of education who can bring transferable professional expertise and independent thinking to governance. Training and development will be provided. Relevant experience may include:
- Leadership or management in any sector
- Community, voluntary, or public service roles
- Health, social care, or youth services
- Legal, compliance, or regulatory environments
- Business, operations, or service delivery
- Communications or stakeholder engagement
- Digital, data, or systems leadership
What you will bring
- A commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people
- The ability to think strategically and consider long-term impact
- Confidence to offer appropriate challenge and support
- Strong communication and collaborative working skills
- Integrity, discretion, and sound judgement
What you will gain
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people and families
- Experience contributing to strategic governance within a specialist academy
- Access to high-quality training and development through Fortis Trust
- Insight into education leadership and system-wide working
- The opportunity to develop your own leadership and governance expertise
- The opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive team of governors
Safeguarding
Bradfields Academy and Fortis Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All governors are required to undertake appropriate safeguarding training and are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
How to Apply
To apply, contact the Clerk to the Governing Board:
Email: Julie Duplock julie.duplock@fortistrust.co.uk
Or complete the Governor Application Form and return it to:
Mrs Sweetlove‑Smyth
Fortis Trust
C/O Bradfields Academy
Churchill Avenue
Chatham, Kent ME5 0LB
Community Governor - Volunteer in Chatham employer: Sandwich Infant
Bradfields Academy, part of Fortis Trust, is an exceptional employer that values community engagement and the wellbeing of young people. As a Community Governor, you will have the unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions that enhance educational outcomes while receiving comprehensive training and support in a collaborative environment. Join a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact in Chatham, where your insights and expertise will be valued and fostered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Governor - Volunteer in Chatham
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Governor - Volunteer in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Sandwich Infant, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Sandwich Infant.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Sandwich Infant and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
