Governor in Carshalton

Be the Architect of Potential. We’re searching for passionate people ready to shape the future of education — no experience required, just drive, curiosity, and a belief that every child deserves the best.

Overview: Sherwood Foundation School is an all-age foundation special school and proud member of the Sutton Education Trust (SET). We operate across three campuses — Sherwood Park and Sherwood Manor in Wallington, and Sherwood Hill in Carshalton — serving children and young people aged 4 to 19. Each pupil at Sherwood holds an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our curriculum is designed around the whole child — building independence, essential life skills, and the knowledge needed for adulthood and a fulfilling life. We take a trans-disciplinary approach, bringing together teachers, wellbeing practitioners and therapists to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and ready to thrive. We are a warm, aspirational community — and our governing board plays a vital role in keeping us that way.

What’s in it for you?

• Real Strategic Experience – Sharpen your leadership skills working on genuine budget decisions, performance strategy and long-term planning at board level.
• Lasting Impact – Every decision you help make ripples outward — improving outcomes for hundreds of children in your community, today and for years to come.
• A Brilliant Network – Connect with professionals from finance, law, education and beyond. Your fellow governors bring a wealth of knowledge and connections.
• Free Training & Mentoring – Full mentorship and development support provided. Bring your enthusiasm — we’ll take care of everything else.
• Community Roots – Be a champion for education in your neighbourhood and a genuine stakeholder in one of Sutton’s most important institutions.
• CV Gold – Governance is recognised by employers across every sector as a serious, high-value commitment. It shows you lead, not just follow.

What does a governor actually do?

Think of a governor as a critical friend to the school’s leadership — asking the right questions, scrutinising the right data, and helping steer the ship. You’re not here for the day-to-day; you’re here to make the big stuff happen.

Responsibilities:

• Set Strategic Direction – Work with the Headteacher to define aims, objectives and long‑term vision. Review progress and keep the strategy sharp.
• Create Robust Accountability – Support and challenge senior leaders. Scrutinise performance data to ensure every child gets the standards they deserve.
• Set priorities for a multi‑million pound budget – Ensure resources are used wisely and in line with the school improvement plan.
• Oversee Management – Monitor the effectiveness of strategy, policies, staffing and budgeting, ensuring the school gets best value at every turn.
• Community Involvement – Act as a genuine voice for the community, bringing fresh perspective and building bridges with the wider world.
• Accountability to Local Authority – Governors are accountable to the Local Authority for the school’s overall performance — a real responsibility that counts.

Skills & Expertise:

Our board works through four committees, each tackling a distinct area of school life. We’re actively looking for people whose professional backgrounds map onto these areas.

• Finance & Risk Committee: Finance & Accounting, Risk Management, Audit & Compliance, Procurement, Business Management, Legal.
• Human Resources Committee: Personnel recruitment and retention, Professional development and pupil outcomes, Diversity & Inclusion, Education Performance Management, Data Analysis, HR & Compensation, Employment Law, Pay & Reward.
• Facilities & Safety Committee: Responsible for the school estate, capital projects, statutory compliance and the safety of everyone on site. Health & Safety, Project Management, Facilities Management, Construction & Property Compliance, Sustainability.

Additional expertise sought: IT & Digital, Marketing & Communications, Community Engagement, Charity & Voluntary Sector, Senior Leadership, and similar roles.

Board Composition:

• 2 Parent Governors – elected by parents and carers of current pupils.
• 1 Staff Governor – elected by teaching and non‑teaching staff.
• 1 Local Authority Governor – appointed by the London Borough of Sutton.
• 5 Co‑opted Governors – appointed by the board for their skills and expertise.
• 2 Foundation Governors – appointed by the Sutton Education Trust (SET).
• Automatically a governor – the operational leader who helps the board understand school life from the inside.

Commitment & Terms:

• 4‑Year term of office.
• 4–5 Hours per month average.
• Attend 6 Board meetings.
• Attend 1 Committee meeting per term.
• Meetings start at 6 pm (approx. 2 h).
• All meetings held in person at one of the three school sites.
• Governors expected to conduct regular link governor visits to the school.

Beyond the Boardroom:

From time to time governors may be asked to sit on panels (such as appeals or disciplinaries), take on specialist link roles, and commit to ongoing training — including keeping up to date with changes in education legislation and governance practice.

Legal & Compliance: Sherwood Foundation School is committed to safeguarding and child protection. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.