Chair of Governors in Maldon

We are looking for an inspirational and motivated Chair of Governors to join our supportive and collaborative team. We are seeking someone with strategic-level experience, gained in any sector, who is passionate about the role that education can play in changing the lives of young people. The successful candidate will be supported through induction, training and an appropriate transition period to take on the chair role.

Role specification

The Trust is a charity, and its Board of Trustees must ensure that it complies with its charitable objectives, which relate to the provision of education in its schools. As such, it is the Trust Board that is accountable for the performance of the Academies in the Trust, and in turn, it is held to account by the Department for Education. The Trust has appointed committees for each of its Academies, and these are known as Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). The LGB's responsibilities are set out in the TKAT scheme of delegation. The specific tasks and responsibilities of our LGBs can be summarised as:

• Represent the Academy's local community and stakeholders by ensuring that the Academy's policies and practice meet the community's needs.
• Ensure that the Academy's long-term vision reflects the needs of its community beyond current post-holders, and is in line with TKAT's vision and values.
• Support Directors of Education to improve Academy outcomes.
• Support the Headteacher to ensure staffing is efficient and effective.

There are normally 6 governing body meetings per year, plus very occasional short meetings for the pay committee. It is expected that the Chair will attend as many in-person meetings as possible, although some meetings may be virtual. The Chair will also be expected to carry out termly school monitoring visits, and support school events where possible.

Person specification

The trust is open to candidates from a range of different backgrounds. The role would suit someone who has operated at a strategic level in their executive career, who understands the difference between governance and management, and has the interpersonal skills and confidence to lead the LGB. All TKAT schools are community schools, and it would be helpful if the successful candidate had some understanding of the school's local context. Above all, the successful candidate must uphold and support the school's values and ethos, and its desire for excellence. Previous Chair or school governor experience is welcome, but not essential. There will be an induction and transition period to help the new Chair into the role.

Investing in our governors is a priority for us, and we can offer you:

• Excellent ongoing governor and education CPD, and opportunities to network with other schools and governors across the trust.
• Free membership of the National Governance Association (NGA).
• Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a Work/Volunteer/Life Balance.
• Access to trust resources and materials to support governance.

If you are ready to make a significant, positive impact on the lives of young people, we want to hear from you. As this is a voluntary position, you do not have to complete our full application form. To find out more and apply please arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 01621 854082 or email governance@tkat.org.

About TKAT

Heybridge Primary School is part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT). TKAT is one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South East of England with 45 Special, Primary, Secondary and All through Academies in the TKAT Family. Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership and learning for all. Within the #oneTKATfamily, the shared and common purpose is to work together as a community of schools to ensure that every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education. We place a high value on collaboration; “achieving more together”, giving staff the opportunity to come together and learn, ensuring a shared sense of purpose across our network and by sharing expertise across the TKAT family.

Safeguarding

TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Our safer recruitment processes apply to all governors, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.

Our Commitment - Equal, Inclusive, Diverse

TKAT is committed to inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity by encouraging and welcoming differences, listening to individual experiences, aspirations and accomplishments and learning how to grow better together. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of any protected characteristic.

Access to interview

Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.

Information about the School

Heybridge Primary School currently has 396 pupils ranging from 4 – 11 years. We have a bright modern building, which is well equipped and is set within unusually generous grounds with playing fields and gardens. We are acknowledged as a friendly school within our local community and benefit from easy access to local amenities. In December 2012 we converted to Academy status and became part of the highly prestigious Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT). The School shares good links with other primary and secondary schools in the Maldon area, so can provide wider learning experiences and networking opportunities with our neighbours and also schools within the TKAT family.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.