At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team to oversee the strategic direction and performance of our school.
- Company: Willow Brook Primary School, part of TKAT Multi-Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Comprehensive induction, ongoing training, and a friendly environment.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering role with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives and contribute to your local community.
- Qualifications: Professional experience and a passion for education are essential.
We are looking for a dedicated Governor to join our supportive and collaborative team. We are seeking someone with professional experience, gained in any sector, who is passionate about the role that education can play in changing the lives of young people. Our Governors are from a range of backgrounds and work closely with the school leadership team, they are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, policies, and overall performance of our school.
The most important qualities for any Governor are a commitment to the welfare and achievement of the children, a desire to make a positive contribution to the school, common sense, and a willingness to commit time to the role. Many of the functions of the governing body are statutory or have a legal framework. To carry out our core strategic roles, Governors need to be able to think strategically, challenge, monitor, but also support.
Willow Brook Primary School is part of TKAT, a Multi-Academy Trust. 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 chosen to appoint committees for each of its Academies, and these are known as Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). The LGB’s responsibilities are set out here 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 Governors attend as many in-person meetings as possible, although some meetings may be virtual.
Investing in our governors is a priority for us, and we can offer you:
- A comprehensive induction programme
- Excellent ongoing governor and education CPD, and opportunities to network with other schools and governors across the Trust
- Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a Work/Volunteer/Life Balance
- Access to Trust resources and materials to support governance
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 01206 864375 or email governors@tkat.org.
TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, 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.
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.
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.
Appointed School Governor in Colchester employer: The Kemnal Academies Trust
At TKAT, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative environment for our Governors. With a strong commitment to professional development, we provide comprehensive induction programmes and ongoing training opportunities, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Our inclusive work culture values diversity and promotes a healthy work-life balance, making Willow Brook Primary School a rewarding place to contribute to the community.
Contact Details:
The Kemnal Academies Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Appointed School Governor in Colchester
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
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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 Appointed School Governor in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like The Kemnal Academies Trust, 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 The Kemnal Academies Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kemnal Academies Trust
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of The Kemnal Academies Trust 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.
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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.
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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!
