Independent Chair of the Education Partnership Board in London

Leading as One System – For Every Child in BCP. There are moments when a local education system reaches a turning point. BCP is at one of those moments. We are seeking an exceptional independent leader to chair the newly established BCP Education Partnership Board – a bold, ambitious partnership bringing together schools, trusts, colleges, local authority leaders and wider stakeholders to shape a more connected, inclusive and high‐performing education system for every child and young person across our conurbation.

About BCP: BCP stretches from the stunning Jurassic coastline to the edge of the New Forest. Our authority is home to 98 schools, a college, three universities and a diverse population of children and young people. BCP is already a high‐performing authority with strong outcomes across KS2 and Progress 8. We face complex challenges such as rising levels of need, SEND reform, inclusion, falling pupil rolls, recruitment pressures and pockets of disadvantage hidden within an otherwise affluent coastal area.

The Opportunity: The BCP Education Partnership Board will act as a Self‐Improving Education Board – bringing together leaders from primary, secondary, special, academy, maintained, post‐16, local authority, governance, parent and regional partnerships. As Independent Chair you will unite these voices around a shared moral purpose: To own and drive the conurbation's education agenda for the benefit of all children and young people across BCP.

You will:

• provide visible, credible and impartial leadership;
• build trust across a complex system;
• help establish strong governance and accountability;
• facilitate ambitious but constructive challenge;
• create conditions for long‐term collaboration and sustainable improvement.

What We're Looking For: We seek someone with credibility, experience and emotional intelligence to lead across complexity. What matters most is your ability to bring people together, navigate complexity with diplomacy and clarity, and inspire collective action around a shared vision. We are particularly interested in leaders who understand the evolving national education landscape, have experience in system‐wide reform and partnership leadership, are passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for disadvantaged children, and can operate with independence, objectivity and integrity. Gravitas to convene senior leaders across diverse organisations is essential. Experience in SEND reform, governance, place planning, inclusion or wider public sector transformation would be highly valuable.

Why This Role Matters: This role comes at a pivotal time. BCP has made significant progress in stabilising and strengthening its local system. There is now momentum, optimism and appetite for collective leadership. The successful candidate will have the rare opportunity to:

• shape a new system architecture from the ground up;
• influence strategic priorities across an entire locality;
• help redefine inclusion and belonging across BCP;
• leave a lasting legacy for children, families and communities.

Time Commitment & Location: Approximately 12‐18 days per year; Board meetings will take place half‐termly; Additional stakeholder engagement and preparation meetings will be required; The role is offered on a consultancy basis; A competitive daily rate is available; Regular travel to Bournemouth for in‐person meetings and relationship‐building activities.