Job Description
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(Y)Our Opportunity
We are looking for an inspirational and motivated Chair of Governors to join our supportiveand collaborative team. We are seeking someone with strategic-level experience, gained inany sector, who is passionate about the role that education can play in changing the lives ofyoung people. The successful candidate will be supported through induction, training and anappropriate 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 itscharitable objectives, which relate to the provision of education in its schools. As such, it isthe Trust Board that is accountable for the performance of the Academies in the Trust, andin 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 asLocal Governing Bodies (LGBs). The LGB's responsibilities are set out in theTKAT scheme ofdelegation.
The specific tasks and responsibilities of our LGBs can be summarised as
● Represent the Academy's local community and stakeholders by ensuring that theAcademy's policies and practice meet the community's needs
● Ensure that the Academy's long-term vision reflects the needs of its communitybeyond 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 meetingsfor the pay committee. It is expected that the Chair will attend as many in-person meetingsas possible, although some meetings may be virtual. The Chair will also be expected to carryout 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 suitsomeone who has operated at a strategic level in their executive career, who understandsthe difference between governance and management, and has the interpersonal skills andconfidence to lead the LGB.
All TKAT schools are community schools, and it would be helpful if the successful candidatehad some understanding of the school's local context. Above all, the successful candidatemust 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 aninduction 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:
● A comprehensive induction programme
● Excellent ongoing governor and education CPD, and opportunities to network withother schools and governors across the trust
● Free membership of the National Governance Association (NGA)
● Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to aWork/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 our more and apply please arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 01621 854082 or emailgovernance@tkat.org
About TKAT
Heybridge Primary School is part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT). TKAT isone 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 ofoutstanding 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 thatevery child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education. We place a highvalue on collaboration;"achieving more together", giving staff the opportunity to cometogether and learn, ensuring a shared sense of purpose across our network and by sharingexpertise across the TKAT family.
Safeguarding
TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects allvolunteers to share this commitment. Our safer recruitment processes apply to allgovernors, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Flexible working
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.