Job Description
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Voluntary position. Adhoc six meeting a year
(Y)Our Opportunity
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.
About Stapleford Abbotts Primary Academy
We are a small, happy and successful school that combines high academic expectations with
a child-centred approach where every child is valued for their own unique personality,
abilities and talents. We know all children can be successful learners, irrelevant of their
starting points, and we value what every child can bring to their learning.
Through a research based curriculum we offer first-class education enabling all children to
become confident, successful, resilient and independent. Staff create a high performing and
inspirational learning experience, where our children embrace a love of learning and are
motivated to succeed. Our mission statement is Success for All, and we truly believe that a
team approach between children, parents and staff is the best way to educate children for
their lives ahead.
About TKAT
Stapleford Abbotts Primary Academy 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.
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:
● A comprehensive induction programme
● 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
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.
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.
Application
The deadline for applications is Friday 5th July 2024.
If you would like to apply, please follow the link to our main recruitment page and complete a copy of the application form and send it with a brief CV to david.churchill@tkat.org
Access to interview
Should you be selected and invited to interview with the Director of Education and
Headteacher, please let us know if you require us to adapt the interview environment. If we
can accommodate practical adjustments to assist, we will.
Information about the School
Stapleford Abbotts School was built in 1887 and has been an important part of village life since its establishment. Over the past ten years, the school has become popular and there has been considerable amount of refurbishment and new build. The school attracts children from a wide catchment area and from the neighbouring London Boroughs of Redbridge, Dagenham, and Havering. We are committed to. Involving the wider community with school life and work closely with other agencies including other rural schools in the Epping area.