School Governor, Wednesbury Oak Academy

Required as soon as possible
 
The Governors of Wednesbury Oak Academy are looking to recruit new trustees to the support the work of the school’s Governing Board.

This is a fixed term appointment for four years from the date of appointment Various Schools Hours: This will vary with the cycle of the school year but it is anticipated to equate to approximately 1 day per half term, including both school time and evening engagements (subject to agreement in advance). The hours will likely be split into several activities across the period.

This is a voluntary and unpaid appointment being a school governor is a challenging but hugely rewarding role. It will give you the chance to make a real difference to young people, give something back to your local community and use and develop your skills in a board-level environment. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country: there are over a quarter of a million volunteers governing state funded schools in England.

Schools need governing boards that have a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience to enable it to be effective. Ofsted (the national inspection body for schools) has repeatedly noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management - including the governing board.

The Governing Board has three key roles:

1.To set the strategic direction of the school.

2.To hold the Head teacher to account for the educational performance of pupils.

3.To oversee the financial effectiveness of the school, making sure the funding is well spent.

Anyone aged over 18 can be a governor and you do not need to be a parent. There is no requirement for you to have an understanding of the education system, just the necessary skills, character and time to contribute. There is plenty of training available to help you learn about professional knowledge. Schools need and benefit from a range of professional knowledge on their governing board including education, finance, human resources, legal, marketing and public relations, property and estates management, and organisational change.

We would welcome governors with any of the above skills, but would be particularly interested in a governor with a financial background to help oversee the financial effectiveness of the school.
 
As a Governor, you will be able to:

• Use your own experience of education and life beyond school to inform conversations;
• Develop and utilise your skills in a board-level environment;
• Make a valuable contribution to education and your community;
• Support and challenge the school so that it improves for pupils and staff;
• Bring your unique experiences, perspectives and insights in to decision-making in the interests of the school community;

Wednesbury Oak Academy is a successful 2 form entry primary school within the Sandwell Local Authority.

The appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS clearance. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
 
For more information, or to apply to be a Governor, please contact the Head teacher, Mrs Grieh, tracy.grieh@woak.co.uk or Chair of Governors, Miss Boden, melanie.boden@woak.co.uk

Application forms are available from Mrs Debbie Southall, School Business Manager, Debbie.southall@woak.co.uk    Tel:  0121 556 3387
 
Closing Date: 30th September 2020