Foundation Governor (Volunteer)

Job Description

Could your experience, curiosity and fresh perspective help shape the future of a local Catholic school?

The Archdiocese of Southwark is looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join our governing board. You do not need to work in education or have previous governance experience. We are interested in people who care about Catholic education, can consider issues thoughtfully and are willing to ask constructive questions.

School governors play an important strategic role. Working as a team, our governors help ensure that schools have a clear direction, provide the best possible education for every pupil and uses its resources effectively. As representatives of the Archbishop, you will uphold the Catholic ethos of the school and move schools towards the Archbishop's vision for Catholic Education.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape the school’s Catholic Mission, vision, ethos and strategic direction

• Support and constructively challenge school leaders

• Monitor pupils’ educational performance and wellbeing

• Help ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access a high-quality education

• Oversee the school’s finances and ensure public money is used effectively

• Review policies and monitor the school’s compliance with its statutory responsibilities

• Represent the interests of pupils and the wider school community

• Contribute to important decisions about the school’s future

• Strengthen links between schools and parishes.

Standard duties (include as appropriate)

• Promote and comply with the Archdiocese's safeguarding policies and code of conduct at all times.
• Take reasonable care of your own and others' health and safety and follow the Archdiocese's policies and procedures.
• Uphold the ethos and values of the Archdiocese in carrying out the role.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and grade, as required.

Person Specification

Essential

Personal Qualities

• This is a foundation governor role. You must be aged 18 or over and willing and able to uphold and promote the Catholic character and mission of the school.
• A practising Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church means a baptised Catholic who participates in the sacramental life of the Church, including regular attendance at Sunday Mass, and whose manner of life is in harmony with the faith and teaching of the Church. Applicants will be asked to provide a reference from their parish priest confirming this.
• Evening meetings and Training sessions availability

Desirable Experience

• HR & Legal
• Data & Risk Management
• Marketing, Communications and Community engagement
• Team player
• Ability to interpret information and ask key questions
  

Who can apply

You do not need to be a parent, or to have a background or specialism in education, to be a governor. We welcome applications from any practising Catholic who is willing to give their time and to bring commitment, good judgement and the benefit of their own life and work experience.

Appointment conditions

This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the children’s barred list, and to two satisfactory references, one of which must be from your parish priest.