Co-Opted Governor

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Stourbridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local primary school seeks a volunteer School Governor to help shape school strategy and improve student outcomes. The position requires no prior experience. Candidates should have knowledge of the education system and time to contribute meaningfully. This role provides an opportunity to make a difference within the community and develop leadership skills in a board-level environment. The position is unpaid and requires commitment for four years.

Qualifications

• Must be over 18; no parental connection required.
• Knowledge of the education system preferred.
• Time commitment to support the school.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction of the school.
• Hold the Headteacher accountable for student performance.
• Oversee financial effectiveness ensuring funds are well spent.

Job description

Overview

School Governor Voluntary Position – Amblecote Primary School. Please see all attached documents including the Application Form.

Appointment status: This is a fixed term appointment for four years from the date of appointment.

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.

Salary: This is a voluntary and unpaid appointment.

Role summary

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 by the governing board.

The Governing Board has three key roles:

1. To set the strategic direction of the school
2. To hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of pupils
3. To oversee the financial effectiveness of the school, making sure the money is well spent

Anyone aged over 18 can be a governor and you do not need to be a parent. We value applicants who have knowledge of the education system, plus the necessary skills, character and time to contribute.

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 into decision-making in the interests of the school community

About our School

Amblecote Primary School is a warm and friendly school. Our pupils are happy children who are keen to learn and we ensure high expectations to inspire them to make excellent progress. Our children’s happiness and safety are of utmost importance to us, and we understand that every child has unique and individual needs which must be met for them to flourish.

Don’t just take our word for it: this is what OFSTED has to say about us, in our inspection in March 2022!

“Amblecote Primary School is a welcoming, friendly school. The core values of friendship, kindness, resilience, respect, honesty and pride are at the centre of this school’s work. Leaders have high aspirations for every child. Pupils enjoy coming to school.”

We are a true learning community, school and home together. We provide our children with a broad and rich curriculum, grounded in high expectations and equality for all. We aim to inspire our children to achieve great things, whilst providing the support and challenge they need to do so. We believe that education must prepare children for the future; equipping them with the skills that will improve their life chances.

Safeguarding and requirements

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.

Effective from September 2022, KCSIE states as part of the shortlisting process schools and colleges should consider carrying out online searches, as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This is to determine suitability to work with children and keep them safe. All shortlisted candidates are now subject to an online check and if there is anything concerning, then the shortlisted candidate will be asked to comment on it either prior to or at interview.

N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications.

Online application forms will only be accepted for this vacancy; online facilities for jobs are available at public libraries within the Dudley Borough.

Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so. The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/

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Attachments

• Co-opted Governor Fact sheet, 7 principles and Disqualifications.pdf
• Governor_application_form_2025.docx