Independent School Governor

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic educational foundation in Wakefield seeks an Independent School Governor (Finance Specialist) to join its Board of Governors. This voluntary role requires strong financial insight and governance skills to help shape the foundation's strategic direction. Responsibilities include providing oversight for financial planning and risk management, supporting compliance, and acting as an ambassador for the foundation. This position encourages diverse applicants committed to inclusion and equality.

Benefits

Unpaid role with reasonable expenses reimbursed

Qualifications

• Significant experience in finance or financial governance.
• Ability to offer strategic oversight and long-term decision-making support.
• Experience in a collaborative board environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and contribute to long-term decision-making.
• Bring financial insight to Board discussions.
• Support effective risk management and compliance.
• Act as an ambassador for the Foundation.

Skills

Financial expertise

Financial governance

Strategic decision-making

Risk management

Job description

Independent School Governor (Finance Specialist)
Wakefield Grammar School Foundation
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Wakefield Grammar School Foundation (WGSF) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking individual to join its Board of Governors, with a particular emphasis on bringing additional financial expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of one of the oldest and most respected educational Foundations in the country.

Founded in 1591 to transform the lives of local boys through “good learning”, and pioneering in its commitment to girls’ education with the establishment of the Girls’ High School in 1878, the Foundation has a rich legacy of academic innovation, social mobility and community impact. Throughout its 430-year history, children from all backgrounds have learned side by side, reflecting a diverse and inclusive community that continues today. As we bring our schools together under shared values and a strengthened identity, we remain committed to preparing young people for a rapidly changing world through academic excellence and an ethos of empowerment.

As a Governor, you will play a vital role in shaping the Foundation’s future. Working collaboratively with fellow Board members and the senior leadership team, you will support strong governance, provide constructive challenge, and help ensure that our strategic ambitions are financially sustainable and aligned with our mission.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with significant experience in finance, financial governance, or related fields. Your expertise will help oversee financial planning, risk management, resource allocation and long-term sustainability across the Foundation. Prior experience in the education sector is welcome but not essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic oversight and contributing to long-term decision-making.
• Bringing financial insight to Board discussions, ensuring robust stewardship of resources.
• Supporting effective risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Acting as an ambassador for the Foundation and its values.
• Working collaboratively within a diverse Board team to advance the Foundation’s vision.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently under‑represented in school governance. All appointments are made on merit, based on skills, experience and alignment with our values.

This is a voluntary role requiring attendance at scheduled Board and committee meetings throughout the year, alongside school engagement activities.

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a short expression of interest outlining your relevant skills and motivation for applying.

Join us as we build the next chapter of a Foundation shaped by history, driven by innovation, and united by a commitment to opportunity for all.