School Governor

iBOS; Bury; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A British online educational institution is seeking experienced individuals to serve as School Governors. The role involves strategic governance, holding leadership accountable, and ensuring compliance with education standards. Suitable candidates should possess strong professional backgrounds and a commitment to educational excellence. This position offers flexibility with remote participation, requiring a commitment of up to 6 days annually, plus attendance at two AGMs. The role does not provide salary but includes a minor expense contribution.

Benefits

Induction and onboarding support

Ongoing guidance from senior leadership

Contribution for expenses

Qualifications

• Commitment to high educational standards and young people.
• Ability to ask challenging and constructive questions.
• Willingness to engage with strategic documentation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic vision and direction of the school.
• Hold leaders accountable for educational performance and staff wellbeing.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Professional judgment

Engagement with school data

Collaborative working

Discretion and professionalism

Education

Strong professional or academic background

Job description

Organisation

International British Online School (iBOS)

Role Purpose

The School Governor plays a vital strategic role in supporting and challenging the leadership of iBOS to ensure the highest standards of education, safeguarding, financial probity, and regulatory compliance. Governors act as critical friends, bringing professional expertise, independent judgement, and a strong commitment to educational excellence in a fully online British school context.

This role is suitable for experienced professionals, academics, senior leaders, and individuals with prior governorship experience or clear aspirations to develop as a school governor.

Key Responsibilities

Governors at iBOS are expected to:

• Contribute to the strategic direction, vision, and long term sustainability of the school
• Hold senior leaders to account for educational performance, pupil outcomes, safeguarding, and staff wellbeing
• Support and challenge leadership through professional questioning and informed scrutiny
• Ensure compliance with UK regulatory frameworks, including safeguarding, quality assurance, and governance standards
• Monitor school performance data and participate in informed discussions around progress, outcomes, and improvement priorities
• Act in the best interests of pupils at all times
• Uphold confidentiality, integrity, and collective responsibility
• Act as an ambassador for iBOS when appropriate

Time Commitment

The expected annual commitment includes:

• Up to 6 days per academic year dedicated to governance activities, which may include meetings, preparation, strategic discussions, and school engagement
• Attendance at two full Annual General Meetings (AGMs) per year
• Each AGM requires a minimum commitment of 3 hours

All meetings may be attended remotely, making this role suitable for governors based in the UK or internationally.

Remuneration and Expenses

• Governors are not salaried
• A contribution of £50 per year is provided to support reasonable expenses associated with the role

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

• Strong professional or academic background
• Clear commitment to education, young people, and high standards
• Ability to think strategically and ask challenging, constructive questions
• Willingness to engage with school data, reports, and documentation
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a governing body
• Confidence to contribute to discussions in a virtual setting

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience as a school governor, trustee, board member, or similar
• Senior leadership experience in education, academia, business, law, finance, technology, or public service
• Knowledge of the UK education system, Ofsted frameworks, or online education models
• Aspiration to develop governance experience within an innovative and growing school

Training and Support

• Induction and onboarding will be provided
• Ongoing guidance and support from the Chair and senior leadership team
• Opportunities to develop governance knowledge within an accredited British school setting

Equal Opportunities

iBOS is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to educational excellence and ethical governance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A brief CV
• A short statement outlining their interest in school governance and the skills they would bring to iBOS
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with senior leadership.