An Opportunity to Make a Real Difference
Newbury Independent School is looking for a committed and passionate individual to join our Governing Board as a Volunteer School Governor. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to help guide and strengthen a school that changes the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
We are a specialist independent school supporting students aged 11–19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and Additional Complex Support (ACS) needs. Our school is built on our core values of Communicate, Application, Respect, and Educate (CARE), and our governors play a vital role in upholding these values at the highest level of our organisation.
What Does a Governor Do?
As a governor, you will be a critical friend to our school's leadership team — supporting, challenging, and holding the school to account for the outcomes it achieves for pupils. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Setting the strategic direction of the school alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team
- Holding the school to account for the quality of education, pupil welfare, and financial health
- Reviewing and approving key school policies, budgets, and improvement plans
- Contributing your professional expertise to board discussions and decision-making
- Championing the interests of pupils, staff, and the wider school community
- Ensuring the school meets its statutory obligations including safeguarding, SEND provision, and equality duties
- Attending termly governing board meetings and relevant sub-committee meetings
Who We're Looking For
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds. You do not need previous experience as a governor — we will provide full induction and ongoing support. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring skills in one or more of the following areas:
- Finance, accountancy, or business management
- SEND, education, or child and adolescent mental health
- HR, employment law, or legal practice
- Leadership, strategy, or organisational governance
- Marketing, communications, or fundraising
Above all, we are looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine interest in improving outcomes for young people with complex needs
- Can engage constructively and professionally with our school leadership
- Is committed to safeguarding, equality, and the welfare of children
- Can commit to attending termly board meetings and occasional sub-committee work
- Brings an open mind, sound judgement, and a willingness to ask the right questions
Time Commitment:
The role typically involves:
- Approximately 4–6 governing board meetings per year (usually evenings)
- Sub-committee meetings depending on area of involvement
- Occasional school visits to maintain connection with the day-to-day life of the school
- Background reading and preparation between meetings
Safeguarding
Newbury Independent School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All governors are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and complete mandatory safeguarding training before taking up the role.
Interested in joining our board?
We'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch with a brief introduction about yourself and what you'd bring to our governing board.
email [email protected]
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham
