School Governor (Volunteer Board Member)
Company: Sherwood Foundation School (Sutton Education Trust)
Location: London Borough of Sutton (campuses in Wallington and Carshalton) – In-person meetings
Job Type: Volunteer / Part-time
Salary: £0.00 (Voluntary role with exceptional training, mentorship, and leadership benefits)
About Us
Sherwood Foundation School is an aspirational, all-age foundation special school serving 183 children and young people (aged 4 to 19), all of whom hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). We are a proud member of the Sutton Education Trust (SET) and operate across three local campuses: Sherwood Park and Sherwood Manor in Wallington, and Sherwood Hill in Carshalton.
Our curriculum focuses on building independence, essential life skills, and a fulfilling future through a collaborative, trans-disciplinary approach. We are currently seeking passionate, driven individuals to join our governing board as Co-opted Governors and help us shape the future of our school.
Why Volunteer? (What’s in it for you?)
This is a genuine career-enhancing, life-enriching opportunity to step into a high-level strategic role. As a governor, you will gain:
- Real Strategic Experience: Sharpen your leadership skills by working on multi-million pound budgets, performance strategies, and long-term planning.
- CV Gold: Governance is highly valued by employers across all sectors as a serious, senior commitment that demonstrates true leadership.
- A Brilliant Network: Work alongside a diverse board of professionals from finance, law, human resources, and education.
- Free Training & Mentoring: No prior board experience? No problem. We provide a full mentorship program and ongoing development support.
- Lasting Community Impact: Play a hands-on role in improving educational and life outcomes for hundreds of local children.
The Role: What does a Governor do?
Think of a governor as a "critical friend" to the school’s leadership. You won't be managing day-to-day operations; instead, you will focus on the big picture:
- Set Strategic Direction: Partner with the Headteacher to define long-term aims, objectives, and vision.
- Financial Stewardship: Ensure our multi-million pound budget is managed robustly and spent wisely in line with school priorities.
- Create Robust Accountability: Support and challenge senior school leaders by scrutinizing performance data to maintain high standards.
- Community Advocacy: Act as a voice for the Sutton community, bringing fresh perspectives and building local connections.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for enthusiastic people with professional expertise in Risk Management to sit on:
- Finance & Risk: Overseeing budgeting, risk management, and procurement. (Ideal backgrounds: Finance, Accounting, Audit, Legal, Risk Management, or Business).
Commitment & Logistics
- Term of Office: 4-year term (unless hired as an associate governor)
- Time Commitment: Averaging 4 to 5 hours per month.
- Meetings: 4+ board and committee meetings per term, typically starting at 6:00 PM (lasting approximately 2 hours).
- Location: Meetings and regular link visits are held in person across our three Sutton school sites.
- Additional Activities: Occasional training sessions, school visits, and sitting on panels (such as appeals or disciplinaries) as required.
Requirements
- No previous school governance experience is required.
- A drive to learn, collaborate, and make a positive impact.
- Safeguarding: Sherwood Foundation School is committed to safeguarding and child protection. All successful appointments are strictly subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
How to Apply
Ready to build a legacy for the next generation?
Please apply by sending an email expressing your interest directly to our Chair of Governors at: [email protected].
Work Location: In person
