We require, and benefit greatly from, a range of professional knowledge and experience, including:Education, Business, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, Estates and Property Management.These are challenging but very rewarding voluntary roles. You are not expected to have knowledge in all areas as all Boards work as a team and expertise in a particular field is extremely valuable to the Academy. Your skills and experience are more important than previous local governor board experience.A full induction programme and bespoke professional development opportunities are available to all successful applicants and actively encouraged in all areas of governance.- Help the Board of Trustees fulfil its strategic leadership, accountability, assurance and engagement role by discharging the governance functions delegated to them- Contribute to and champion the Trust and Academy's vision, values and strategy- Hold to account the Academy Principal and staff for all aspects of the academy's performance by challenging, asking questions, and requesting information and evidence- Offer support, constructive advice, a sounding board for ideas and a second opinion on proposals, and help where required, in the manner of a 'critical friend'- Review and monitor progress against the Academy Development Plan and Academy Self Evaluation Form with a view to achieving sustained school improvement- Regularly review and monitor pupils' performance data, such as test/exam attainment, achievement and progress, attendance and behaviour, including those pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)/ for whom English is an additional language (EAL)/ who are Most Able/ with Pupil Premium (PP) funding/ who are Looked After Children (LAC) to ensure the academy is meeting targets- Work with senior leaders to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them in line with strategic objectives- Review and monitor the effectiveness of the academy's SEND provision, ensuring adequate resources are provided to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) which well-support their educational progress, and include them in all aspects of school life- Seek assurance that staff are trained to implement SEND pupil strategies and support plans- Review and monitor safeguarding practice, the implementation of the Trust's safeguarding policy and the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements in order to foster a culture that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all pupils and staff- Ensure compliance with the academy and Trust-wide safeguarding and health & safety policies and statutory requirements- Review and monitor health & safety activity, including progress against external health & safety audits of the academy's estate and the relevant programme of repairs and maintenance- Ensure Trust Board decisions are influenced by local intelligence by providing them with insight into the local challenges and opportunities- Develop effective links/communication channels with the academy's stakeholders, including the voice of parents, pupils and local community- Get to know the academy by making structured (Link Governor) visits when and where appropriate to inform decision-making- Review, approve and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of local academy policies and statements- Act as panel members for pupil exclusion and complaint hearings and appeals- Ensure budget and spending plans are aligned with the academy development priorities- Bring relevant matters, issues, concerns and recommendations to the attention of the Board of Trustees and/or members of the Trust's Executive Team- Review the Academy Risk Register to ensure risks (to the vision and strategy) and areas for development are identified and effective mitigations are in place- Engage (where required) with any inspection of the academy, for example Ofsted- Act as an advocate promoting the interests of the pupils, academy and Academy Trust- Attend meetings (typically 5), read papers and prepare questions for senior leaders in advance- Undertake induction training and develop knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis.Please download and complete the attached application form and send to deborah.hinks@eastern-mat.co.ukApplications will be considered on receipt and therefore an early application is recommended.An enhanced DBS will be completed along with obtaining 2 references as part of the required checks for this post.Eastern Multi Academy Trust (EMAT) is an equal opportunities employer and employs suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Any appointments will be subject to satisfactory medical checks, references and an enhanced DBS check including the Children's Barred List.EMAT is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, employee support services to welcome and support staff from different backgrounds. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment and signal our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity and welcome part time or flexible working applicants.
