Governor - Voluntary Position
As part of our succession plan, the Board of Governors seeks to appoint members of the board with extensive experience in one or more areas beneficial to the College’s aims and values. This is a highly rewarding, pro bono opportunity to contribute to the success of a thriving specialist school. The role would suit people who are passionate about education and have sufficient time to commit to the role.
How To Apply
Interested parties should contact the Clerk to the Governors by email to express their interest and request an Application Form, email: clerk@slindoncollege.co.uk
This is a voluntary position, but governors' expenses, including training costs, will be covered, as long as they are directly incurred and approved.
Previous experience as a school governor is not necessary.
Slindon College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In addition to normal pre-employment checks, all appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and safeguarding interview. In addition, a Prohibition Order check, a Prohibition from Management check and overseas checks will be carried out for relevant positions.
About Us
Slindon College is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 8–18, set in the historic Slindon House, located in the South Downs National Park. Slindon College provides outstanding transformative education and pastoral care for boys who thrive in a specialist learning environment. The College supports a wide range of Specific Learning Difficulties, has classes with a maximum of 10 pupils, has a high teacher to pupil ratio and provides award-winning pastoral care.
Slindon College operates as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning Governors also serve as Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company. The non-executive post-holder will report to the Chair of Governors and, as a trustee of the charity, is accountable to the Charity Commission. The Board currently consists of nine Governors from a variety of professional backgrounds. Governors support the school’s leadership and governors in strategic forward planning. Post-holders will be responsible, together with their fellow governors, for the overall governance of the charity, monitoring performance and securing compliance with statutory requirements, and for the development of the school’s aims and values. To effectively oversee key strategic areas, the Board delegates responsibility across the following subcommittees:
Curriculum & Staffing Committee
Finance & General Purposes Committee
Health & Safety Committee
Nominations Committee
Governors are expected to attend three Board meetings per year, one annual Strategic Development Meeting and, if a member of a subcommittee, three subcommittee meetings per year. These are generally at the College, but can be joined online. Governors should read thoroughly all meeting supporting documentation and be familiar with the College’s ethos and policies. Mandatory training in areas such as Safeguarding is required on joining the Board and must be kept updated throughout a Governor’s tenure. Occasional attendance at events such as the carol service and awards presentations is encouraged in order to establish familiarity with the College community.
Governors act as ambassadors and advocates for the College, and must act independently in accordance with Charity law. For this reason, it is extremely unusual for the parent of a pupil currently on-roll to be appointed to serve on the board of governors. However, parents are encouraged to contact the Clerk, with recommendations for suitable candidates to serve on the board who are not parents of current pupils on roll.
Governors are responsible for the appointment of the Headteacher, and for monitoring and supporting their performance and the quality of all aspects of the College’s provision.
