We are inviting expressions of interest to join the Governing Board of Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary School, where we are committed to fostering a culture of high aspiration, inclusive education, and strong community partnership. As a board, we are proud of the positive impact we have on the lives of children and families—and we are now seeking new colleagues to help us deepen that impact further.
We are currently looking to recruit to the following volunteer governor roles:
* Volunteering Associate Governor
Governors do not get involved in the day-to-day running of the school—that is the job of the Headteacher—but are instrumental in ensuring that long-term plans are in place and progress is being made. Governors also help shape and scrutinise key policies, staffing structures, and school improvement priorities.
These roles are a fantastic opportunity to grow your leadership skills, use your professional or lived experience to serve your community, and help ensure that every child at Torrington Bluecoat has the opportunity to flourish.
If you are interested in applying or would like to find out more, please contact - for an informal conversation or an application pack.
Role purpose
Associate Governors work together to carry out their core functions:
* Bring professional or lived experience in a defined area (e.g. commercial development, innovation, volunteering, or community engagement).
* Support the governing board by providing advice, insight, and challenge in their area of expertise.
* Work alongside Link Governors and senior leaders to contribute to strategy and improvement.
* May attend governing board or committee meetings when their expertise is required, and provide reports or updates to the board.
* Are encouraged to undertake relevant training and development to deepen their contribution.
* Do not have voting rights on the full governing board, but their input is highly valued in shaping board discussions and decisions.
Role Description
* The volunteering link governor will undertake appropriate governor training in order to fully understand their role including, where possible and appropriate, joining relevant staff training to keep updated.
* To support the Governing Board and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in developing and promoting a strategic volunteering programme that enhances student development, staff engagement, and community involvement.
* To monitor and evaluate the school's volunteering strategy to ensure it is strategic, values-driven, and aligned to the school's vision and ethos.
* To seek assurance that the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers follows statutory and policy requirements, including safeguarding and health & safety
* To review volunteer engagement and feedback, recommending improvements to increase impact and student participation.
* To monitor how volunteering initiatives contribute to school priorities, inclusion, and community links, and report to the board.
* To review volunteering documentation, ensuring they are fit for purpose, compliant and reflect the culture, ethos and strategy of the school.
* To monitor how volunteering initiatives contribute to school priorities, inclusion, and community links, and report to the board.
* To liaise with relevant link governors (e.g., Communications, Community, Safeguarding) to ensure a joined-up approach to volunteering and engagement.
* To monitor how volunteering programmes contribute to the school's reputation and make recommendations to the board where risks or opportunities are identified.
* To keep the board up to date with work undertaken by the Volunteering Link Governor through regular (at least termly) written reports supplied to the FGB.
* To advise on ways to celebrate and recognise volunteers' contributions to the school, ensuring alignment with school values and community expectations.
* To research and understand wider best practice in volunteering and community engagement to inform and enhance opportunities for the school.
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Great Torrington EX38 7NU