About CATS Global Schools
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.
With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts school, English language schools, and various summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students worldwide with education that develops real-life skills. We are dedicated to academic excellence and have strong links to over 40 top global universities.
We foster a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to contribute to shaping their world, thanks to our committed and pioneering staff.
Role overview
The overall responsibility for procedures, policies, and training in CGS's UK schools (including Bournemouth Collegiate School, Bosworth Independent School, CATS Cambridge, CSVPA, Guildhouse School, St Michael's, and The Worthgate School), ensuring legal compliance, lies with the proprietorial body. Responsibilities are outlined in the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) 2024.
While the proprietor remains the accountable body, KCSiE recommends appointing governor members at the board level to provide guidance and leadership. The Independent Governor will work alongside Head Teachers, supporting the schools to meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
Independent Governors oversee management aspects such as strategy, policy, budgeting, and staffing. They support CGS schools in operating effectively, working with senior leaders and teachers to deliver excellent education. They are expected to attend governing body meetings.
We seek to appoint two Independent Governors: one with commercial insight into sales, school growth, and EBITDA; the other with experience in Ofsted/ISI inspections, senior/exec school leadership, preferably in a group of schools. Experience in EYFS is advantageous but not essential.
These roles report directly to the Chair of Governors and the CEO.
Responsibilities
As an Independent Governor, you will:
* Contribute to the strategic oversight of the schools.
* Provide challenge, insight, and expertise to ensure compliance, safety, and continuous improvement.
* Support statutory responsibilities and decision-making processes, aligning with the schools' mission, values, and legal obligations.
* Assist in monitoring and auditing practices and policies.
* Advise on financial targets.
* Collaborate effectively within the governing body, understanding the roles of executive staff and governors.
* Make ethical, informed decisions promoting transparency and high standards.
* Lead internal audits to assess compliance with laws, regulations, and policies, including estates and ISI requirements.
* Support the Chair of Governors in monitoring ISI compliance and inspections.
* Arrange governance audits of schools/colleges.
* Collect and review KPI data for meetings.
* Stay informed about regulatory changes and discuss implementation with schools.
* Review and respond to exclusion appeals.
* Conduct complaints investigations as directed.
Person Specification
* Minimum five years of senior/executive school leadership experience.
* Deep knowledge of KCSIE and ISI compliance requirements.
* Understanding of the ISI framework.
* Experience in school audits, safeguarding, compliance, and inspections (preferably as an ISI inspector).
We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Building on our core values—Pioneering, Persevering, People—we aim to be an employer of choice through events, guest speakers, and focus groups.
All shortlisted candidates will need to complete a criminal declaration and undergo online checks, which may include social media screening.
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