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 governor roles:
* Finance Link 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
Governors work together to carry out their core functions:
* ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
* holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff
* overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
* ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard
Governors must also ensure that the governing body complies with all legal and statutory requirements. Governors should seek the advice of the clerk to the governing board and other professional advice as appropriate.
Governing body strategic responsibilities
Governing bodies work closely with headteachers and senior leaders. Headteachers are responsible for day-to-day management whereas the role of the governing body is strategic. As such, governors are responsible for:
* determining the mission, values and long-term ambitious vision for the school
* deciding the principles that guide school policies and approving key policies
* working with senior leaders to develop a strategy for achieving the vision
* ensuring that parents, pupils, staff and the wider community are involved, consulted and informed as appropriate
* ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum such that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life
* setting the school's budget and ensuring it is managed effectively together with premises and other resources
* agreeing the school's staffing structure and keeping it under review to ensure it supports delivery of the strategy
* ensuring robust risk management procedures are in place and that risk control measures are appropriate and effective
Monitoring and evaluating school performance
Governors must monitor the priorities that have been set to ensure progress is being made by:
* measuring the school's impact and progress towards its strategic objectives
* ensuring the required policies and procedures are in place and the school is operating effectively in line with these policies
* evaluating relevant data and feedback provided by school leaders and external reporting on all aspects of school performance
* asking challenging questions of school leaders in order to hold them to account
* holding the headteacher to account for standards, financial probity and compliance with agreed policies
* visiting the school to monitor implementation of the strategy and reporting back to the board (this could be in a link governor capacity)
* ensuring that there are policies and procedures in place to deal with complaints effectively
Panels and committees
When required, governors are expected to serve on panels or committees in order to:
* appoint the headteacher and other senior leaders
* appraise the headteacher and make pay recommendations
* hear staff grievances and disciplinary matters
* review decisions to exclude pupils
* deal with formal complaints
Contribution to the governing body
Governors should ensure that they are making a positive and meaningful contribution to the governing body by:
* attending meetings (a minimum of three full governing board meetings and a number of committee meetings each year), reading papers and preparing questions for senior leaders in advance
* establishing and maintaining professional relationships with senior leaders and colleagues on the board
* getting to know the school, including visiting the school occasionally during school hours
* undertaking induction training and developing knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis
Additional Responsibilities for Link Governors
Link governors are assigned to specific areas of school life, such as safeguarding, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), curriculum, or pupil premium, and are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress in those areas by:
* working closely with the school leaders responsible for your area, to get the insights you need to help the board hold staff to account and drive improvement.
* to act as a specialist link between governors and staff and to report to the board.
* help other governors understand what specialist aspects look like in practice.
* bring your more detailed knowledge of the curriculum to important decisions.
* Support the member of staff who is responsible for your particular area/subject.
* Develop knowledge in your specialist area and take part in relevant training.
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Great Torrington EX38 7NU