Job Description

We are looking for people with energy and commitment from a range of backgrounds to be part of leading an exciting period of development and change as we embark on a new chapter for the charity.

We are expanding our governing body to include some specialist roles to help us provide greater rigour, professional support and oversight for our school team. Joining the governing body will have a huge impact on the school and, by extension, the individuals and families we support. You will have the opportunity to support with the strategic direction of the school, hold our leaders to a high level of accountability and to raise the profile of the impact of the great work our staff can make working with individuals.

We seek people who will contribute actively to the governors by considering strategic direction; setting overall policy; defining targets; questioning everything we do to find better ways to do more and to play a crucial role in building a strong and stable financial future as the school grows.

Autism is a growing phenomenon and it is anticipated that there will be growing demand for the school’s and Autism Wessex’s services. Effective governance is vitally important to ensuring the school operates effectively, in compliance with national expectations and sustainably in meeting the needs of its beneficiaries.

Governors are generally expected to:

• Challenge our leaders to deliver their very best for children, young

people and their families

• Attend meetings at least termly meetings
• Be able to offer a specialist area of support/scrutiny
• Participate fully in the monitoring cycle including visits to the school
• Attend some events on an ad hoc basis
• Support events from time to time
• Travel and out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed

Person description

We are very interested in candidates from the following backgrounds:

School and/or FE Leadership and Governance, School business management, Effective use of outcome measures and data, finance  safeguarding; Health and Safety; managing change

Time commitment: Attend at least termly governing body meetings; be willing to take part in school monitoring visits at least termly (half termly preferred) attend school events during the year to ensure that the governing body is represented, engaged and visible.

How to apply

Applications must be made via Human Resources at Autism Wessex in the first instance. In order to apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation, how your skills would add value to the Governing Body and any other relevant information.