SGOSS - Governors for Schools

Are you ready to contribute to education outcomes nationally by becoming an academy trustee at The David Ross Education Trust? DRET is seeking a Secondary Educationalist to join their Trust Board. The trust operates across London, Midlands, Lincolnshire and the North East and serves approximately 17,000 learners. Its annual budget is £120m. The David Ross Education Trust (DRET) is one of the earliest and most established academy trusts in the country and has since grown to 36 schools. A significant majority of academies are judged Good or Outstanding (under the former Ofsted framework), with none currently considered Inadequate. Recent achievements include Charnwood College being designated a DfE Attendance and Behaviour Hub, recognising its impact on improving standards across the wider system. The Board, comprising 8 trustees, is looking to recruit as part of their succession planning and further develop capacity on the board. This is a rare opportunity to join a large, nationally recognised trust at a significant moment in its development. DRET is recognised as one of only 11 system leader trusts in England, offering an exceptional platform to apply your professional expertise at scale and make a meaningful difference to children and communities across widely varied contexts. DRET benefits from long-standing support from the David Ross Foundation, which invests in enrichment, professional development and leadership across the network. As the trust prepares to appoint a new CEO and continue its next phase of development, the board is now seeking new trustees to strengthen strategic leadership and ensure continued excellence across all regions. Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust What does the role include? As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account - both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people. By volunteering as a trustee/director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability, and challenge. What are the benefits? Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes. Alongside making a tangible impact, you'll gain valuable experience in senior-level decision-making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non-executive portfolio, and give back to education. Further information: You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page The David Ross Education Trust reference number is 2854. The following webpage also provides useful information and reading to any potential trustee: If you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we'll match you with the right opportunity. We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.

A leading education governance organization in Penkridge is seeking skilled volunteers to serve as governors. You will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of South Staffordshire College and ensure strong governance. Ideal candidates should have experience in areas like finance, audit, or education and be strategic thinkers. The commitment is one to two days per month, making this a rewarding opportunity to contribute to high-quality, inclusive education.

An education trust in Leicester is seeking experienced individuals to join its board as trustees. In this strategic role, you will influence educational outcomes and ensure effective governance. Ideal candidates should have a background in educational settings and a passion for improving student experiences. This volunteer position offers a unique opportunity to impact the community and develop leadership skills in a non-executive capacity.

A Further Education College in the UK seeks skilled volunteers for the Governor position focused on finance. Ideal candidates should have a background in finance, audit, or education, and possess strategic thinking skills. This role plays a vital part in shaping the College's governance and educational quality, requiring a commitment of one to two days per month. If you have the expertise to positively impact learners and communities, we would love to hear from you.

Furness Education Trust (FET) is a seven-school trust based in Barrow-in-Furness. The trust originally grew out of Furness Academy and now includes two secondary schools and five primary schools. All academies in the trust are rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding,' except for Walney School, which joined the trust in January 2025 with a 'Requires Improvement' judgement. Walney School was previously part of another multi-academy trust (MAT), and when that MAT closed, the Department for Education (DfE) asked FET to take over the school due to the trust's capacity to provide support. While Furness Academy is relatively large and oversubscribed, Walney School is smaller, with room to expand and accommodate more pupils. The trust is actively working to encourage increased pupil intake at Walney. As the two secondary schools are less than three miles apart, there is an opportunity to attract more students to Walney, particularly as it moves onto a firm trajectory of improvement. FET also supports small rural primary schools with fewer than 90 pupils and mixed-age classes. The trust firmly believes that these schools play a vital role in their communities and is committed to maintaining their quality and sustainability. Furness Education Trust benefits from the sponsorship and active support of BAE Systems, with several of its trustees holding senior roles within the organisation. The trust is also exploring innovative curriculum opportunities at Walney School, particularly in modern engineering and digital skills, to align with the region's workforce needs. Additionally, FET is fostering collaboration with George Hastwell School, a neighbouring special school, reinforcing its commitment to regional partnerships and inclusive education. Furness Education Trust is seeking two experienced educational professionals with expertise in primary and/or secondary education to join its board. Both appointees will serve on the Quality of Education & Standards Committee, with the expectation that one may take on the role of committee chair following the planned departure of the current chair. The trust is looking for individuals who can provide both support and challenge to ensure the highest standards across all its academies. Ideal candidates will have senior leadership experience across multiple schools, whether within a multi-academy trust, a local authority, or as part of a school improvement initiative. This may include executive leadership roles, school improvement expertise, or consultancy work with a proven track record of driving educational excellence. While familiarity with the Ofsted inspection framework is beneficial, formal inspector training is not required. The trust's governance structure includes three committees, including the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. New trustees will be expected to attend all main trust board meetings, which take place four times a year (September, December, March, and July), as well as meetings of the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. Meetings are typically held in person at Furness Academy on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm and last approximately two hours. While in-person attendance is preferred, the trust provides remote access when necessary. All new trustees will receive an induction programme supported by the governance professional and the trust's governance partner, Judicium. The induction programme includes an introductory visit and meeting, training on GovernorHub, essential reading such as role descriptors and the code of conduct, and an introduction to the National Governance Association training programme. Additionally, all new trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools' The First 100 Days as a Trustee e-learning module. This is an opportunity to contribute strategically to a well-regarded trust that is recognised by the DfE for its capacity and expertise. FET values collaboration and innovation, working closely with BAE Systems and local education providers to enhance curriculum provision and drive regional educational improvement. Trustees will play a key role in shaping the future of the trust, supporting school improvement efforts, and ensuring that all children receive the highest quality education. If you are an experienced educational leader looking for a meaningful way to give back to the education sector, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role. Address: Furness Academy, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA13 9BB Website: Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust Usual start time of meeting: 4 x Trust Board Meetings (Wednesday, 4.30pm-6.30pm)3 x Quality of Education and Standards Committee (Wednesday, 4.30pm-6.30pm) What does the role include? As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account - both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people.By volunteering as a trustee/director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability, and challenge. What are the benefits? Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes.Alongside making a tangible impact, you'll gain valuable experience in senior-level decision-making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non-executive portfolio, and give back to education. Further information: You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page FURNESS EDUCATION TRUST reference number is 15877The following webpage also provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we'll match you with the right opportunity. We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.

Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is based across two campuses, with differing provision across academic, vocational and land-based courses, ranging from agriculture and animal care to construction and creative arts. The college contributes to the local community and economy by developing successful partnerships to ensure students acquire the skills needed. The two legacy colleges merged in August 2024, and the corporation board are supporting the continuing integration and further strategic progression following the merger. With a 2025 Ofsted rating of 'Good', and recognition that the contribution to regional skills needs is strong, the College is proud to have an impact across its geographical setting and beyond. With a wide range of facilities, including an animal park, restaurant, hair and beauty salon and children's nursery, the College places great emphasis on its career focussed and hands-on learning to support learners. In the short-to-medium term, new governors will join the corporation board in strategic planning relating to the newly merged college status, with exciting chances to offer new opportunities to students and widen their horizons in an area where there are high levels of deprivation. Fostering resilience and helping learners be ready for the world of work are key aspects of the College's purpose. There are also a variety of harmonisation and systems development projects underway that have been brought about through the merger. In the medium term, the college is finalising their estates strategy for a varied estate that includes a farm, a listed house and numerous buildings in need of capital spend, including investment committed through the merger process. In the longer term, the corporation board will have a focus on further strategic change to support the needs of learners and the local context. Board members are pro-active in their planning and desire to ensure best possible outcomes for learners and the College and incoming governors will join a highly communicative and engaged board. Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College has a turnover of circa. £27m, employs 683 staff and has over 3,100 learners in total . Individuals with a desire to have an impact in such a large learning environment are sought. Total number of learners: • 16-19: 2397 • Adult: 330 • Higher Education (HE): 133 • Apprenticeships: 190 The College's requirements The College Corporation board at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College is seeking three new governors with the following skills and experience: FE curriculum and student data Farm, land-based and livestock management Governance and assurance Applicants with experience gained in the FE sector and a strong understanding of quality and standards across the FE setting are sought. The successful candidate will ideally bring professional experience from an FE setting and be confident reframing this with a governance outlook. Farm management experience is sought, given the large rural farm and campus at Kingston Mauward. The board seeks an individual who can bring their experience of livestock management and estates management into strategic planning. A logical analytical person, with a strong understanding of good governance and a desire to ensure governance processes are continually and consistently applied, is sought. The successful candidate may bring professional experience from a range of settings, including corporate or public sector governance. The Corporation has an induction programme and buddy scheme for new governors and will provide support in areas that require development outside of the essential skillsets above. Individuals that are passionate about improving education outcomes for learners and their wider communities, with an understanding of the challenges that are faced in a seasonal and rural context similar to the College's are encouraged to apply. Any pre-existing education governance experience, including within the FE sector, is desirable. Similarly, experience within change management and HR functions will support the board further in their strategic aims. Time commitment and meeting schedule On average over a year governors commit about two days a month to effectively contribute to their role, including meeting, preparation, committee involvements and any on-site visits. At this stage of the development of the College, the board estimates that governors volunteer at least two days per month to their role. Every College is different, with changing expectations on time and commitment and we encourage prospective candidates to discuss their availability through the application process. Typically, 6 full governing body (FGB) corporation meetings take place each year and each committee meets at least three times a year. There is a strategic planning and a governors' development day per year. All meetings take place at Weymouth College, DT4 7LQ or Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PY. From time to time committee meetings take place remotely, however FGB attendance in person is necessary. Meeting dates and times for both FGB and committee meetings are reviewed with members on an annual basis. Currently, FGB meetings are held on a Monday at 4pm. There is a full board strategy day in November and a full spring term governor training and development day also. Each candidate will join one or more committees that relate to their skills and experience. The committee meeting dates are detailed below. Finance & Resources - Monday 2pm Audit & Risk - Wednesday 2pm Search, Governance & Remuneration - Tuesday 2pm Quality & Student - Monday 2pm Estates - Tuesday 4pm Skills Education/Teaching Environmental Sustainability Address: Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester DT2 8PY Usual start time of meeting: Board: Monday, 4:00 PM Finance & Resources (F&R): Monday, 2:00 PM Audit & Risk (A&R): Wednesday, 2:00 PM Standards, Governance & Risk (SGR): Tuesday, 2:00 PM Quality & Standards (Q&S): Monday, 2:00 PM Estates: Tuesday, 4:00 PM What does the role include? Governors work together as a board to provide strategic leadership, ensuring the College Corporation or company is legally compliant, financially sustainable, and delivers excellent value for public funds. FE College Corporations / companies operate as independent charitable institutions, with governors acting as charity trustees and the governing board ultimately accountable for overall performance.The principal regulator of FE and Sixth-Form College corporations is the Secretary of State for Education, and the Department for Education (DfE) works closely with the FE Commissioner and sector stakeholders to both regulate and support FE governance. Where needed, support is provided by the Commissioner's team of advisers and National Leaders of Governance for FE, who offer peer-led mentoring. To read further about regulation, support and intervention please refer to the sixth-form College Corporations: governance guide, linked within the further reading below.The following webpage provides further information and reading to any potential volunteers: What are the benefits? Volunteering on a College Corporation board is a meaningful way to shape learner's lives and strengthen education in your community. You will play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring the College delivers the best outcomes. This is a great opportunity to support your career development and give back to education. Further information: You can also find out more public information about the College on the Get Information About Schools Page: and Kingston Maurward College reference number is 130653.After applying you can access our free eLearning 'An Introduction to Further Education Governance' in preparation for a role: Department for Education (DfE) has produced a guide for governors in FE settings. This gives more detail about how governance should look and what the role and remit of governors in this setting will be. View links to this guide and further reading: you have any questions before applying, please contact our FE Recruitment Team at . We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we'll match you with the right opportunity. We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.