Foundation Governor (2 vacancies)

About the role

Townsend Church of England School is seeking TWO Foundation Governors to join our Governing Body as soon as possible. This is a voluntary role suitable for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and supporting our school’s Christian foundation and strategic vision.

The Governing Body has 3 core functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
  Governors need to make sure that the school has a clear idea of what it wants to achieve and a plan for how to achieve it. Their role is to help set and embed the school’s vision, ethos and strategy, and use these to monitor how the school is doing.

• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
  Governors need to make sure that school leaders are using their professional judgement properly and managing the performance of staff and pupils effectively. They also need to make sure that the information they get from the school leaders is accurate.

• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
  Governors need to monitor the school’s finances and make sure the school is achieving value for money. Ultimately, they need to be sure that public money is spent correctly in the best interests of their pupils.

What is a Foundation Governor?

Foundation Governors are appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education or St Albans Deanery Synod and form the majority of the governing body of Townsend CoE School. They have a legal duty to preserve and develop the Christian ethos of the school and to ensure that the school is conducted in accordance with its trust deed.

As a Foundation Governor at Townsend CoE School, you will:

• Work with fellow governors to set the school’s strategic direction
• Hold school leaders to account for school performance
• Ensure resources are used wisely
• Uphold the school’s Christian ethos and support its journey to being the first-choice secondary school for all

What does a school governor do?

Governors are responsible for overseeing the management side of a school: strategy, policy, budgeting and staffing. They enable the school to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders and supporting teachers to provide excellent education to children. 

Being a school governor is a commitment to attending governing body meetings that consider issues such as setting the school vision, mitigating financial risk and scrutinising educational outcomes. They are also involved in the school community, acting as critical friends to the Headteacher and Senior Leaders.

Governors bring a wide range of skills and expertise from their professional lives to the governing board, and schools benefit greatly from working with skilled volunteers, for example, anyone with experience in finance, law, premises management or human resources. A governor with business expertise can transform the running of a school.

Core governor responsibilities

Setting the strategic direction: Governing bodies are the key strategic decision-makers in every school. Along with the Headteacher, it is the job of a governing body to set the school’s aims and objectives around how the school will develop and improve. They set policies, formulate plans and agree on targets to help the school achieve these objectives, as well as regularly reviewing their strategic framework in light of that progress.

Creating robust accountability: The governing body is there to support and challenge the school’s senior leadership team. They play a crucial role in holding the Headteacher to account for securing the best possible outcomes for pupils. By challenging key decisions and asking pertinent questions about the school’s performance data, governors aim to guarantee high standards in education.

Ensuring financial probity: Governing bodies have a strategic role in the financial management of schools. Their key responsibilities include setting financial priorities through the school development plan, the 3-year financial plan and the annual budget. They also decide on how the school’s delegated budget should be spent in accordance with the school improvement plan and statutory curriculum requirements.

How does the Governing Body work?

Governors work together to provide independent oversight of the management and operation of the school, to improve the quality of education provided and raise standards. The Governing body does not run the school on a day-to-day basis; this is the job of the Headteacher and other senior staff.

Full Governing body meetings
At Townsend, the Full Governing Body (FGB) meets at least three times a year and additionally if circumstances require. At each meeting, governors receive a report from the Headteacher and often other staff, and the minutes or a briefing from the various committees and school visits. The FGB meetings are usually scheduled on a Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Committee meetings
The Full Governing Body is supported by two main committees, which meet at least once a term and additionally as required:

• The Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGPC) deals with budget and finance, premises and health and safety, and relevant aspects of safeguarding, and other matters delegated by the Full Governing Body. This committee may consider conditions of service and staff-related items. The FGPC meetings are usually scheduled on a Monday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

• The Curriculum and Standards Committee (CSC) deals with standards, safeguarding, and child protection, curriculum matters, examination results/outcomes, well-being, pastoral care, special educational needs, disability, disadvantaged and pupil premium students, and other matters delegated by the Full Governing Body. The FGPC meetings are usually scheduled on a Tuesday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

All governors except the ex-officio governor are members of at least one of the sub-committees listed above. 

School visits
Governing bodies are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of a school and its curriculum. School visits will help governors to understand more about their school and the reality of school life. Governor visits to classrooms are not a form of inspection but serve as a clear monitoring function on the implementation of the school’s strategic planning.

Reading & Agenda
Before meetings, you will receive an agenda, a copy of the minutes from the previous meeting and any other relevant papers that are to be discussed. It is recommended that you take time to read and familiarise yourself with these documents before the meeting. Make notes of anything you are unsure of so you can ask questions at the meeting if necessary.

To find out more about our school and our governors, please visit https://townsend.herts.sch.uk/our-governors.

Skills and experience
Whilst many Foundation Governors are active members of the Church of England, this is not mandatory. Foundation governors may be appointed from those who attend church but are not necessarily baptised or communicants, or be members of other Christian denominations or from beyond the church community. All candidates must be over 18 years old and declare that they will uphold the Christian ethos of the school.

We welcome governors from a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and experience to join our team; however, experience within an educational setting would be beneficial.  No qualifications are required to become a volunteer governor. The key qualities for a governor are commitment to the children’s welfare and achievement, a desire to make a positive contribution to the school, common sense, and a willingness to commit to the role. As a school governor, you will become part of our school community and bring with you your strengths and knowledge, which will become crucial to the running of our school. Full training will be provided.

Why become a school governor?

Being a school governor is a chance to experience leadership at board level at any point in one’s career. Governors balance the school’s budget, hire the Headteacher and make strategic decisions. The role provides individuals with the opportunity to develop and hone skills such as negotiation, influencing and teamwork. Volunteering as a School Governor is a great opportunity to gain leadership experience at board level as well as transferable skills that enhance performance and employability. It makes the role perfect for professionals looking to improve their business and leadership skills, give back to society and enhance children’s futures.

How to apply?

If you are interested in this role, please email admin@townsend.herts.sch.uk to arrange a visit and meet the Headteacher, Mr Flack and the chair of Governors, Ms Franco. 

Townsend CoE School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All governors will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, two satisfactory references and confirmation of identity.