The Edge Academy is an Alternative Provision Free School (Academy) in Northfield. The Edge has become, in some ways, a unique school, certainly as far as the provision in Birmingham is concerned. We are constantly striving to do what we can to support youngsters who are literally ‘on the edge’ of education when they come to us and it’s a very rewarding place to be connected with.
We excited to offer opportunities that have arisen for vacancies as School Governors at The Edge Academy AP School. Becoming a school governor is a rewarding role and will allow you the opportunity to use your skills and attributes to have a positive impact on the education of all of the children in our school our local community of Northfield. You will be able to develop and learn new skills, take on different challenges and work as part of an established and successful Governing Board with a record of successful mentoring and support.
What is a school governor?
A governor is a volunteer who gives their time to oversee the long-term development of the school.
Being a governor is an incredibly valuable experience. It is a unique opportunity to give something back to the community and further develop your own skills and experiences, and perhaps benefit your own professional development and career progression.
Governors are expected to:
· Support the aims of the student’s school
· Visit and get to know the student’s school
· Work in partnership with the Headteacher, senior leadership team and other governors to raise standards and improve outcomes for all children
· Prepare for meetings by reading papers beforehand
· Take responsibility for your own learning and development as a governor including attending training
· Attend full governing board and relevant committee meetings promptly, regularly, and for the full time
· Read briefings and newsletters for governors
· Be loyal to the decisions made by the governing board
· Respect the confidentiality of governing board affairs and sign a legally binding confidentiality agreement.
· Declare an interest and withdraw from any meeting where you, a partner or close relative or associate stands to gain, or where you are so close to a matter discussed it is difficult to be impartial.
· Have regard to the broader responsibilities as a governor of a public institution in regard to promoting accountability for the actions and performance of the governing board.
To be a school governor, you must:
· be aged 18 and over.
· Live in the UK.
· be committed to the role and able to dedicate enough time (see below) to being an active member of the governing board.
· not be an elected member of any local authority.
· meet the relevant statutory eligibility criteria for school governors as set out in the Regulations and agree to an enhanced DBS check being completed.
You will have: an interest in all the children’s futures, a desire to make a difference, a willingness to accept responsibility, an ability to work in a team, ask questions, listen and learn.
How much time will it take?
The average time commitment is 5-10 hours per term (6 terms per year). This includes one full governing board meeting (all governors attend) and one committee meeting (only members of the committee attend). The time commitment above includes time needed for background reading to prepare for meetings, school monitoring visits etc.
How long does a governor role last? School governors have a minimum term of office of four years. However, as a volunteer you can resign at any time if your circumstances change.
Will I be offered any training and support?
All new governors will undergo a full induction process which will be overseen by a designated Governor Mentor (as per our Governor Induction Policy). This will include the completion of a skills audit and the development of a tailored training plan for the individual governor and the role(s) they are taking.
Need further information?
If you would like more information, or would like to discuss the role further, please contact the Principal Adam Smith at adam.smith@theedgeacademy.co.uk
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