Are you enthusiastic about education? Do you have some time to spare? Are you a member of our local community?
If so, then you may be just the person we need!
We are looking for committed people to join The Viridis Federation Governing Body as a
Co-opted Governor, Parent Governor or Associate Governor
We have one co-opted Governor role, one parent governor role and two associate governor roles available.
Online nomination form: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JBJKJZH
Who are we recruiting?
It is important to us that our Governing body reflects the communities that we serve.
Why are we recruiting?
A different way of thinking – being part of a group of people that have different insights and experiences ensures balanced conversations, gives a voice to groups that may not otherwise be reflected and means that biases, barriers and stereotypes do not go unchallenged. Your perspectives will ensure that the choices made consider every child’s needs, and that collective decisions are made in the interest of all pupils.
Community role models – having a diverse governing body provides a connectedness and aspiration between a school and its community.
A culture of inclusion – being part of a diverse and inclusive governing board is vital in setting the culture and for diversity to thrive at all levels throughout the school.
Our Governing Body
At Viridis Schools we have one governing body for all three schools. The governing body operate at a strategic level and are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school. They are responsible for both the conduct of the school and for the promotion of high standards. Collectively, they set the vision for the school, ensuring that the school works efficiently and effectively towards achieving its vision, and that the school provides a high quality education and ambition for pupil success.
Knowledge and Skills
Governors need not be experts in the field of education. What they do need is an interest in the school and in the welfare of pupils, together with the time and willingness to get involved.
Soft skills such as the ability to build relationships with a range of people, to be able to work as part of a team, to be able to question, and to make connections between different types of information are desirable. All governors are expected to be able to read budget reports and data on school standards.
For our co-opted Governor role, we would be interested in hearing from people with contract, property and estate management and health & safety experience.
Expectations of our Governors
Our Governing Board has certain expectations of governors, which currently are:
- to attend and contribute to a maximum of two meetings a term
- when required, to sit on a panel or working party and attend all associated meetings
- to attend termly governor visit mornings
- to commit to attend training courses
- to comply with the expectations set out in our Code of Conduct
In return, our Governing Board commits to:
- provide you with an experienced governor as mentor
- provide you with a structured induction
- provide access to quality training
- develop your skills in strategic management
- offer you an insight into the wider perspective of the school
- give you the opportunity to make a difference to our school and the outcomes for our pupils
About our Schools
Our successful partnership of schools are based in Hackney, East London with easy transport links into and out of Central London. Our partnership schools are all graded good or outstanding by Ofsted and we are also recognised for the exceptional achievement our pupils make, particularly our disadvantaged pupils.
We provide a broad ranging curriculum, whilst ensuring that children learn to speak, read, write and count at a level which will give every chance of success. Despite their challenging contexts, our schools have established a highly collaborative and successful way of working supported by continual self-evaluation and improvement. We are committed to ensuring that all children get the best possible primary education.
The governing body of our school is made up of parent, staff, local authority and co-opted governors.
The recruitment process
Co-opted Governor and Associate Governor roles:
The recruitment process initially requires you to complete an application form. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a discussion with the Executive Headteacher and Chair of Governors. If successful, there will be a recommendation to approval by the Governing Body.
Parent Governor roles:
Anyone who has parental responsibility for a pupil at the school at the time of the election can stand for election; may nominate someone; and may vote. Parents who work at the school for 500 hours per year or are elected members of Hackney Council are not eligible to be parent governors, but may vote in parent governor elections.
We warmly welcome candidates from every area of our school’s parent community and offer training to develop all governors.
The school office must receive all nominations by 12:00 noon on Tuesday 4th May 2021 using the online nomination form or paper copy form. Every nomination must be signed by the candidate stating that s/he is willing to stand. Candidates are also asked to write a few words (100 – 200) about themselves and why they wish to become a governor. If we receive more than two nominations, there will be an election. Candidates may not withdraw from the election once ballot papers have been circulated.
Ballot papers and election statements will be sent out on Friday 7th May 2021. The closing date for the return of ballot papers will be 12 noon on Friday 14th May 2021. They will be counted at 15:00 on Friday 14th May. The ballot is secret and will be an online vote.
As we currently have a parent representative from Orchard School on the Governing Body, parent nominations will only be accepted from Southwold and Hoxton Garden communities.
Closing date for applications is: Tuesday 4th May 2021
Online nomination form: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JBJKJZH
