Why join the Board of Directors at Willowcroft?

The Willowcroft Board comprises highly-skilled governors from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds.

This is an exciting role for somebody with the right skills who is looking to gain experience of governance and strategy.

You will help us with the next phase of our improvement journey as we navigate Willowcroft through the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world.

As a member of the Board, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a group of highly-talented and experienced individuals, to provide strategic leadership to a well-respected school which makes a tangible difference to the community and to the lives of many people.

What does the Board of Directors do?

Together we work with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to ensure that Willowcroft children get the education they deserve. We set the school's strategic direction, objectives and budget. In line with the key principles of good governance, we challenge and support the Headteacher to raise standards.

What qualities do we look for in Directors at Willowcroft?

Willowcroft Directors come from all walks of professional life. Over the years our Board has included academics, business owners, company directors, project managers, scientists, and more. While you do not have to be experienced in strategic or leadership positions, it does help to be able to see the world from this perspective.

We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability or age (as long as you're over 18). We particularly welcome female applicants and those from the BAME community, as we currently have an imbalance on our board and would welcome a wider range of perspectives.

Above all things, governors will need to be able to give their time to the betterment of Willowcroft.

How much time does this take?

The role requires attendance at several meetings each year. As a Governor, you will be expected to:

• ​Attend Board Meetings (held four times a year on a Monday evening)
• ​Attend sub-committee meetings for either the Finance & Resources Committee or the Curriculum & Attainment Committee
• Attend extraordinary Board Meetings as and when they come up.
• ​Attend Governors Day (a full day in school, held once a year in term 5).
• Some governors will become ‘Link’ governors, supporting the school through regular visits to key curriculum areas (during and after the school day).
• Attend Governor Induction training (one day course held on a weekend).
• Attend other relevant courses.

We live in a changing world, so the above is not an exhaustive or absolutely fixed list, but should serve as an indicator of the time commitment.

What skills are we looking for?

We regularly run a skills audit, actively seeking new Governors to fill the gaps we find. This ensures we are able to govern from a perspective of broad expertise.

At present, we are seeking Governors with the skills in one or more of the following areas:

• HR and culture
• Scrutinising Management Accounts
• Grant applications

An in-depth knowledge of education is not required, as training is provided.

How do I apply?

Please contact the Chair and the Clerk by email for more details and an application form. If there are no suitable vacancies on the Board when you get in touch, we will keep your information on file and contact you when a suitable vacancy arises.