Joining the Willowcroft Board of Directors (Governors)
The Willowcroft Board of Directors is comprised of highly-skilled Governors from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds. We are seeking both parent/guardian and community governors to support and challenge the school.  Bring your unique skills, perspectives and insights to join us in ensuring that every child at Willowcroft meets their potential.

Why join the Board of Directors at Willowcroft?
Governance is a rewarding role that puts you at the heart of the school community.  This is a volunteering role. In return for the time you put in, you will receive training across all aspects of governance. You will also benefit from working with like-minded people who dedicate their time and talent to help Willowcroft grow. 

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 in alignment with Willowcroft’s vision and values, monitoring objectives and budget. In line with the key principles of good governance, we challenge and support the Headteacher in the continuous improvement of the school.

How much time does this take?
The role requires attendance at several meetings a year and reading of papers provided in advance of the meetings. 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).
• Some governors will become ‘Link’ governors, supporting the school through regular visits to key curriculum areas (during and after the school day).
• Attend training, including Induction and Safeguarding training

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 qualities do we look for in Governors at Willowcroft?
Willowcroft Directors come from all walks of professional life. Over the years our Board has included; business owners, company directors, project managers, researchers, education and finance specialists 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).

What skills are we looking for?

Schools need and benefit from a range of professional knowledge on their governing board including education, finance, human resources, legal, marketing and public relations, property and estates management, and organisational change.

Additionally, 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:

• Reviewing governance structures
• HR and culture

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.