Governor Vacancy – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Corporation is seeking to appoint a new governor with the experience and expertise to support the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) strategy and education provided by the college and to become Focus Governor for this area.  The ideal candidate will have a background in SEND statutory requirements and priorities for education, ideally, but not essentially, in the context of the 16-19 sector.  However, a willingness to learn about the further education sector will be critical.

In addition, candidates with a willingness and the capacity to take on leadership roles within the Corporation in the future would be very welcome.

This is a voluntary role.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Cirencester College is a specialist sixth form college in a rural setting on the outskirts of Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and serves much of Gloucestershire, North Wiltshire, Swindon and West Oxfordshire. There are over 3000 students, along with apprentices and adult learners, supported by more than 300 staff.

The College provides a bridge between school and university, apprenticeships or employment.  Students experience the academic challenge, pastoral support and enrichment expected at the best sixth form but with a more adult ethos, based on mutual respect, in order to prepare successful, independent people.

The College offers an unrivalled choice of subjects – from a great choice of A-levels, a growing number of T Levels, other vocational courses and professional apprenticeships – and this is a major reason why so many students make Cirencester College their first choice.  The College also offers a small number of courses aimed at adults.

Cirencester College ensures that students achieve their full potential through individual student tutorials. Cirencester Sixth Form College’s reputation for excellent teaching, learning, innovation and student support produces consistently high value-added scores and achievement rates.

ABOUT SEND

The SEND Focus Governor will be the Corporation’s champion for learners with SEND and those with inclusion needs.  They will support and challenge the college to ensure that no learner is treated less favourably, denied opportunity or left behind because they have additional needs and that staff have high aspirations and expectations of all learners with SEND.

The college corporation (board of governors) has a statutory responsibility to ensure the college fulfils these responsibilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE OF GOVERNORS

Governors share the corporate responsibility for the College, principally by:

• Setting the educational mission and character of the college in line with the needs of the local community and within government policies.
• Ensuring that public funds are used in accordance with their intended purpose and achieve maximum benefit for learners and the community.
• Ensuring that appropriate staffing arrangements are in place and there is a framework for pay and conditions for staff.
• Ensuring continuous improvement in teaching and learning to enhance the student experience.
• Ensuring that the provision reflects the needs of stakeholders and the community served by the college.

Governors also have individual responsibilities which include:

• A commitment to the seven principles of public life as set out by Lord Nolan.
• A high level of attendance at and preparation for Corporation and Committee meetings.
• To contribute to Corporation decision making.
• To act as ambassadors for the college.
• To support all aspects of effective governance, including undertaking training and development activities.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a range of generic skills and qualities.  These include:

• The ability to work as a member of a team and to respect corporate decision making.
• A real interest in education, particularly the 16-19 and FE sector.
• The ability to operate at the strategic level, with strong decision-making and communication skills. Governors are not involved in the day-to-day running of the college.
• A willingness and the capacity to take on leadership roles within the Corporation in the future.

The Corporation and its Committees meet regularly throughout the academic year and candidates would be required to be available to attend meetings in person.  Whilst the time commitment is not insignificant and the responsibilities are high, this is a role which is both interesting and challenging, and one where the right individual can make a significant impact on the future direction and success of this important institution.

HOW TO APPLY

To register your interest, please contact Jeannie Adam, Clerk to the Corporation via jeannie.adam@cirencester.ac.uk

Suitable candidates will be invited to attend an interview with a panel of governors.

The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check and references.

This College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Cirencester College welcomes applications from all sectors of the community and is an equal opportunities employer.