Independent Chair for AfC Virtual School Board of Governors London, England
Job description
Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us
We are responsible for the entire range of children’s education, health and social care services in all three boroughs. We use a Signs of Safety practice model and approach which ensures the voice of the child is at the heart of everything we do. There’s never been a better time to join AfC, we are growing our workforce, implementing new flexible working arrangements and have increased our virtual wellbeing offer.
We now have the following job opportunity available and we would be delighted to receive your application to continue our story. You can download the Job Profile which is shown within the "Documents" heading on the left hand side, above the map.
We are currently recruiting for an Independent Chair for AfC Virtual School Board of Governors | 1 year fixed term contract (renewable) | Part time (approximately 45 hours per annum, 15 hours per term) | salary calculated pro rata £375 per month
The independent Chair of the Board would be required to attend and lead on a total of three Virtual School Board of Governors meetings. We are looking to appoint someone who has the skills, experience and personal qualities to contribute effectively to our Board of Governors. The successful candidate will have an interest in achieving the best outcomes for all children and young people.
AfC Virtual School supports Children with a Social Worker providing case management for children in care and strategic support for other groups. Interventions include the Attachment Aware Schools Award, AfC Transition Hub, a Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers dedicated provision and AfC Virtual College providing support for Post 16 students including the Executive Boards and Better Futures Events in collaboration with John Lewis and the Care Leavers Covenant.
About the role
As an Independent Chair of the Board, you would be required to attend and lead on a total of three Virtual School Board of Governors meetings. A meeting would be scheduled across the Autumn, Spring and Summer term each academic year. The meetings are held virtually (via google meet) during the day and generally last no more than 2 hours. The Chair would be expected to work in partnership with the Virtual School Head and Clerk to the Board to set the termly meeting agenda.
Our Board of Governors is responsible for the effective governance of our Virtual School, with a specific focus on education provision and outcomes. It helps set the overall strategic direction and vision and values. It supports and holds our Virtual School Executive Headteacher to account in ensuring all Children with a Social Worker receive a good education to support and maximise their life chances and outcomes.
The position would also require delegated responsibility to serve as a link governor for one of the target areas of the Virtual School. All Board members are expected to consider the agenda papers for each meeting and come prepared to ask questions, to share thoughts and expertise, and to listen to others. They will also need to attend relevant training to support effective governance. From time to time the Chair may also be asked to share their expertise outside of Board meetings.
In collaboration with the Executive Headteacher the Chair will draft an annual report outlining the Board’s monitoring activity.
For an informal discussion about these roles please contact Natalie Geary, Director for Education Services' PA at [email protected]
About you
As an Independent Chair for AfC Virtual School Board of Governors, you will:
- have the skills, experience and personal qualities to contribute effectively to our Board of Governors
- have an interest in achieving the best outcomes for all children and young people.
- have leadership and chairing expertise to help steer effective governance at strategic level.
- have experience in job roles such as Headteacher, Education Officer in Local Authority, Accountant, CFO, Finance Director, Finance Manager, Operations Manager, or as Treasurer of a similarly sized charity.
- have experience of leading a Virtual School or knowledge of Virtual Schools would be an advantage in order to appreciate the broad remit of this statutory service.
- understand the current social care and education legislation is desirable.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years.
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Stable and supportive leadership
- Hybrid and mobile working (between home and work) with latest technology to facilitate this
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children For our social work offer
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
