Governor

About the role

Join us as a Governor and you will be part of a highly respected national charity, investing in services that will enhance the lives and independence of young people with complex disabilities and learning disabilities.

We are seeking several people who share our vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives to become Governors at National Star.

As a Governor you will work with others to oversee and monitor college activities and ensure safeguarding policies for students and employees are maintained. You will ensure students have every opportunity to achieve the best outcomes they can, with access to a personalised, broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life after college.

The Governing body approves the quality strategy of National Star and agrees targets and monitors progress to achieve continuous improvement.

Our ideal Governors will:

* Adhere to our values

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

You will bring:

We are looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of

* Special Educational Needs sector

* Policy and Legislation with regard to special needs

* A strong interest in and experience of promoting the learner voice

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on our Governing body, which include people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Your commitment to us:

Governors typically devote around 12 hours a month to their roles at National Star. Some months are busier than others, due to the cycle of meetings but generally you will have 3 formal meetings (termly) plus 2 informal development sessions each year. To help you to plan your time all meetings are set by July for the next academic year. Each Governor has a lead responsibility which will involve them having contact/ meetings with key staff between meetings.

Papers are distributed in advance to allow Governors to prepare for each meeting.

We encourage Governors and Trustees to attend annual leavers’ ceremonies in Ullenwood, Wales and Hereford, as well as the colleague recognition awards and colleague long-service awards.

Benefits of joining our Governing body:

By joining our Governing body, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as having the opportunity to expand your own skills, knowledge and professional development with the support of the whole team.

Your fresh perspective could help us to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Governors at National Star are volunteers. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. New Governors are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.

Please note this role is voluntary and therefore not eligible for the full range of staff benefits.

About us

National Star is a growing charity with more than 1,200 staff based in England and Wales. Established more than 50 years ago, we’ve supported hundreds of young people with disabilities to achieve their potential.

Staff benefits

Fantastic career development opportunities and comprehensive induction programme – theory and practical

Free employee minibus service from central Gloucester and central Cheltenham to Ullenwood (subject to availability)

Award-winning training

Free use of National Star facilities at Ullenwood, including a heated indoor swimming pool and fitness suite

Westfield medical cover

Life insurance cover

Employee helpline

Contributory pension scheme

Opportunity to purchase a TOTUM discount card

Employee discounts at attractions, high street retailers, supermarkets, utilities and motoring, plus much more