UTC Warrington currently have a vacancy for a Parent Trustee/Governor. As a Single Academy Trust, the Department for Education requests that we appoint two parents of students attending the college as members of our Trust Board. Anyone who has a son or daughter on roll at UTCW at the time of the election is eligible to stand (and you do not have to resign if your child leaves during your term of office). A term of office is four years.
Each Trust Board member must be appointed as a Director with Companies House, and is required to oblige with company, charity and education laws. The Trust Board, along with the Principal & Chief Executive, has overall responsibility for the running of the college and has three core strategic functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding the Principal to account for the educational performance of the college and its students.
- Overseeing the financial performance of the college and making sure its money is well spent.
No special qualifications are needed and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the college and be prepared to play an active part in the Trust Board’s work. Training is available for all Trustees/Governors and the Trust Board has an expectation that those new to being a Trustee/Governor attend induction training. Annex A, enclosed with this letter summarises the circumstances under which someone cannot serve as a Trustee.
The Trust Board meets once a term, i.e. six times per year and the meetings usually run from 3pm until 5pm. In addition to these meetings, there may be a link-governor responsibility which requires visits to college over the course of the year. These visits usually focus on an aspect of college development.
Trustees often attend various college events and may be called upon for other tasks such as: sitting on senior appointment panels or giving particular attention to a specific issue or policy. There is also an expectation that Trustees will attend training sessions in order to ensure that they are up to date on such things as: school performance data; finance; special educational needs; Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment etc. A comprehensive induction programme is provided.
UTC Warrington is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
If you would like to stand for election please read the attached letter and complete the enclosed pen portrait pro-forma. Please return this to the contact details in the letter.