Job title: Governor – Inscape House School – Together Trust, Cheadle
Salary: n/a – volunteer role
Hours: Approx 1-2 hours week; board meetings up to 5 times/year
Main geographical location of role: Cheadle
Closing date: 28 February 2027
Where do applicants need to apply (preferred option): https://www.togethertrust.org.uk/volunteer-us
Where do applicants need to apply (secondary option): https://www.togethertrust.org.uk/volunteer-us
Job Description
We are recruiting three new Governors to our Board. We are particularly interested in recruiting an educationalist as one of three, with an understanding of SEND and deep knowledge of curriculum quality, student outcomes, and Ofsted frameworks. We would also appreciate the other candidates having experience in one of the following areas: EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), Business and IT.
Inscape School is a leading specialist setting supporting autistic children and young people aged 5 to 19 with associated communication and social‑interaction needs. Based on the Together Trust Campus in Cheadle, our purpose‑built SEND environment is designed to remove barriers to learning, maximise independence, and celebrate each student’s achievements.
We deliver holistic, personalised programmes shaped around each learner’s unique strengths and ways of seeing the world. Our multidisciplinary teams, including therapists, specialist teachers and behaviour support professionals work together to help students develop confidence, life skills and long‑term independence.
Why we want you
Collectively, individual governors contribute their professional, specialist and general management skills to Inscape School (and its sub-groups) in a non-executive role.
Governors advise, challenge and support the leadership of the school / college and hold them to account for its management, the quality of the teaching and learning and the achievement, wellbeing and safety of pupils. Governors uphold the values and ethos of the College and ensure it works within its allocated budget, approving targets, policies, and monitoring the progress the school / college is making.
This role will require Enhanced DBS, background and reference checks.
What you will be doing
- Approving policies and the school/college quality improvement plan
- Promoting the well-being of students including independence, participation, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and community cohesion
- Use your experience in Education to help shape what we do
- Read the documents for and attend all full Governing Body meetings and subgroups of which they are members
- Attend induction and relevant training events organised by the School or Together Trust
- Get to know the College and its staff by visiting the College and attending inset and other meetings to which Governors are invited by the principal
- Supporting decisions on safeguarding, equality, curriculum, resources, and student wellbeing
The skills you need
- A strategic mindset – the ability to consider long-term goals, think beyond the day-to-day, and shape the College’s future direction
- Constructive evaluation skills – the confidence to review data and performance reports critically, offer thoughtful challenge, and contribute to continuous improvement
- Leadership and influencing skills – an ability to support and guide strategic decision-making, influence thinking, and work collaboratively with others
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills – you’ll be part of a collective, supporting respectful debate, inclusive discussions, and shared accountability
- Good planning and organisational skills – to prepare for meetings, follow up on actions, and balance responsibilities effectively alongside other commitments
- Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance
- Experience in education – with insight into curriculum, teaching, learning, or assessment. Those with specialist SEND knowledge or experience of further education settings will be particularly valuable
- Most importantly, we’re looking for individuals who share our values of inclusion, equity, and ambition for young people. If you are passionate about education and have the capacity to support and shape our work, we’d love to hear from you
What’s in it for you
- Demonstrable leadership and strategic experience for CV
- Insights into special education