Are you looking for an exciting volunteering opportunity? We are looking for a Trustee to join the Board who has experience in Special Schools with an expertise in Autistic Spectrum Condition and Special Educational Needs.About SGSATSGS Academy Trust was established in December 2014 and a family of three unique schools:
SGS Berkeley Green UTC
SGS Forest High School
SGS Pegasus School
Our schools are safe spaces, in which diversity is a strength and where there are no barriers to success. Each school within the Trust offers a unique educational provision with its own Leadership Team and Local School Board. We work together under the leadership of the Trust Board and central team to support our schools to provide the best quality experience for all of our students.
Role OverviewWhile all Trustees share strategic responsibility across the Trust, we are specifically seeking a Trustee with expertise in autism and special education to strengthen the governance of our specialist school, SGS Pegasus . Your professional knowledge and experience will play a vital role in enabling the Trust Board to:
- Advocate for inclusive education that addresses the specific needs of students with autism and complex special educational needs, ensuring that policies and practices align with leading SEN and autism standards.
- Follow the National Governance Association's 4S principles: Safeguarding, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Standards, and Stakeholder engagement.
- Work closely with Local School Boards, particularly that of Pegasus, to promote meaningful engagement with stakeholders such as families, specialist staff, and external partners.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the school's SEN provisions, therapy programs, and transition arrangements, helping to drive ongoing improvements suited to this specialist context.
- Assist the Trust Leadership Team in making strategic decisions concerning specialist staffing, resource management, and safeguarding of vulnerable pupils.
Essential CriteriaWe are looking for candidates who are:
- Able to provide strategic leadership for the entire Trust, shaping the vision and culture with a clear understanding of SEND challenges and opportunities.
- Passionate about education and the well-being of students with special educational needs.
- Approve policies that reflect the specific needs of special education provision, including safeguarding, behaviour, accessibility, and inclusion policies.
- Ensure robust risk management, particularly in safeguarding and wellbeing for vulnerable pupils.
- Attend Trust and Committee meetings, actively contributing with specialist SEND insight.
Desirable Attributes- Experience working with autistic children and young people or within special education settings.
- A strong understanding of the challenges faced by children with complex SEN and the strategies that promote inclusion and development.
- Knowledge of SEND legislation, frameworks, and safeguarding requirements.
- Excellent communication skills, including working with families, multidisciplinary teams, and external agencies.
What We Offer- The opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future for children in education.
- A supportive and collaborative environment with a dedicated and passionate team.
- Access to training and development opportunities relevant to your role.
- The chance to make a real difference to the lives of young people and contribute to the local community.
For more information on the role, please contact:
Hannah Wilson, Chair of the Trust Board hannah.wilson@sgsat.org.uk
SGS Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.