Chair of Governors

Chair of Governors

Role Profile

Port  Regis’  Governing  Body,  known  as  the  Council  of  Management,  consists  of  14  Governors.  It  has  five
Committees reporting to it, each with its own Chair  – Education, Wellbeing and Safeguarding, Governance,
Finance and Marketing & Admissions.

The Council of Management is seeking to appoint a Chair of Governors to join its already strong team.

Start date

September 2026

Purpose of the role

The Chair of Governors will provide strategic leadership to the Council of Management and ensure that
the  school’s  vision,  values,  ethos  and  long-term  sustainability  are  upheld.  The  Chair  will  work  in  close
partnership with the Headmaster and Bursar to support, challenge and hold senior leadership to account,
while ensuring high standards of governance, compliance and educational excellence are met.

Responsibilities

•  Provide  effective  leadership  to  the  Council  of  Management,  fostering  a  culture  of  trust,

collaboration and accountability

•  Working  with  the  Clerk  to  the  Governors,  the  Chair  will  set  the  agenda  for  the  Council  of

Management meetings

•  To Chair meetings ensuring that they are conducted effectively and inclusively
•  To  create  an  atmosphere  of  open,  honest,  inclusive  discussion,  fostering  a  supportive  working

culture amongst key stakeholders

•  Lead the evaluation and ongoing development of the Council of Managements effectiveness
•  Lead the Council of Management in setting and reviewing the school’s strategic direction, aims and

values

•  Ensure the school’s long term financial sustainability and risk management are robust
•  Oversee governance of educational standards, pupil wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral care
•  Oversee key areas such as finance, marketing, legal matters, health and safety and human resources

depending on expertise

•  Ensure the compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory and ISI inspection requirements
•  Support, advise and challenge the Headmaster in the delivery of the school’s strategy
•  Lead the Headmaster’s appraisal process and oversee performance management arrangements
•  Act as an ambassador for the school within the wider community and stakeholder groups
•  Champion the school’s reputation, ethos and values

•  Engage constructively with parents, alumni and other key stakeholders when appropriate
•  Ensure clear governance structures, policies and delegated responsibilities are in place
•  Work closely with the committee chairs to ensure effective committee operation
•  Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are understood, prioritised and effectively monitored
•  Lead succession planning for governors, including the appointment of future Chairs
•  Attend some school events and monitoring exercises as requested

Personal Specification

•  Significant leadership experience, ideally at board or senior executive level
•  Strong understanding of governance, strategy and accountability
•  Strong  team  player  with  the  ability  to  build  effective  relationships  with  senior  leaders  and

governors

•  Excellent communication facilitation and decision-making skills
•  High level of integrity, discretion and sound judgment
•  Patience and a sense of humour
•  Flexible and calm under pressure

Desirable

•  Previous experience as a school governor or Chair
•  Understanding of the independent school sector
•  Financial, legal or educational expertise
•  Experience of leading organisations through change
•  The Chair would preferably be local to the school so that they can attend and actively participate

in the Council of Management meetings, primarily face to face

Remuneration

•  This role is a voluntary role, offering the rewarding chance to impact young people's education and

shape their future

•

Initial Term of Office – 3 years

General

•  The job description is a general outline of the role’s duties and responsibilities and may be amended
as the School develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other
duties as reasonably required from time to time

•  The post holder will be required to adhere to the School’s policies and procedures as issued from

time to time and available on the School’s compliance system, iAMCompliant

•  Comply with statutory requirements for example the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Data
Protection  Act  and  School  policies  and  procedures  in  this  regard  including  carrying  out  and
implementing risk assessments as required
•  Adhere to the school’s training requirements

Application Procedure

If you feel you can meet the requirements of the post, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send
initial expressions of interest to Clair Beaty-Pownall at peopleteam@portregis.com or via post to Port Regis,
Motcombe Park,  Shaftesbury,  Dorset  SP7  9QA  at  your  earliest convenience  and  by  12.00,  Friday  10th
April 2026.

Diversity and Inclusion

Port Regis is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from a diverse range
of  suitably  qualified  candidates,  including  candidates  wishing  to  work  flexibly  or  requiring  reasonable
adjustments.

Safeguarding

Port Regis School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Applicants  must  undergo  child  protection  screening,  including  checks  with  past  employers  and  the
Disclosure and Barring Service.