Academy Councillor

Role Title: Academy Councillor

Hours: Approx. 1–2 hours per week across the school year

Provisional Start Date: ASAP (subject to completion of compliance checks) 

Your opportunity to make a difference in education:

We are looking for an Academy Councillor at Redstart Primary School. This is a rewarding voluntary role to contribute to the strategic direction of an academy and help shape the future of learning. 

Details about the role:

As an Academy Councillor, you will:

• Attend regular Academy Council meetings (around 5 per year, 2 hours each).

• Act as a critical friend to the Principal, offering both support and challenge.

• Ensure Health & Safety policies are implemented and statutory training requirements are met.

• Receive reports on exclusions and support panels reviewing permanent exclusion decisions.

• Receive safeguarding reports and ensure the academy meets its responsibilities, including Prevent Duty.

• Participate in recruitment processes for senior leaders and Principal appointments.

• Champion the achievement and educational entitlement of all children, especially those experiencing disadvantage.

• Act as an ambassador for the academy, its pupils and staff.

About you:

You will have:

• Strong communication skills.

• The ability to build relationships and influence at a strategic level.

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

• Time to attend meetings and engage with academy leadership.

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached information prior to submitting an expression of interest application.

About Redstart Primary School:

Redstart Primary School is a two-form entry primary academy, located in Chard, Somerset, taking children from Nursery to Year 6. 

We aim to develop a love of learning in our children to last through their lives. We believe passionately in our children having the highest aspirations and are committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum with exciting opportunities including access to a rich programme of after school activities. We want to enable all our children to realise their full potential, their talents and their interests in all areas.  

About Cabot Learning Federation (CLF):

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 37 academies across five cluster regions in the South West, committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for improving lives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Why volunteer with CLF?

• Professional development in governance and leadership.
• Networking opportunities across the South West.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to children and families in your community.
• We strongly believe representation matters and encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups.

How to apply:

By clicking ‘Apply’ on the advert page, you will be re-directed to the CLF Governance Page. On this page, please access and complete the Expression of Interest form (towards the bottom of the page and titled ‘Express Your Interest’) and detail the academy you are interested in becoming Chair of Academy Council at. The Governance Team will pick this up and contact you directly to arrange an initial call/meeting, along with informing you about any other next steps of the process.

We welcome visits from potential volunteers. If you would like to arrange a school visit as part of your interest in becoming an Academy Councillor at one of our academies, please let us know this when completing the Expression of Interest form.

Safeguarding & Inclusion

We take safeguarding seriously. All volunteers must complete an application form, provide references, and undergo checks, including a DBS.

CLF is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you need adjustments during application or onboarding, let us know how we can support you.