An exciting opportunity to join National Star as a part time, volunteer Governor.
Following our recent successful recruitment of Governors, we are looking to further consolidate the expertise of our current team of Governors to ensure that young people with complex disabilities get the best education possible to help them develop and achieve their life goals.
The role of Governor
We would like you to use your significant experience in a management role within a specialist school or further education provision for young people with complex physical, medical, and learning disabilities to help our team of Governors to oversee and monitor college activities. The Governor team work tirelessly to ensure that students have every opportunity to achieve the best outcomes they can, with access to a personalised, broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life after college, whilst promoting leaner voice and inclusive practice in a positive learning environment.
You will contribute your personal and professional expertise and strategic perspective to help the charity achieve its vision and mission as well as using your expert knowledge to ensure the charity’s services complies with legal regulatory and statutory requirement, including Ofsted, Care Quality Commission and Estyn. In particular we are looking for knowledge / experience of :
* Special Educational Needs sector, preferably in Further Education
* A strong interest in and experience of promoting the learner voice
Excellent communication skills will be essential to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including other Governors, Trustees and other senior employees, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others and using tact and diplomacy to contribute your own perspectives and creative ideas to help the charity explore innovative approaches to education, student success, and community engagement.
Your commitment as a Governor
Governors typically devote around 12 hours a month to their roles at National Star. Some months are busier than others, due to the cycle of meetings, but generally you will have three formal meetings (termly) plus two informal development sessions each year. The meetings can be during the day or early evenings. To help you to plan your time all meetings are set by July for the next academic year. Each Governor has a lead responsibility, which will involve them having contact / meetings with key staff between meetings. We also encourage Governors and Trustees to attend annual leavers’ ceremonies in Ullenwood, Wales, Hereford and Worcester, as well as the colleague recognition awards and colleague long-service awards.
Benefits of joining our Governing body
By joining our Governing body, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as having the opportunity to expand your own skills, knowledge and professional development with the support of the whole team. Your fresh perspective could help us to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.
You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.
Governors at National Star are volunteers and therefore not eligible for full staff benefits. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. New Governors are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
Contract Type: Fixed Term | Contract: Part time | Salary: Voluntary | Location Status: On site (Ullenwood) | Interview Date: TBC | Closing Date: 26/10/2026/2026
Skills Required
- Significant management experience within a specialist school or further education provision for young people with complex physical, medical, and learning disabilities
- Knowledge or experience in the Special Educational Needs sector, preferably further education
- Strong interest in and experience promoting learner voice
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with Governors, Trustees, senior employees, and other stakeholders
- Empathy, tact, diplomacy, and awareness of others' needs
- Ability to contribute strategic perspectives, creative ideas, and professional expertise
- Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and statutory requirements, including Ofsted, Care Quality Commission, and Estyn
- Availability to devote approximately 12 hours per month
- Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check
What We Do
National Star is a charity and specialist education provider supporting people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries. It offers further education, training, personal development, and residential services, including personalised day and residential courses, transition support, accommodation, and wellbeing services. Its mission is to help people with disabilities realise their potential as equal and active citizens and live with greater independence.
