Independent Governor, Safeguarding and Compliance

at  CATS Global Schools

CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.
With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts school, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
Role overview
The overall responsibility for ensuring that safeguarding procedures, policies and training are in place in CGS’s UK schools (Bournemouth Collegiate School, Bosworth Independent School, CATS Cambridge, CSVPA (up to NQF Level 3), Guildhouse School, St Michael’s, The Worthgate School), being effectively managed and comply with the law, lies with the proprietorial body. The responsibilities are set out in the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) 2024.
Whilst the proprietor remains the accountable body, KCSiE sets out that proprietors should appoint someone at senior board level (or equivalent) to take leadership responsibility for their school’s safeguarding arrangements.
The Independent Governor Safeguarding and Compliance will work alongside the Head Teachers and will support the schools with safeguarding and compliance, ensuring all Schools and Colleges meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
The role is offered on a consultancy contract paid on a daily rate, there is a minimum commitment of two days per week during term time, ideally the post holder will be flexible and able to offer more hours during busy periods.
The role will report directly to the CEO and Chair of Governors.
Responsibilities

MONITOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

o In all CGS Schools/Colleges check that a senior member of staff has been appointed as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and that this role is incorporated into their job description
o In all CGS Schools/Colleges check that appropriate arrangements are in place for the functions of the DSL to be carried out in their absence
o Check inter-agency procedures are being followed where necessary
o Ensure the annual review of the safeguarding policy or policies
o Ensure the annual safeguarding audits are shared with the board and report progress made addressing any concerns
o Check that the DSLs receive formal safeguarding training at least every two years
o Check that all school staff induction includes formal safeguarding and child protection training
o Check that all school staff, including the DSL, receive at least annual safeguarding and child protection updates
o Check that all governors receive regular, up-to-date safeguarding training
o Check the central Talent Team systems are in place and working effectively to ensure that the Schools and College’s Single Central Record is administered correctly, is up-to-date and compliant with the requirements of statutory guidance
o Check the Schools and Colleges’ recruitment policies and processes and make recommendations for improvements
o Check that at least one member of an interview panel has undertaken safer recruitment training
Provide point of escalation for central Talent Team for all Single Central Register / Pre-Employment Check queries
Talk to students and staff both formally via arranged visits or for example, in focus groups, and informally when in and out of Schools and College about how safe they feel at School/College and who they would go to report any concerns
Ensure that safeguarding is fully reported to the board each meeting
Report to the board and regularly to the Chair of Governors on meetings, visits and interactions with students and staff
Monitor safeguarding training
With respect to wider statutory compliance (including ISSRs, NMBS, KCSiE and other related regulations):
Lead internal audits to assess compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies, identifying areas of risk and non-compliance to include estates and other ISI requirements
Support the Chair of Governors to monitor and advise on ISI compliance and support inspections where necessary
Arrange Governors audits of Schools/Colleges
Collate KPI data for Governors meetings
Be alert to regulatory and inspection methodology changes
o Alert schools to these and discuss implementation with them
o Check that they have been implemented via Governors’ audits or other mechanisms
Review and respond to appeals against exclusion
Conduct complaints investigations (against the Head or at Stage 3) as directed by the Chair of Governors
Person Specification
At least five years of Senior/Executive School Leadership Experience
In depth knowledge of KCSIE
DSL Training to Level 4
In depth knowledge of ISI and other statutory compliance requirements
In depth Knowledge of the ISI Framework
Experience of carrying out school audits/monitoring visits for safeguarding and compliance and experience of ISI inspections (and desirable to be ISI inspector)
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values - Pioneering, Persevering, People - we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers, and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice.
And Finally
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values - Pioneering, Persevering, People - we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers, and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal declaration form and will be subject to online checks which may include social media.

Please refer the Job description for details