Commercial Services Group Blue tapered spiral Creating Impact

Parent Governor - Volunteer

Fortis Trust

  • Ref:KCC-F87-31-S
  • Posted:12/05/2026
  • Pay:£0 - Voluntary Position
  • Start Date:TBC
  • App Close Date:25/05/2026 at 23:45
  • Interviews:TBC

Schools this job is for

Advert

Do you want to have a voice in shaping the future of Bradfields Academy?

We are seeking to appoint a Parent Governor to our Local Governing Committee (LGC).

About the role

The Local Governing Committee plays a vital role in:

  • Providing strategic leadership
  • Holding the academy to account for educational performance
  • Overseeing safeguarding, standards and finances

As a Parent Governor, you will:

  • Work with other governors, the Principal, trustees and the CEO
  • Bring a parental perspective to governance
  • Support continuous improvement for all pupils

📌 Parent Governors do not speak on behalf of all parents – they contribute an individual parental perspective.

Who can apply?

  • Parents or carers of a registered pupil at Bradfields Academy
  • Applicants must not be paid to work in the Trust for more than 500 hours in any 12‑month period at the time of election

We are particularly keen to hear from parents who have:

  • A strong commitment to improving outcomes for children
  • Good interpersonal skills and an interest in learning
  • Analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Knowledge of the local community
  • Good literacy and IT skills

No previous governance experience is required — training and support are provided.

What’s involved?

  • 4 meetings per academic year (6.00–8.00 pm)
  • Preparation using GovernorHub
  • Safeguarding and governance training (mandatory)
  • Planned academy visits
  • 4‑year term of office

Training and Support

All governors receive:

  • Induction and ongoing training via National College and other providers
  • Annual safeguarding training
  • A yearly skills audit and personalised development plan

How to apply

📅 Application deadline: Monday 25th May 2026

To apply or request further information:

Or complete the Parent Governor Candidate Form and return it to:

FAO Mrs Sweetlove‑Smyth
Bradfields Academy
Churchill Avenue
Chatham, Kent ME5 0LB

Hard copies available via Louise Tombs
Email: louise.tombs@fortistrust.co.uk | Phone: 01634 683990

If more applications are received than vacancies, a confidential ballot will be held.

 

Why become a Parent Governor?

  • Make a meaningful contribution to academy life
  • Develop new skills and confidence
  • Understand how schools are governed
  • Help ensure the best possible education for all pupils

Find out more about Fortis Trust governance:
https://fortistrust.co.uk/governance/

 

Information about the federation

Fortis Trust strives to provide high quality education as a result of strong partnerships between its academies, institutions and local partners. We support and assist schools in enhancing existing talents and strengths, ensuring all children achieve highly in their academic and personal development. Our curriculums are child-centred; tailored to the needs and aspirations of each partner school and their children.

Bradfields Academy is an outstanding Specialist SEND Academy, for children with learning needs and associated disabilities aged 4-19 years. Bradfields Academy has been recognised as a highly innovative and forward thinking academy involved in SEN educational development at a local and national level. Located in Walderslade, Kent and situated within easy reach of local transport.

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people, with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), in Medway, Kent and the South East to find permanent and purposeful employment.

We passionately believe that all young people should be given the opportunity to work in their local community, to feel valued and have a place in society.

We provide Supported Internships for young adults. Supported Internships are a structured study programme based primarily at a place of employment.

Job Contact Information

  • Name:Lesley Harris
  • Address:Bradfields Academy,
    Churchill Avenue,
    Chatham ,
    Chatham ,
    Kent,
    ME5 0LB
  • Telephone: 01634 683990
  • Email: lesley.harris@fortistrust.co.uk

Fax:

Apply for this Role Today

Apply Now

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you have read all the relevant information and documents provided by the school. If you are ready to apply for this vacancy please click the "Apply Now" button

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.