Job Description

Join Royal College Manchester as a Governor (Voluntary Role)

Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ

Type: Voluntary

Close date: 17/07/2025

Are you passionate about shaping the future of specialist education for young people with complex needs? Royal College Manchester, part of the Seashell Trust, is seeking a dedicated individual to join our Governing Body as a College Governor.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise to a forward-thinking college that supports students aged 16+ with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them achieve meaningful outcomes and independence.

About Seashell Trust

Located in the heart of Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, Seashell Trust is a beacon of hope and support for children, young people, and their families. We're proud to operate the Royal School Manchester (RSM), Royal College Manchester (RCM), outreach health and family services, and seventeen residential homes that provide a safe, nurturing environment. Our state-of-the-art facilities--including gardens, forest school, swimming pools, hydro pools, bike track, and sports pitches are designed to create a truly unique and supportive atmosphere.

Why Join Us?

As a Governor, you'll have the opportunity to:

Influence Strategic Direction

: Help shape the future of specialist education and ensure high standards of governance and accountability.

Support Student Success

: Champion the needs of learners with SEND and contribute to the continuous improvement of our curriculum and provision.

Engage with a Passionate Team

: Work alongside experienced professionals committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for students.

Make a Tangible Impact

: Your insights and experience will help guide the college through ongoing transformation and development.

What We're Looking For

We are eager to hear from individuals who have specialist skills and knowledge that align with our ambitious plans. We value diversity and want our Board to reflect the rich and varied community we serve.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in:

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Further Education or Specialist College settings General Further Education with SEND experience SEND-focused schools or colleges (ideally with 16+ experience) Curriculum design (desirable)*
Education policy review (desirable)*

We value diversity and are committed to building a Governing Body that reflects the communities we serve.

What's Involved?

Meeting Attendance

: 3 full Governor meetings and 3 subcommittee meetings per year (all held onsite).

College Engagement

: Occasional attendance at learning walks and engagement with student and staff teams during college hours.

Commitment to Inclusion

: Be an ambassador for our mission and values, supporting the continuous development of our provision.

Seashell is mid transformation!

Our site is continuously growing and developing: we're currently undergoing works to build a brand-new Royal College Manchester, so the demands of our site are ever-changing, with a lot of external contractors on site.

We're looking for someone to be a Seashell Ambassador and be committed to ensuring the continuous development of our site to support the children and young people in our care.

Join Us at an Exciting Time

You'll be stepping into your role during a period of significant change and growth at Seashell Trust. If you're ready to contribute your skills, energy, and passion to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!

What we can offer you:

Our detailed 2-week induction programme ensures that all Seashell employees gain the essential knowledge to work within our amazing setting.

With our commitment to ongoing training and development through appraisals and supervisions we encourage career progression and development throughout the business.

Get that great feeling of personal satisfaction from helping our amazing students and their families live their best lives.

Ready to Apply?

If you're excited by the possibility of joining Seashell, please submit a CV and personal statement outlining your experience and areas of special interest. We'd also welcome the opportunity for you to visit Seashell Trust before applying.

As part of your application, please answer the three questions below when prompted:

1. What is your motivation for wanting to become a Governor of Seashell Trust?

2. Do you have any lived/professional experience with complex learning disabilities?

3. Are you able to commute to Cheadle, Stockport to attend meetings and support initiatives as a trustee?

Our Commitment to You

We provide a caring environment that is safeguarded and committed to promoting

learning, respect and independence, as well as dignity for all of our students.

We value our employees and recognise the need to recruit, retain and develop highly

skilled and committed talent who share our vision and values!

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities. We are an inclusive

employer and welcome all applications.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will

be guaranteed an interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments for an

interview, please highlight this to our Recruitment Team in advance.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children,

young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this

commitment.

Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to

achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members

of their communities.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

Casual dress Employee discount Free parking Referral programme
Application question(s):

What is your motivation for wanting to become a Governor of Seashell Trust? Do you have any lived/professional experience with complex learning disabilities? Are you able to commute to Cheadle, Stockport to attend meetings and support initiatives as a trustee?
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 17/07/2025