Walhampton is seeking a Governor with senior marketing expertise to join its Governing Body. This voluntary role offers the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction, reputation and growth of a leading independent preparatory school.

Description

Walhampton School invites applications from individuals interested in joining its Governing Body. The School would particularly welcome candidates with senior strategic experience in marketing, brand leadership, communications or market development, who can bring valuable perspective to the Board.

Governors play a central role in the stewardship of the School, providing strategic oversight and supporting the Head and Senior Leadership Team in ensuring that Walhampton continues to flourish as a leading independent preparatory school. Working collectively, the Governing Body is responsible for safeguarding the School’s long term vision, educational excellence, financial sustainability and charitable purpose, in line with best practice in independent school and charity governance and the expectations of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

About Walhampton

Set within 100 acres on the edge of the New Forest, Walhampton School is a highly regarded co-educational independent preparatory school known for its strong academic foundations, outstanding pastoral care and rich co-curricular opportunities. The School is ambitious for its pupils and committed to developing confident, curious and well-rounded young people prepared for the next stage of their education and beyond.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of Walhampton School as part of a committed and forward thinking Governing Body.

All Governors share collective responsibility for the governance of the School and work collaboratively to support the Head and Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will contribute fully to Board discussions and strategic decision making while bringing particular insight into marketing, brand development and the School’s external profile.

The role is strategic in nature and Governors are not involved in the day to day operational management of the School.

What You Will Do

• Contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of Walhampton School as a member of the Governing Body.
• Provide informed challenge and support to the Head and Senior Leadership Team to help ensure the continued success of the School.
• Offer strategic insight and guidance on areas such as brand reputation, market positioning and external engagement.
• Support the School in maintaining a strong external profile and understanding of the competitive educational landscape.
• Participate fully in Governing Body meetings, committee work and strategic discussions.
• Act as an ambassador for the School and support its charitable objectives and long term sustainability.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced professional who can contribute strategic insight and independent perspective to the Board.

The ideal candidate will bring senior level experience in marketing, communications, brand leadership or market development, along with a strong interest in education and the success of Walhampton School.

Governors must be able to work collaboratively, exercise sound judgement and contribute constructively to collective decision making.

Essential

• Senior strategic experience in marketing, brand leadership, communications or market development.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to high level governance discussions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of Walhampton School.
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding training and required governance checks.

Desirable

• Previous experience of governance, board membership or committee work.
• Understanding of the independent school sector or charitable organisations.
• Experience supporting organisations with brand positioning, stakeholder engagement or growth strategy.

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is approximately 6 to 8 days per year and includes:

• Four full Governing Board meetings each year.
• Four Committee meetings each year.
• One annual Strategy Away Day.
• One half day Governor visit each term.
• This is a voluntary, non-executive position.

Walhampton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all Governors to share this commitment. All Governors are required to undertake appropriate safeguarding training and checks.

For further information or an informal conversation about the role, please contact Victoria Speers, Chair of Governors at v.speers@walhampton.com.