Situated in the heart of Ardingly Village, West Sussex, Ardingly College is a renowned independent co-educational school with a rich history dating back to 1858. The College caters to students aged 2 -18, where its preparatory division, Ardingly Prep, nurtures young learners and prepares them for their educational journey. Ardingly College is committed to fostering well-rounded individuals through a holistic education that emphasises character development, leadership, and global citizenship. Its aim is to empower students who excel academically while also becoming socially responsible and equipped to face the challenges of a dynamic world. The College values safety, inclusivity, and academic excellence, creating a secure and enriching learning environment for all.

In terms of academic achievements, Ardingly College consistently ranks among the top independent schools in the UK. The College's philosophy, 'Nobody excels at everything but everybody can excel at something,' is put into practice. Ardingly offers a diverse array of well-regarded GCSE and IGCSE courses, equipping students for the transition to Sixth Form, where they can opt for A Levels, the International Baccalaureate, or BTEC programs. To facilitate academic growth, Ardingly provides a dedicated team of experienced house-based tutors, with specialised matching of tutors in the Upper Sixth to align with students' subject preferences and career aspirations. Last year, Ardingly was recognised as a top 10 UK IB School and this year, students achieved stellar GCSE results where 48% were awarded either the top grade 9 or 8.

Ardingly College places student well-being at its core, offering personalised support to each pupil. Safeguarding is a top priority, with the Governing Body collectively responsible for ensuring safety, proper training, and legal compliance to create a secure and inclusive learning environment. This commitment underscores Ardingly College's mission to offer a safe, enriching, and academically rigorous educational experience for all its students.

Further information on Ardingly College and its Prospectuses can be found here.

The Governing body, in conjunction with the Headmaster, sets out the aims of the College and ensures that they are met. All Governors of Ardingly College are both company directors and charity trustees. At any time there are to be no fewer than four and no more than 16 Governors.

The Governing Body remains collectively responsible for safeguarding arrangements at the College. The Safeguarding Governor collaborates with the College's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and serves as the primary contact for staff when escalating child protection or safeguarding concerns to the Governing Body.

Core responsibilities of the Safeguarding Governor include:

• Governor Training: Ensure comprehensive training for the Governing Body to understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and challenge the effectiveness of safeguarding policies
• Compliance Oversight: Review and ensure the College's compliance with key safeguarding guidance
• Policy Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the College's safeguarding procedures and policies, reporting necessary amendments to the Governing Body
• DSL Appointment and Support: Ensure the appointment, role clarity, and support for the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Safer Recruitment and Staff Conduct: Monitor and evaluate the College's safer recruitment procedures and staff code of conduct
• Statutory Duties: Oversee safeguarding audits and rectify identified weaknesses promptly to fulfill statutory duties
• Governing Body Engagement: Facilitate opportunities for the Governing Body and staff to contribute to the College's safeguarding approach
• Well-being Champion: Champion the promotion of well-being, safeguarding, and child protection issues at the highest level within the College
• DSL and Staff Training: Ensure all College staff receive safeguarding training and know how to address safeguarding concerns
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Contribute to multi-agency working and appropriate disclosures of safeguarding incidents

Ardingly College seeks a Governor who will play a key role on the Board and provide advice and challenge to other Governors and the Executive team on safeguarding matters. They will provide oversight of appropriate policies and procedures, work closely with the designated safeguarding lead, and champion best practice in all aspects of safeguarding and pastoral care. 

Candidates could come from a range of sectors but individuals with experience across healthcare, law, HR, education or working with young or vulnerable people would be welcomed. The successful candidate will have the leadership, communication skills, intellect and passion to actively engage with senior staff helping them translate leading practice and contemporary research into a residential school setting. Applicants should have significant leadership experience, ideally leading substantial teams, showcasing Board-readiness.

Above all, candidates will be aligned with Ardingly College's ethos and mission, and will be passionate about the education of young people. Please note that Ardingly College will not be considering current parents on the Board.

A full list of current Governing Body members can be found here.

This role is unremunerated, however reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are three full Board meetings per year, which is held in person at Ardingly College. The Safeguarding Governor would also be expected to sit on the Education & Pastoral Committee and the Risk and Safeguarding Committee, which meets three times per year respectively. Additionally, they will attend at least one termly meeting with the DSL.

Ardingly College is based in Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex and meetings will take place in person, with an option for video participation. Candidates will therefore be local or willing to travel.

Ardingly College welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.