Chair
Appointment Brief
March 2015
Introduction
From Judith Bennett, Chair of the Nominations,
Governance and Employment Committee, PTA UK
Thank you for your interest in becoming our new Chair.
Founded in 1956, PTA UK is the UK’s leading membership organisation for parent
teacher associations, working to directly enhance the education and futures of all
our children.
Dedicated to the development and support of all PTAs nationwide, in the last year
alone we’ve helped almost 14,000 member organisations across the UK raise in
excess of £120million for their local school. We provide a helpline manned by a team
of expert professionals and we provide members with support, advice and a wide
range of member benefits, including information on the latest innovations needed
to run a successful PTA in your local community.
We act as a voice for all PTAs and parents on the issues that matter and are the
only national charity and PTA member organisation to reinvest profits in innovative
services for parents and schools.
In 2014 we embarked on an ambitious strategy to increase our scope and profile as
an organisation. We have an ambitious target to increase our members 25% year on
year to 20,000 (75% schools) by 2018. We also wish to engage directly with 500,000
parents in the same timeframe. We have undergone a step change in our operations
which has included staff, systems and structures. Following an external review of
our governance in December 2014, we have also made changes to our governance
structure.
2015 is likely to be another momentous and exciting year for PTA UK as we continue
to develop the breadth, depth and impact of our work. We will also be entering the
second and final year of a two year strategy aimed at ensuring that we are and
remain the go-to resource for PTAs, that every school in the UK has an active PTA,
that wherever possible we reach every parent and that we reinforce our role as the
parent’s voice on education.
These goals form a key part of a strategic plan for the whole organisation which
will result in all of the organisation’s activity moving forward. This is therefore a very
exciting and important post which will help shape the future of PTA UK.
With the rest of this pack, you will find information about our work, our structure and
our plans for the future. You will also find specific details on this post and information
on how to apply for this exceptional opportunity.
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About us
Our vision is for every school to have the benefit
of a successful and supportive PTA to enhance
the education and futures of all our children
PTA UK is a national charity and a membership
organisation that provides support, guidance
and practical resources to PTAs across England,
Wales and Northern Ireland, encouraging the
fullest possible cooperation between home
and school.
PTAs can buy an annual membership to PTA UK,
which then provides them with a range of benefits
including comprehensive insurance, guidance on legal
and fundraising issues, a team of regional advisors who
provide training and support and access to a telephone
helpline manned by a team of expert professionals.
PTA UK also provides support for PTAs to establish good
governance and have a clear set of rules by which the
association is run. PTA UK membership includes a model
constitution, setting out a governance structure based on
charity law and best practice for PTAs.
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This is pre-approved by the Charity Commission and
enables PTA UK members to be fast tracked to charity
registration.
We seek to recognise the work and achievements of
PTAs through awards, parent networks, and PR; keep
parents informed about the latest innovations and
policy updates in education and provide PTAs with an
online forum to ask questions and share good practice.
We help to develop partnerships to significantly extend
the benefits offered to PTA UK members.
We act as a voice for parents and PTAs to strengthen
children’s education, working with teachers, governors,
education authorities, central government and all
other interested parties and bodies, and we signpost
other places to go for information on a wide range of
education and parenting issues, recommending trusted
suppliers. More importantly we are also seeking new
ways to support parents.
Chair | March 2015
OUR SUCCESS
PARTNERSHIPS
We know that having a PTA is a characteristic of a
successful school; it demonstrates parental engagement
and attitudes to learning which are fundamental to
school success. A PTA can be a powerful way to engage
parents, encouraging them to contribute to the way their
school is run and to have a say in deciding how valuable
resources are used for the benefit of their children’s
education.
PTA UK works closely with head teachers, governors,
school business managers, local authority personnel
and government to provide support and guidance on
working with PTAs.
Membership retention at 96% remains strong,
with member feedback to our range of products and
services very positive.
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We talk to parents every day; we understand their
concerns, needs and behaviours. As a result, PTA UK
can act as a voice for parents, representing their views
on matters relating to their children’s education.
With its unique access to parents with school age
children, PTA UK is frequently contacted by those
involved in the formation of education policy to provide
opportunities for parents to participate in surveys and
consultations.
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FINANCIAL STRENGTH
FUTURE PLANS
PTA UK receives no statutory income and is reliant on
the income from Members’ subscriptions, the surplus
generated on trading activities and deposit and
investment income.
In 2016 PTA UK celebrates its 60 Year anniversary.
We will raise the profile of the organisation through
a series of campaigns, research projects and media
strategies, to establish ourselves as the authoritative
parents voice in education.
In 2013, PTA UK had total incoming resources of
£1,266,090, and benefited from reserves of £1,718,836
representing 16 months of expenditure.
To view a copy of our last set of published accounts
please visit: www.pta.org.uk/About-Us/About-PTA-UK/
Reports-and-Accounts
GOVERNANCE
PTA UK is a registered charity and a company limited
by guarantee, which is governed by a Board of Trustees
and led by an Executive Director.
The Board is currently 12 strong and meets with the
Executive Director every quarter. Each member of the
Board (excluding the Chair) is required to serve on
one of three committees: Nominations, Governance
and Employment; Audit and Finance and Commercial
Development Committee. There is also currently a 2016
Working Group.
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Beyond the 2 year strategy, the Board and Executive
Team will be working on a 5 year business plan.
Development work being considered as part of this
plan includes:
• Working in deprived areas to form PTAs and different
models of parental engagement
• Promoting PTA good practice
• Developing a national Parent Panel available to
PTA UK, education stakeholders, government (and
possibly a commercial model) to provide access to
parent opinion
• Working directly with schools to promote the
importance of parental engagement
• Developing funding opportunities for PTAs
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Role profile
This is a pro bono appointment which brings
rewards other than money. If you would like to
make a difference in our world, this is a great
opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge and
experience to help us deliver on our mission.
Travel expenses directly incurred in your role as Chair
on official business are reimbursed. Trustees are
permitted to serve two-year terms up to a maximum
period of eight years, with the Chair anticipated to
serve for a period of 4 to 6 years.
The time commitment will be approximately 3 days per
month, following an initial learning curve when 4/5 days
per month may be needed. You will also be expected
to join one of the charity’s Committees and oversee
their work.
Objective
With the Board, the Chair holds the Executive Director
to account for delivering on PTA UK’s mission, vision
and strategy, providing inclusive leadership to the
Board, ensuring that all trustees fulfill their duties
and responsibilities for effective governance.
The Chair will support and, where appropriate,
challenge the Executive Director and ensure that the
Board functions as a collaborative unit and works
closely with the Executive to achieve shared objectives.
Principal responsibilities
Main tasks:
1. To lead the board of trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its
responsibilities for the governance of PTA UK within its
charitable objects
2.To work in conjunction with the Executive Director,
helping to achieve PTA UK’s aims
Main duties relating to:
1. Providing leadership
• Provide leadership for the board of trustees in
their role of setting strategy and policy for PTA UK,
cognisant of its stage of development
• Chair and set the agenda for board meetings
• Ensure that monitoring and implementation of
Board meeting decisions occurs
• Lead the process for selection and appointment
of new trustees
2. Working in conjunction with the
Executive Director
• Liaise with the Executive Director to keep an
overview of the charity’s affairs and provide support
as appropriate
• Appraise the performance of the Executive Director
• Represent PTA UK at functions and meetings and,
as appropriate, act as a spokesperson
• Sit on appointment and disciplinary panels as
appropriate
3. O
ptimising the relationship between trustee
body and staff
• Facilitate good governance ensuring appropriate
distinction between strategic and operational
responsibilities
• Ensure that PTA UK has appropriate financial,
employment and other procedures and resources
• Propose the annual cycle of board meetings
PTA UK is committed to equality and diversity and
welcomes applications from all sections of the
community
3.To optimise the relationship between the board of
trustees, the staff and PTA UK’s membership
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Person specification
Qualities
Experience
• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and
commitment to PTA UK’s vision and strategic
objectives
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic
leadership level
• Ability to talk authoritatively, from experience,
on the importance of the parent-school relationship
• Experience of governance and working with
or as part of a Board or committee
• Strategic thinker with the personal gravitas to lead
a significant national organisation
• Experience, empathy and involvement within the
voluntary sector and related networks
• Politically aware, yet prepared to be apolitical with
regard to PTA UK issues
• Good communication skills with experience of
external representation, delivering presentations
and managing stakeholders
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team
environment and to forge a consensus among
the Board
• Strong inter-personal and relationship building
abilities and comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, impartiality, fairness,
with the ability to respect confidences and listen and
engage effectively
• Successful track record of achievement
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events
Knowledge and skills
• Broad understanding of the wider parent-school
space and knowledge of key aspects of PTA UK’s
work
• An understanding of the political landscape
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised
for the benefit of the charity
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate
and bring people together
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well,
including travel and attending events out of office
hours
• Good understanding of governance issues
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How to apply
To apply in confidence to become Chair of PTA UK,
please forward your CV or an extended biography
together with a supporting statement and a list of any
directorships or trusteeships that you currently hold.
Please ensure that your application fully addresses the
requirements for the role.
You should give the names, positions, organisations and
telephone contact numbers of two referees, relevant to
this role. References will only be taken once your express
permission has been granted.
You are also invited to complete the monitoring form.
The information on the form will be treated as
confidential, and used for statistical purposes.
The form will not be treated as part of your application.
We would also be grateful if you could let us know if
you will require any special provision as a result of any
disability should you be called for interview.
Timetable
Published advert closing date: Monday 20th April
Preliminary interviews at Prospectus: w/c 27th April
Final panel interviews: Tuesday 19th May
These dates may be subject to change and candidates
will be advised in advance should this happen.
Recruitment process
You will receive feedback within five working days of the
closing date. Shortlisted candidates may be required to
undertake additional assessment prior to the interview.
If you have any questions on any aspect of the
appointment process, need additional information
or wish to have an informal discussion, please contact
Philip Nelson on 020 7691 1920 or via email at
[email protected]
Finally please ensure that you have included mobile,
work and home telephone numbers, as well as any
dates when you will not be available or might have
difficulty with the indicative timetable.
Applications should be submitted via our website:
www.prospect-us.co.uk/executive/job
Applications can also be posted to:
Sarah Hill, Prospectus, 20-22 Stukeley Street,
London, WC2B 5LR
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