Academy Councillor Cluster

Lead Change. Inspire Futures. Become an Academy Councillor with CLF.

Are you passionate about helping young people thrive and eager to influence education in your community? Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) is seeking committed volunteers to join our Academy Councils and shape the future of learning.

• Attend council meetings regularly (around five per year, 2 hours each).
• Champion safeguarding and wellbeing: enforce health and safety policies and ensure statutory training is met.
• Monitor risk and improvement: review risk registers, improvement plans, and Ofsted/DfE inspection responses.
• Hold leaders to account: oversee student attainment, attendance, and curriculum effectiveness.
• Policy and compliance: approve and monitor local policies and procedures.
• Panel participation: take part in panels for exclusions, complaints, and key decisions.
• Financial oversight: review financial plans and monitor resource allocation.
• Recruitment and appraisal: support senior leadership recruitment and contribute to principal appraisals.
• Champion inclusion: advocate for disadvantaged pupils and promote educational equity.
• Act as an ambassador for the academy, its pupils, and staff.
• Average time commitment: approximately 1 hour per week across the year.

• Influence education: help guide strategic decisions and hold leaders accountable.
• Professional growth: develop skills in leadership, governance, and strategic planning.
• Community impact: make a tangible difference to children and families in your area.
• Networking: connect with volunteers across the South West.

No prior education experience required—just enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Volunteers must complete an application and participate in safeguarding checks.

We especially encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups.