Parent Governor Election
I am pleased to inform you that we are seeking to appoint a Parent Governor to join our Local Governing Body (LGB) where we have one vacancy. This is an exciting opportunity for a parent or carer to contribute to the life and strategic direction of Q3 Academy Great Barr and to make a difference to all students within our community.
Parent Governors serve a four-year term of office and may stand for re-election at the end of their term. The appointment does not automatically end if your child leaves the Academy during this period.
Why become a Parent Governor?
Becoming a Parent Governor is an excellent opportunity to:
• Learn more about how schools are led and managed within The Mercian Trust.
• Support and challenge leaders to ensure the best possible education for every student.
• Contribute your perspective as a parent/carer to decisions about our future.
• Give something back to the community.
• Develop valuable professional and leadership skills, such as strategic thinking, financial oversight, and data interpretation.
• Gain insight into education policy and how strategic decisions impact outcomes for children.
• Strengthen your confidence and voice in professional or community settings.
• Build networks with other governors and leaders across The Mercian Trust.
• Enhance your CV and personal development by volunteering in a respected public service role.
• Model active citizenship and lifelong learning to your child(ren).
Governors act strategically, not operationally. The role is about oversight, support and challenge – not about involvement in day-to-day management.
Commitment and Meetings
The Local Governing Body meets four times per year, with one additional strategic meeting (remaining dates for this academic year are shown below). Meetings typically start at 3:30pm, last approximately two hours and are held in-person at Q3 Academy Great Barr, with an option to join remotely via Teams where necessary. Preparation time is also needed to read papers in advance and Governors may also visit the Academy occasionally, as part of their link role, with prior arrangement.
LGB 1 Meeting Date: Tuesday 30th September 2025
LGB 2 Meeting Date: Tuesday 9th December 2025
LGB 3 Meeting Date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
LGB 4 Meeting Date: Tuesday 14th April 2026
LGB Strategy Day Meeting Date: Tuesday 16th June 2026
How to Apply
If you would like to be nominated/self-nominate for this vacancy, please complete and return the Parent Governor Application Form to the Trust Governance Team no later than Wednesday 7th January 2026 at 3pm.
If we receive only one application, the parent will be appointed unopposed. If there are two or more applicants, an election will be held. The LGB Clerk will use the supporting statement from each of the application forms to be shared with all parents/carers on the ballot paper
About the Role of a Local Governor
The Local Governing Body operates as a committee of The Mercian Trust Board of Trustees, as set out in the
Scheme of Delegation (2025–2026). Its key functions are to:
• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction in line with the Trust’s Blueprint and Vivid Vision.
• Hold leaders to account for the educational performance of students and the effectiveness of staff.
• Oversee the financial performance of the Academy within the budget delegated by the Trust and ensure that money is well spent.
Governors are expected to uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles) and to work collaboratively as part of a team. Training and support will be provided by the Trust’s Central Governance Team to ensure you are confident and well-equipped in your role.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role further, please email the Trust Governance Team.
Thank you for your interest in becoming part of our governance community.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Chris Pritchard
Chair of Local Governing Body
Q3 Academy Great Barr
on behalf of The Mercian Trust
