Help shape the future of inclusive education at Communication Specialist College Doncaster.
As part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, our College is a vibrant, caring, and inclusive community where students aged 16–25 with communication needs are supported to achieve their full potential. We offer a wide range of tailored programmes focused on vocational qualifications, independence, and personal development — all delivered in a nurturing environment by dedicated staff using the latest technology and a holistic communication approach.
We’re proud of our strong track record, including an OUTSTANDING Ofsted rating for residential care (2017) and a GOOD overall inspection (2025), and we’re now looking for a Chair of the College Board of Governors to help lead us into the future.
As Chair, you’ll:
- Lead the Board in setting the College’s strategic direction
- Support and challenge senior leaders to ensure high standards
- Oversee performance, safeguarding, and financial accountability
- Commit approximately 5–8 hours per month
- Serve a 4-year term (renewable up to 9 years)
- Champion the Mission, Vision and Values of the College
This is a voluntary, non-operational role
At Communication Specialist College Doncaster, every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential through a bespoke curriculum in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
The College offers a wide range of programmes for students, aged 16-25, who want to gain vocational qualifications as well as develop their independence and Personal and Social Development skills.
We have many years’ experience of successfully delivering specialist vocational and independence training programmes. Our ‘OUTSTANDING’ Ofsted inspection in 2017 for residential social care and our 'GRADED GOOD' Ofsted inspections in 2018 and more recently in 2025 are largely due to the dedication and sheer hard work of our staff teams.
About the Role
What We’re Looking For:
We welcome applications from individuals with:
- Leadership experience in education, business, health, or the voluntary sector
- A strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and the rights of young people with SEND
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills
- Experience of governance or board-level leadership (desirable but not essential)
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a passionate and supportive team
- Make a tangible difference to the lives of learners and their families
- Gain valuable governance experience and personal development
- Help shape the future of our College
Training and support will be provided. We are committed to diversity and warmly welcome applications from all backgrounds.
To express an interest in the role or request an application pack, please contact: Helen Sanaghan, Senior HR Officer – hsanaghan@ddt-deaf.org.uk