Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Resolution Team MemberOrganisation: Co-op Academies TrustLocation: Stoke-on-Trent & StaffordshireArea of interest: Supporting children and young peoplePurpose of the post: The Resolution Team is a group of individuals with delegated authority from the Trust board to sit on and determine the outcome of panels that take place within academies. These could be HR processes, Pupil disciplinary panels (suspension or exclusions statutory reviews) or complaints panels. Who can join the Resolution Team: Anyone who has an interest in education and an ability to read relevant paperwork to ensure that fair processes take place.Resolution Team Members will be expected to:In all interactions adhere to the Nolan principles of public life, the Co-op values and Ways of Being Submit documentation to allow for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to be carried outUndertake training relating to panels and processes and data protection Resolution Team Members must: Act confidentially, the panels and processes are likely to contain a great deal of sensitive informationBe able to take time to read the information pack that they have been given and ensure they understand the role of the panel and their role as a resolution team member at the hearing Feel comfortable reading and understanding a great deal of information around a process to ensure they can question appropriately and fairly hear the case Be comfortable working within statutory guidance and policiesWork with Trust colleagues and fellow Resolution Team members to ensure satisfactory resolution of each case Refrain from expressing opinion and advice during the panel hearing.Be empathetic to the feelings of everyone involved in the process Monitor the experience of vulnerable groups, particularly through interactions with pupils and key staff to ensure policy translates into practice. This includes children with special educational needs, children who qualify for the pupil premium grant and any other groups identified as at risk of underachievement by the academy Identify and maintain oversight of the academy's top strategic risks and ensure these are communicated to the Trust board. Monitor the academy's career provision through discussions with pupils and relevant members of staff and work with the academy to establish and maintain strong business links within and outside of the academy's community Ensure that the activities of the academy are meeting the needs of the community, promoting equality and eliminating discrimination, through interactions with pupils, staff and parents. Keep the Trust Board informed regarding any issues that should need input from the Trust Board or impact on Trust wide decision makingPromote the positive reputation of the academy in the local community What training will I receive:The Trust governance team will ensure that members of the team are trained in the processes that they take part in. Each panel will have a member of the Trust team supporting them and ensuring that any policies or statutory guidance is followed. Comprehensive paperwork is provided in a timely manner before all panels. What do Resolution Team Members get from the role: Resolution Team Members will develop transferable analytical skills, teamwork, relationship building and decision making skills. They will gain an in-depth understanding of some of the processes that take part within an academy community, ensuring pupils, colleagues and stakeholders are heard and supported.Resolution team members will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check upon appointment.