Shadow Board
Caterham School is the first UK school to establish a ‘next generation’ Shadow Board of under-30 alumni to work with our Board of Trustees as they make decisions about the school’s future and approach.
The Shadow Board forges a direct link between the School’s existing Board of Trustees and young people from a diverse range of communities who have recently transitioned from school into the fast-changing world of higher education and work. The Shadow Board members also gain experience and practice in corporate governance, thereby ensuring board level roles are an aspiration for young people across the school community. The model builds on the experience of international corporate firms who have benefitted from Next Gen boards.
THE CATERHAM SHADOW BOARD
Ceri Jones, Headmaster of Caterham School said: “The Shadow Board challenge, improve and advise on the decision-making of the Board of Trustees on a range of topics including strategy and delivery, bringing to bear fresh, diverse perspectives on what is in the best interests of the School and the experience of our pupils. For many decades Caterham has had a diverse pupil body and it’s fantastic to see this reflected in our Shadow Board.”
“It’s vital that young people from all communities know that board level positions are open to them and, crucially, that they have opportunities to gain training and practical experience to support their future ambitions. Shadow Board members receive continuous training of board and corporate level operation. The launch of our shadow board demonstrates to all our pupils that young people have a voice that is listened to and acted upon at the highest level in our organisation.”
Caterham has driven the UK schools’ agenda on embracing technology and innovation in education to best prepare young people for a rapidly changed work place. In 2020 the school worked with the Home Office and the London Office of Technology and Information to support UK schools to embrace innovation and technology in learning and teaching. Opening up a formal channel to young professionals with a Shadow Board of young people using both skills and technology in the workplace will further support the growth of innovation and technology skills in education.
From the Chair of Trustees
I am delighted to see the Shadow Board established for Caterham School.
This is hugely exciting initiative. The school is stronger than ever, in greater demand than ever and is at the cutting edge of educational discussion in the UK. There are huge opportunities and possibilities for the school in the years ahead and we recognise that utilising the skills and experiences of a younger generation of people will help the school and the Trustees make more informed decisions, and ensure that the educational experiences of pupils at Caterham continues to be outstanding.
Not only do our Shadow Board members have a chance to be part of decision making and the next phase of the development of the school, they also receive continuous professional development opportunities on corporate governance, organisational decision-making and leadership experience.
