Governance opportunity - Presiding Member

The Salisbury School Board is currently seeking applicants for a Presiding Member (Chair) to start in March 2025.  

Applicants do not need to be based in Nelson Tasman. The Board currently has six nationwide trustees with experienced Principal Ellie Salcin-Watts being an ex officio member.  

 Salisbury School 

Salisbury School is unique, being the only school in New Zealand offering single-sex specialist residential learning for girls aged 8-15 years old, enrolled from all over New Zealand. 

Located in a tranquil park-like setting in Richmond, Nelson Tasman, the school’s day-to-day learning, living and life skills programmes encourage individual strengths to develop. Each girl has a tailored programme towards transition, empowering students for greater possibilities in life beyond Salisbury. 

The school is entering an exciting phase with a full student roll, a property re-build, and the development of the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan.  

Ideal Applicant 

Preference is given to someone who: 

  • Has time to commit to the role, preferably from early March 

  • Believes in the school’s vision for ‘Greater Possibilities in Life’ 

  • Has the ‘giving back’ ethos required for a volunteer role 

  • Understands the role of governance vs management 

  • Has experience, or is looking for experience, chairing a board 

  • Has knowledge of, or wants knowledge of, the education sector  

Strong financial acumen and/or experience with property also useful, but not essential. 

Commitment 

There are six trustee meetings a year. As the board is a national board, five of the meetings are online, and one is held in-person at the school in Richmond. Travel and accommodation for the in-person meeting is covered by the school.  

The Presiding Member also attends the Audit & Risk meeting held prior to each board meeting, and meets with the Principal regularly. If based out of Nelson Tasman, these meetings can be held online.   

Applications 

Send your CV and a cover letter to Ellie Salcin-Watts by 5pm, 19 February 2025.  

Email: ellie.salcin-watts@salisbury.school.nz 

Salisbury School Governance Board

The Salisbury School board of trustees is responsible for the governance and management of the school. The board is made up of elected members, appointed members, a staff representative and the principal.

The board's main focus is on student progress, achievement, and wellbeing. This involves:

  • Ensuring every student can reach their highest standard of achievement.

  • Monitoring and evaluating student progress and achievement.

  • Creating a physically and emotionally safe learning environment.

The board’s other primary responsibilities include: