SAMANTHA JAYNE CHATER

Strategic music education leader with over 19 years' experience creating high-quality musical opportunities for young people, volunteers and communities. Experienced in learning and engagement, safeguarding, partnership development, programme leadership and workforce development across education, the voluntary sector and national examining organisations. Seeking to apply extensive experience of developing people, building partnerships and leading large-scale participation programmes to broaden access to high-quality musical experiences beyond the classroom.

• Recipient of the John Thompson Memorial Award for contributions to inclusive music education
• Re-established music at Barr Beacon School, creating a thriving department from the ground up
• Established the Matrix Music Teachers network to support music educators' professional development
• Represented the perspectives of music educators in discussions concerning the future of music education, including engagement with the House of Lords
• Led multiple large scale events involving between 120-2000 young people
• Appointed Senior Team Leader for Pearson BTEC, leading national moderation teams
• Selected as one of only 13 Pearson A Level Music Examiners nationally
• Active orchestral trumpeter with with a variety of ensembles, including Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sanctuary Orchestra

• Built and sustained partnerships with music services, arts organisations and educational providers to increase participation and broaden musical opportunities
• Worked collaboratively with organisations including SIPs Education, Dudley Performing Arts, Walsall Music Education Hub, Severn Arts, Birmingham Hippodrome, ABRSM and Music Mark and Severn Arts to support curriculum enrichment, performance opportunities and student progression
• Developed and lived understanding of the educational partnership model underpinning the Shireland CBSO Academy through professional engagement and national assessment leadership

• 2022: Member of the Chartered College of Teaching
• 2009: MA module in Teaching and Learning
• 2008: Qualified Teacher Status (GTP)
• 2008: ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory
• 2007: BA (Hons) Music
• 2003/4: A Levels in Music, History and Sociology
• 2002: As Levels in Critical Thinking, Maths and Chemistry
• 2001: 10 GCSE graded A*-B, including Music

• Active practising musician and as orchestral trumpet player, maintaining first-hand experience of ensemble participation and the lifelong benefits of music making in a range of orchestras and ensembles including Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra, Halesowen Orchestra, Orchestra for Sanctuary, Tewkesbury Camarata, Worcestershire Winds and the Band of the Royal Fusiliers
• Adjudicator for youth music competitions, supporting musical development, progression and excellence
• Represented the perspectives of music educators in discussions concerning the future of music education with policy makers and sector leaders, including engagement with the House of Lords
• Contributor to community-focused musical initiatives including Music for Sanctuary, supporting charitable fundraising and widening engagement with live performance

Senior Team Leader for BTEC Tech Award at Pearson Education (2022-present)

• Lead and support and national moderation team, ensuring the consistent application of assessment standards
• Coach moderators, contribute to training and support quality assurance processes
• Advice on safeguarding, malpractice and AI-related assessment issues as part of the senior assessment team

GCSE Performance Moderator at Eduqas (2021-present)

• Moderate GCSE Music performance assessments for over 30 centres annually, ensuring fairness, consistency and quality assurance
• Build productive relationships with teachers and examination centres, providing guidance, support and constructive feedback
• Apply specialist musical expertise and professional judgement to maintain national standards and resolve complex assessment queries

A Level Music Expert Examiner at Pearson Education (2013-present)

• One of only 13 Pearson A Level Music Examiners nationally, selected to assess advanced musical understanding and analytical thinking.
• Draw on extensive expertise in harmony, stylistic analysis and music history to evaluate complex responses and ensure accurate application of national standards

Girlguiding Trainer: 2018 (August)-Present

• Design and deliver national training programmes for adult volunteers, both face-to-face and online
• Lead safeguarding and specialist training, building volunteer capability and confidence
• Develop inclusive learning resources aligned with organisational priorities
• Foster strong volunteer engagement through responsive support and continuous improvement

District Commissioner:2015 (Dec)- 2020 (Dec)

• Led 12 volunteer-led units across multiple sites, ensuring safe, high-quality youth provision
• Acted as Level 4 Safeguarding Lead, driving compliance and best practice
• Managed quality assurance and volunteer workforce development
• Recruited, inducted and supported volunteers through safer recruitment processes
• Supported leadership development, volunteer progression and long-term engagement

County Senior Section Advisor: 2015 (Dec)- 2020 (Dec)

• Led the planning and delivery of large-scale participation events for 150+ young people, creating high-quality learning and engagement opportunities
• Presented best practice and successful engagement strategies at regional forums, supporting programme development across multiple counties
• Recruited and coordinated multidisciplinary volunteer teams and developed partnerships with businesses and community organisations to support county-wide events

Region/UK Appointment – Lead Volunteer ‘One World One Beat’ 2007 (Oct) -2010 (Dec)

• Planned and delivered a large-scale UK-wide participation event in collaboration with national teams
• Led a marketing campaign that sold out a national event within 24 hours, attracting 2,000+ participants per day
• Secured sponsorship and developed partnerships to enhance programme reach and impact
• Managed event logistics, volunteers and stakeholder relationships to ensure successful delivery

Other Notable Roles

• Duke of Edinburgh Assessor and Supervisor 2016 (Feb) - Present
• Halesowen District Network Leader (Scouting)
• Programme Coordinator; C60 weekend residential, featuring over 1000 participants
• Leadership Qualification and Outdoor Qualification Mentor
• Unit Leader: 2003 (Feb)-Present