Head of Local Governance

Our client is a large, and growing, group of schools who are now looking to bring on a new Head of Local Governance into the organisation as the current post holder is retiring. The role is offered on a full time, permanent basis and is based in Peterborough where currently the team meet in the office twice a week on Tuesday and Wednesday.   

The Head of Local Governance is responsible for ensuring effective local governance across all of the academy and independent schools. You will work closely with Trustees, the Executive Team, Company Secretary and Regional Directors to ensure that our local governing bodies are well-led and have the information, advice, guidance and support they need to carry out their roles effectively in support of school improvement and in a way that is aligned with group strategy. You will provide expert advice and guidance to Chairs of LGBs and to Headteachers in support of strong local governance, helping colleagues to build effective relationships and handle their responsibilities diligently.

You will ensure that LGB Chairs and members have access to appropriate training, including in relation to specific roles and responsibilities (for example: exclusions, complaints, safeguarding, health and safety and the role of governors during inspections), drawing on the expertise of others across the group where necessary. You will work with Headteachers and LGB Chairs to ensure that all LGBs have access to independent and professional clerking services.

You will act as an advocate for local governance within and beyond the group, learning from and sharing best practice as appropriate. The post holder will also support the Company Secretary to manage other areas of responsibility – supporting effective governance, compliance and information management more widely – and will have some line management responsibilities.

About You

You will be an experienced local governance professional with strong knowledge and understanding of current practice (including in relation to compliance). You will be confident in supporting schools in a wide range of contexts (ideally across both primary and secondary phases and across the independent and academy sector) and in providing expert advice and guidance to senior leaders at all levels. You will understand what it takes to provide effective local governance in a multi-academy trust and will be committed to the development of an effective volunteer workforce, including through training and building strong networks.

You will be passionate about the importance of local governance in driving school improvement and in promoting the interests of children and young people. You will be able to influence others – including in sensitive and challenging circumstances – maintaining strong relationships with colleagues at all levels. You will be highly organised and used to managing your own time and priorities, delivering a high quality service at all times. You will have a strong commitment to your own and to others’ development, to bringing out the best in your team and in your colleagues and to promoting a culture of continuous improvement. 

If you are interested in joining a team that is committed to making a real difference to children and young people and meet the person specification, we would very much like to hear from you.

A competitive salary is on offer and a full job description is available upon request.