Head of Schools Governance

Overview

A London Livery Company, which is involved in the running of several primary and secondary schools, is seeking an experienced school and academy trust governance expert. The successful candidate will be responsible for the quality of all governance arrangements across the schools, providing first-class support and advice to their Members, Governing Bodies and Committees. Reporting to the Director of Education, job holder will have five main responsibilities: advice and guidance; clerking; membership; evaluation and development; and compliance and policies. Ideally you will possess accredited Clerk status, a certificate in Academy Governance and/or other governance qualifications.

Key role/responsibilities:

• To provide strategic advice and support on all governance issues to Chairs of Trust Boards, Governing Body, including advice on constitutional matters, procedures, powers and responsibilities and the implications of proposed policies.
• To maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of regulation relating to governance, monitoring changes in the legislative and regulatory environment and ensuring all relevant stakeholders are aware of on any changes and their implications.
• To support the Chairs, Headteachers and Principals in managing membership of Trust Boards and Governing Bodies in line with statutory requirements.
• To design, commission and implement a programme of professional development for the governors.
• To provide an effective clerking service to the governing bodies and committees of the maintained schools.
• To be responsible for compliance with all governance related regulations, including requirements from the Department for Education (DfE), Charity Commission, Companies House, the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Academies Financial Handbook.

Experience and Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of policies, procedures, codes of practice and legislation relevant to academy and maintained school governance.
• A good understanding of governance best practice at school and academy trust level.
• Strong experience in a clerking role.
• Experience providing governor training.

Personal Qualities and Behaviours:

• A deep commitment to improving education for all through great school governance.
• Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• A passion for continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage and deal appropriately with confidential issues and data.