School Governance and Alliance Board Service Manager in Barnsley

Salary & Working Arrangements: £55,946 - £59,907

Hours per week: 37

Hybrid working available; flexible working arrangements can be discussed.

Closing Date: 26/06/2026 23:59

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice to Headteachers, CEOs, governors and senior leaders on governance, procedure and compliance.
• Produce high‑quality reports, briefings and minutes for the Schools’ Alliance, Local Authority and governing body committees.
• Ensure robust governance and regulatory compliance arrangements across maintained schools.
• Oversee and strengthen the traded services including Clerking and Governor Development for maintained schools and academies.
• Line‑manage a small team and lead a pool of clerks, providing termly briefings and ensuring consistent, high‑quality support.
• Keep governors up to date with legislation and guidance so they can effectively support and challenge their schools.
• Review governance and regulatory requirements proactively; identify improvements; develop resources and deliver practical solutions.
• Support the Head of Service for Education & Partnerships with complex complaints (including those escalated via DfE and Ofsted) and advise maintained schools on managing parental complaints.
• Support Schools’ Forum by leading and supporting the agendas, attending meetings and advising the Chair on procedural and legislative requirements.

About You:

• Strong working knowledge of school and academy governance, including the academisation process.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to work independently in a fast‑paced environment; confident analysing and synthesising high volumes of information.
• Proven ability to produce clear, concise reports and minutes to support effective decision‑making.
• Able to build effective working relationships at all levels and deliver a consistently high standard of customer‑focused service.
• Experience producing resources to support the work of school governors.
• Creative, flexible approach and commitment to continuous service improvement.

Requirements:

• Speak English to an appropriate standard.
• Basic Criminal Record Check required.
• Provide a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad.
• Be prepared to start work with all necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa; please note that the council is not a Home Office licensed sponsor and cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Benefits & Equality:

• Competitive salary range of £55,946 – £59,907.
• Good pension scheme.
• Employee rewards and benefits program.
• Flexible working arrangements and support for work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for training and development.
• The council is committed to inclusivity, values diversity, and welcomes applicants with past convictions. No discrimination on any grounds.