At a Glance
- Tasks: Support school governing boards with governance advice and meeting organisation.
- Company: Join Blackpool Council's dynamic Governor Services team.
- Benefits: Flexible term-time hours, hybrid working, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on educational governance and outcomes for young people.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in clerking meetings preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 31022 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 20 per week, term time only (in line with school holidays)
Salary: NJC Grade E SCP 12-17 £28,598 - £31,022 per annum (pro-rata) - as this is a term time only role, working 20 hours per week your actual basic salary would be approximately £18,882 - £20,482 per annum
Closing Date: Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 23:59
Location: Hybrid working with a combination of home working, office working at Bickerstaffe House, Blackpool, and attendance at school and academy settings across the region.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Blackpool Council's Governor Services team as a Governor Services Adviser. We are seeking a highly organised, professional and motivated individual to provide governance support and advice to school governing boards and academy trusts across Blackpool and the North West. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will work closely with governors, trustees, chairs, headteachers and senior leaders to ensure governing boards operate effectively and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
About the Role
- Prepare for, attend and clerk governing board meetings, committees, hearings and appeals.
- Produce high-quality agendas, meeting papers and accurate minutes within agreed timescales.
- Advise governing boards on governance legislation, constitutional requirements, policies and decision-making procedures.
- Support governing boards with membership, succession planning, skills audits, training and governance development.
- Maintain governance records and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and data protection legislation.
- Promote and support governor recruitment, induction and continuing professional development.
- Build positive relationships with governors, trustees, school leaders, council officers and external partners.
- Keep up to date with developments in education and governance legislation.
About You
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience of clerking formal meetings and producing accurate minutes.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and providing procedural advice in formal settings.
- Excellent ICT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- The ability to work with tact, diplomacy, impartiality and confidentiality.
- A commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.
- Knowledge or experience of school governance, academy trusts or similar board governance arrangements would be advantageous.
- A recognised qualification in clerking governance boards, or willingness to undertake training, is desirable.
What We Offer
- Flexible, term-time working arrangements.
- Hybrid working opportunities.
- Comprehensive training and development.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- The opportunity to make a positive contribution to educational governance and outcomes for children and young people.
The role requires regular attendance at meetings held between approximately 3.00pm and 8.00pm, together with occasional travel to schools and academies across the region. This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jacqueline Currey, Governor Services Manager, on 01253 476513.
Blackpool Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/vulnerable adults. This post is subject to satisfactory reference history of at least two years, Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, medical clearance, evidence of any essential qualifications and proof of Right to Work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and amendments to the exemptions order, which mean that certain offences are ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed.
Governor Services Adviser employer: Blackpool Council
Join our dedicated Public Health Team in the vibrant seaside town of Blackpool, where you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of adults at risk from drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive work culture with flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to your professional development through protected CPD time and diverse training packages. If you're looking for a rewarding career that allows you to collaborate with various stakeholders and drive positive change, this is the perfect place for you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governor Services Adviser
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Blackpool Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Blackpool Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Governor Services Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Blackpool Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Blackpool Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Blackpool Council.
