At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic governance and compliance for a growing Multi Academy Trust.
- Company: Coppice Primary Partnership, a collaborative and community-focused education trust.
- Benefits: Flexible remote working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for flexible working arrangements and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape governance in a dynamic role that makes a real impact on education.
- Qualifications: Strong governance knowledge and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced governance professional to work closely with the Chair of Trustees, Board and CEO in a genuinely strategic governance role. The Trust Governance Lead will act as the principal adviser on governance, compliance and risk, helping to ensure that governance arrangements are effective, compliant and aligned to the Trust’s priorities and future growth.
The role focuses on:
- Governance quality and effectiveness
- Board and committee support
- Governance development and compliance assurance
- Supporting strong local governance across the Trust
Importantly, this is not a traditional clerking role. CPP operates a modern, distributed governance model where:
- Administrative and clerking support is supported through dedicated capacity and digital tools
- The Governance Lead focuses on strategic oversight, assurance and governance effectiveness
- Flexible and remote working is actively supported
We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring strong professional judgement, constructive challenge and the ability to build trusted relationships with both trustees and senior leaders.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong knowledge of academy trust governance and compliance
- Is confident advising boards, trustees and senior leaders
- Can support high-quality governance while remaining pragmatic and proportionate
- Has excellent organisational, communication and relationship-building skills
- Is comfortable working flexibly and independently within an annual-hours model
Experience within an academy trust governance environment is desirable, although we welcome applications from candidates with relevant governance, legal, regulatory or company secretariat experience from other sectors.
Coppice Primary Partnership (CPP) is a growing, primary-focused Multi Academy Trust currently comprising:
- Coxheath Primary School
- Loose Primary School
- St Katherine’s School & Nursery
- and soon Staplehurst School
Our schools are rooted in their local communities and united by a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration and growth. As we continue to develop as a Trust, we are looking for a skilled governance professional to help shape and strengthen governance across CPP in a way that is proportionate, effective and future-focused.
Why join us:
- A genuinely strategic and flexible governance role
- Opportunity to help shape governance in a growing Trust
- Flexible remote/hybrid working arrangements
- A supportive and collaborative Board and executive team
- Access to ongoing professional development and governance networks
The role is based on an annual hours model, recognising that governance activity is cyclical and linked to meeting schedules rather than fixed weekly working patterns. Most meetings take place in the early evening, either virtually or at one of our schools in West Kent. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible or portfolio-style working arrangements.
Coppice Primary Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks.
Strategic Trust Governance Lead (Remote) in Maidstone employer: Coppice Primary Partnership
Coppice Primary Partnership (CPP) offers a unique opportunity for governance professionals to thrive in a strategic role that prioritises flexibility and collaboration. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive Board, CPP fosters a culture of excellence and community engagement, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education governance.
Contact Details:
Coppice Primary Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Trust Governance Lead (Remote) in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and governance sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about opportunities at Coppice Primary Partnership or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Trust’s values and recent developments. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around governance quality and effectiveness. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your ability to build trusted relationships and provide constructive challenge. This is key for a role like the Strategic Trust Governance Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Trust Governance Lead (Remote) in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Strategic Trust Governance Lead role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit perfectly with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When you're putting together your application, don't just list your previous jobs. Instead, focus on specific experiences that relate to governance, compliance, and risk management. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to advise boards and build relationships, as these are crucial for us at CPP.
Be Authentic and Personal:We want to get to know the real you! Make sure your application reflects your personality and passion for governance. Share why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at Coppice Primary Partnership. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you're happy with your application, head over to our website to submit it. Applying directly through our site ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it shows us that you're keen and ready to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coppice Primary Partnership
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of academy trust governance and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the specific governance structures and challenges faced by Coppice Primary Partnership, as this will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to provide strategic oversight and assurance. Think about times when you've successfully advised boards or senior leaders, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that experience to the role.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves building trusted relationships with trustees and senior leaders, think about how you can convey your excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've fostered collaboration in previous roles.
✨Flexibility is Key
As this role supports flexible working arrangements, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time effectively. Highlight any experience you have with remote work and how you stay organised while working independently.
