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 ongoing professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape governance in a dynamic role that makes a real impact on education.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of governance, excellent communication skills, and ability to build relationships.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
Trust Governance Professional in Maidstone employer: Coppice Primary Partnership
Coppice Primary Partnership (CPP) offers a unique opportunity for governance professionals to engage in a strategic role that shapes the future of education within a supportive and collaborative environment. With flexible remote working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, CPP fosters a culture of growth and excellence, making it an ideal employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector.
Contact Details:
Coppice Primary Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trust Governance Professional in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in governance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's values and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about their mission and community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Trust’s needs. Highlight your governance knowledge and relationship-building skills to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Coppice Primary Partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace Trust Governance Professional in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you understand the ins and outs of governance, compliance, and risk management. We want to see that you can confidently advise boards and trustees, so brush up on your knowledge of academy trust governance before applying!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Show us how your experience aligns with the role by highlighting relevant skills and experiences. We love it when candidates connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves building relationships with trustees and senior leaders, make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to engage with different stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our Trust there!
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
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you can contribute to strategic oversight and governance effectiveness. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully advised boards or led governance initiatives, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your relationship-building skills. The role requires working closely with trustees and senior leaders, so be ready to discuss how you've fostered trust and collaboration in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their culture.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role supports flexible and remote working, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and work independently. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated similar working arrangements in the past, showing that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
