Governance Professional in Okehampton

Governance Professional

The Governance Professional is central to governance effectiveness, compliance and innovation within Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust. The role supports Trustees and local governing boards to deliver on core strategic functions.

Benefits

• Cycle to work scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Eyecare Vouchers
• Access to Discounts
• CPD opportunities
• Extensive Health & Wellbeing Package
• Long Service Days
• On site Parking - In some locations
• Excellent Training Package
• Employee Recognition Scheme

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Trust board, committees and individual trustees and governors to facilitate effective and efficient meetings and strategic governance.
• Make a key contribution to ensuring a strong evidence base for Ofsted/Audit through an accurate record of governing board challenge, actions and decisions via concise and accurate minutes.
• Manage information effectively and in accordance with legal requirements, observing confidentiality where necessary.
• Facilitate and co‑ordinate the induction process for new Trustees and promote training, succession planning and recruitment based on the skills required to fulfil the Trust Board’s three key roles.
• Oversee the Trust’s policy tracker and trigger reviews as and when required, ensuring a draft version is ready to be presented to the relevant committee for approval with final ratification by the Trust board.
• Manage the stage 3 complaints and review of exclusion committee process as they are received, including meeting attendance and minuting proceedings.
• Follow the requirements set out in the Department for Education Clerking Competency Framework.
• Assess facts, opinions and situations accurately and exercise sound judgement, remaining objective and neutral at all times, serving as the ‘constitutional conscience’ of the board during panel meetings.
• Challenge and intervene when necessary, for example, ensuring trustees have completed safer recruitment training before serving on an appointment panel or that governance colleagues adhere to policies and seek professional advice when required.
• Undertake appropriate and regular training and development to improve practice, maintain and extend knowledge, skills and expertise.
• Travel to Trust educational settings and offices as required.

The successful candidate will be required to attend mandatory training at DMAT HQ during the induction period.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience in governance or related administrative support.
• Knowledge of the Department for Education legislation and governance best practice.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, including occasional after‑hours meetings.
• Required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).
• Post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975), meaning certain convictions and cautions are protected and need not be disclosed.
• Must comply with Data Protection and General Data Protection Regulations in all duties.

Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply. All schools in the trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff and volunteers share this commitment.