At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead school governance and admissions for Church of England schools across the Diocese.
- Company: Join a supportive team at the Diocese of Chichester, serving 154 schools.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while supporting the Christian ethos.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in school governance or related fields.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 30970 - 44242 £ per year.
We wish to appoint a skilled and experienced team member to be the lead officer for school governance and admissions in Church of England schools across the Diocese. The post holder will work closely with the Director and Deputy Director of Education, schools, governors and senior leadership teams.
Location: East Sussex/Hybrid
Salary: £30,970 per annum (pro-rata FTE £44,242 pa)
Hours: Part-time, 26.25 hours per week (flexible working)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 27th November 2025
Interview Date: Hove on 15th December 2025
About the Role
The Diocese has 154 schools across Sussex working in partnership with 360 parishes. The vision for Education is to be “Deeply Christian, serving the common good.” Based at Church House in Hove, the organisation seeks to live out this vision to “Know, love and follow Jesus.”
The principal duties include:
- Providing advice and support relating to school admissions to headteachers and school governors
- Advising school governing boards and headteachers on issues of compliance and governance, including complaints and disciplinary issues
- Developing and delivering training related to admissions and governance
- Managing the recruitment and appointment process of foundation governors
- Working with the Deputy Director and School Effectiveness Team to address leadership and management issues in schools with the purpose of raising standards and improving outcomes for children
About You
- Be educated to degree level (or equivalent) and with experience of being a school governor, clerk to governors or have other relevant governance experience
- Have up to date knowledge and understanding of education legislation and regulation related to admissions and governance for Church Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts
- Have the ability to plan and deliver high quality training to governors and headteachers
- Be able to establish effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including governors, headteachers, academy partners and Local Authority officers
- Be committed and confident in the aims and ethos of the Diocese of Chichester as an outward facing ambassador for the diocesan Education team
For full details of the job please see the job description and person specification when you click to apply.
About the Organisation
The vision of the Diocese is to help people within the Diocese to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of the Diocese across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.
As an employer, and as a Church House team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
Benefits include:
- The opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
- A 0.7 pro-rata entitlement to 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and 2 privilege days per year
- Flexi-time, free parking, the ride to work scheme
- Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%
- An employee assistance programme with access to counselling support, GP helpline, financial, legal and care advice and support
- Free eye tests and employer contribution towards glasses
- Free parking, the ride to work scheme and development opportunities
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and the post will involve travelling around the Diocese, some evening work and occasional work at weekends.
School Governance and Admissions Officer employer: Diocese of Chichester
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Chichester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Governance and Admissions Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with governance and admissions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Diocese and its schools. Understand their ethos and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will show you’re genuinely interested and committed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to governance and admissions. Think about specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in these areas.
✨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 keen on being part of our community right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governance and Admissions Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in school governance and admissions. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the Church of England's educational vision shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who truly believes in our mission to serve the common good, so share why this role excites you!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information about the role there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Chichester
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of education legislation and regulations related to admissions and governance, especially for Church Schools. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and serious about the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your commitment to the ethos and aims of the Diocese. Share personal experiences or insights that reflect your alignment with their vision of being 'Deeply Christian, serving the common good'. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations related to school governance and admissions. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated challenges, such as compliance issues or training delivery.
✨Build Rapport
Since you'll be working closely with various stakeholders, it's crucial to establish a good rapport during the interview. Be friendly, approachable, and engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and how you can contribute to their goals.