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- Tasks: Support governance at Trust and school level, ensuring compliance and effective operations.
- Company: Canonium Learning Trust, a dynamic and award-winning educational trust in Essex.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team making a real impact on children's education and governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and governance, with strong advisory skills.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for additional clerking opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 23 £ per hour.
Canonium Learning Trust is a primary academy trust serving a growing family of schools across Essex. In under two years, we have grown from four to twelve schools, becoming one of the most dynamic and fast-developing trusts in the region. Our mission is grounded in the values of Opportunity, Challenge, and Integrity, and we are committed to delivering inclusive, high-quality education that enables every child to thrive. In 2025, we were proud to be named Tes Trust of the Year (9 schools or fewer) in recognition of our educational impact, strategic leadership, and collaborative culture.
Following a recent governance review aligned to our growth and future ambitions, we are investing in this new post to further strengthen our governance structures and support sustained excellence at both trust and local levels. Governance is a strategic enabler of our mission - and this role will be central to its continued success. The Governance and Compliance Professional is a senior administrative and advisory post responsible for ensuring the effective operation of governance at Trust and school level. The postholder serves as the independent and professional adviser to the Trust Board, ensuring that all statutory and regulatory duties are met and that governance practice supports the Trust's strategic aims, compliance obligations, and ethos.
The postholder will lead all clerking for the Trust Board and its committees, oversee the distribution and escalation of information between Local Governing Committees (LGCs) and the Board, and coordinate a robust programme of induction, training, policy oversight, and governance self-review. They will also carry out key compliance tasks, including maintaining statutory registers, updating GIAS, and ensuring website governance content is up to date. The role also includes oversight of the Scheme of Delegation, Governance Handbook, Code of Conduct, and related frameworks.
This role is offered on a part-time, permanent basis with flexibility to work 1-2 days per week (term time only). The working days will be Monday and/or Friday with total working hours offered at 7-10 per week. FTE salary range is £39,862 - £44,075 equivalent to £20.66 - £22.85 per hour.
Plus:
- An additional 9 hours clerking paid per Full Board meeting (6 x per year) - evenings 7pm-9pm
- An additional 5 hours clerking paid per Board committee (6 x per year) - daytime
- There may also be further opportunities for hourly paid clerking for local governing committees
At the heart of our Trust is a shared belief that every child deserves the best possible education, regardless of the size or location of their school. We work relentlessly to nurture each child's potential and enthusiasm for learning, so that they leave our schools ready to embrace future challenges and make a positive contribution to society.
Our Purpose: We exist to create environments where pupils thrive and staff are empowered. Our work is guided by three core principles that define how our schools operate and collaborate:
- We are committed to making the most of every opportunity to give our pupils an outstanding, inclusive, and well-rounded education. We work smartly, invest in staff development, and foster collaboration and shared learning across all our schools.
- We embrace challenge as a driver for improvement. We strike the right balance between school-level autonomy and trust-wide consistency, ensuring a clear focus on high-quality teaching and learning. Feedback, ambition, and a culture of continuous improvement underpin our approach.
- Integrity is at the core of how we lead, teach, and work together. We model fairness, respect, and open communication. We have the courage to do the right thing, take ownership of our actions, and hold ourselves and others to high standards - always with the best interests of children at heart.
If you’re interested in joining a trust that is innovative, collaborative, and values-driven, and want to be part of a team recognised nationally for excellence, Canonium Learning Trust could be the right place for you.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Governance Professional employer: Essex
Contact Detail:
Essex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Professional
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Canonium Learning Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Trust's recent achievements, especially their Tes Trust of the Year award. We want to show that we’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to governance and compliance. We can even role-play with a friend to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the Canonium Learning Trust team.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Professional
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Canonium Learning Trust. Highlight your experience in governance and how it aligns with our commitment to high-quality education.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your administrative and advisory skills. We want to see how you can support our Trust Board and ensure compliance with all statutory duties, so be specific about your relevant experiences.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on governance practices and compliance obligations relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the Trust's mission, values, and recent achievements, like being named Tes Trust of the Year. This will show that you're genuinely interested and understand the importance of governance in supporting their strategic aims.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific governance scenarios or challenges. Think about past experiences where you've demonstrated your ability to lead, advise, or manage compliance tasks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Governance Professional, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you would facilitate communication between the Trust Board and Local Governing Committees. Highlight any experience you have in clerking or managing meetings, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the Trust. Inquire about their future governance strategies or how they plan to maintain their high standards of education. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in contributing to their mission.
