Governance, Compliance and Risk Lead

The Board of Trustees at Focus-Trust are looking to recruit a new Governance, Compliance and Risk Lead, to play a key role in Corporate and school Governance as well as being our Company Secretary. The successful candidate will succeed the previous postholder, who led significant improvement across the Trust in this area. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to build on this strong foundation and continue driving continued improvements to ensure effective governance, compliance and risk management across our Trust.

We have a thriving partnership of schools that are driven to do the best for our children. As a team, we believe in collective efficacy and share a commitment to working together on the things that matter in order to improve outcomes for all. Our Trust is proud of our wider partnerships to improve education for all children in our schools and communities, whilst also contributing to the local, regional and national agendas. We are also proud to have a great team of people working in our schools who always put children at the heart of our practice. We are committed to providing excellent professional development opportunities for all staff and always aim to be an employer of choice.

Focus-Trust is a primary trust established in 2012 as a not-for-profit charity with children at the heart of everything it does. It currently has 15 primary schools and continues to look to expand. The Governance, Compliance and Risk Lead will play a key role in helping us achieve our vision of great schools at the heart of our communities.

The Governance, Compliance and Risk Lead will be responsible for:

• Supporting the strategic development of governance, compliance and risk across the Trust.
• Supporting the Chair and Trustees in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Board and related committees and supporting the CEO and other senior leaders in matters of effective and strong governance.
• Ensuring the Trust complies with relevant legal, constitutional and regulatory requirements associated with Multi Academy Trust status.
• Ensuring the effective operation of corporate governance controls.
• Supporting the local governing bodies.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following qualities:

• Be adaptable, resilient, patient, motivated and an excellent communicator who works with integrity and respect for all.
• Have excellent organisational skills and the ability to thrive within the demands of a busy primary school trust.
• The flexibility to adapt, work effectively as part of a team, and maintain high standards and expectations of yourself and others.
• Have the ability to support and liaise with a team of clerks who are not directly employed by the Trust to ensure consistency of approach and standards in all our schools.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an effective and knowledgeable individual who will make a significant contribution to all aspects of governance, compliance and risk across our Trust. The role will be based at Ram Mill in Oldham, our Head Office, but will involve travel to all our schools within the Trust and involve approximately 1 day a week, working from home.

Focus-Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people. There is an explicit expectation that all staff, trustees, governors, and volunteers share this commitment and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures. Applicants should be aware that the recruitment process will include an assessment of your suitability to work with children and you must be willing to undergo pre-employment checks. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Focus-Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups and ethnic minorities. If you would like to join our team, please apply using the following link and take the opportunity to read the Join Our Team booklet and the full Recruitment Pack. Please note we do not accept CVs, nor will we accept applications from any platform other than MyNewTerm. Please therefore access the application form through the link above if you wish us to consider your interest in this role.

Closing Date for Applications: 30 April 2026 at noon. Assessment/Interview Date: 12 May 2026. Should you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange a visit to any of our schools, please contact Janet Berry, Executive Assistant, via email at j.berry@focus-trust.co.uk or by calling 07867 423 870. Janet will arrange for you to speak with Helen Rowland, CEO, and we can also arrange a visit to one of our schools and our Head Office if this would be helpful. If this role is of interest to you, we look forward to receiving your completed application.