At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Court of Governors with governance and administrative tasks in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Established charitable group of independent schools in North West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, remote work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy free onsite parking and various employee perks, including gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, strong organisational skills, and excellent communication abilities.
Location: North West London (NW7), with travel to schools across the group; free onsite parking. Remote working for part of term time and fully during school holidays. Hours: Approx. 32 hours / 4 days per week (term time) plus ~8 hours/week in school holidays, worked flexibly. Mostly weekday afternoons/early evenings, with up to five Saturday meetings a year. Salary: £40,000–£45,000 (approx. £65,000 FTE). Contract: Permanent, part-time. Reporting to: Chair of the Court of Governors.
About the role
A well-established charitable group of independent schools in North West London is seeking a Governance Professional to support its Court of Governors. Reporting to the Chair, you'll provide professional and administrative support to the Court and advise on governance, constitutional and procedural matters – acting as the trusted link between the schools and the Governors, and helping the Court drive an ambitious agenda towards best-practice governance. This is a pivotal role at the heart of the Foundation. You'll lead the full cycle of Court and Committee business and own the governance machinery behind it, working closely with the Chair, CEO and central management team. The Court seeks a talented, self-sufficient professional who enjoys the educational environment, brings sound judgement and meticulous attention to detail, and can maintain absolute confidentiality while commanding the trust of senior stakeholders. Given the confidential nature of the work, the postholder may not engage in any role involving any other school.
Key responsibilities
- Schedule all Court and Committee meetings; agree agendas with the Chair, CEO and Executives; procure and distribute board papers in advance and arrange meeting logistics.
- Attend meetings and take accurate, impartial minutes, ensure meetings are quorate, and circulate drafts promptly to the Chair.
- Manage Charity Commission and Companies House administration (including the annual Return) and liaise on the Trustees' Report and Accounts.
- Administer the full Governor lifecycle – appointment, induction, training, review, skills audit and succession planning.
- Maintain governance records, declarations of interest, the skills matrix, risk register, policies and governance manual.
- Ensure compliance with the Foundation's Articles, Scheme of Delegation and statutory duties, including safeguarding and ISI; organise appeal, disciplinary and complaints panels.
- Act as first point of contact for Governors and liaison with the Executives, AGBIS and the Charity Commission; visit each school termly and support associated committees.
About you
- Demonstrable understanding of the independent school sector, with sound knowledge of charity law, governance, risk and compliance.
- Strong management and administrative skills from a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation, with first-class organisation and meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong ability in writing agendas and concise, impartial minutes, and in processing large volumes of information.
- Excellent communicator able to build trust with Governors, senior management, parents and staff; a proactive, flexible self-starter with credibility and integrity; strong ICT skills.
- Own vehicle and full driving licence (essential for travel between schools).
- Desirable: Chartered Secretary qualification / Chartered Governance Institute membership; experience in a school, education, charity or NHS trust; charity knowledge from a non-profit setting.
What we offer
- £40,000–£45,000 (approx. £65,000 FTE); 25 days' holiday (pro-rated, in salary); pension matched at 5% with life assurance.
- Free onsite parking, meals on site, optional private medical insurance, Cycle to Work, and discounted gym/pool membership.
- Professional development and training, plus remote working for part of term time and fully in school holidays.
Governance Professional employer: Harris Lee
Join a well-established charitable group of independent schools in North West London, where you will thrive in a supportive and flexible work environment. As a Governance Professional, you will enjoy a part-time role with competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to best-practice governance in education. With free onsite parking and the option for remote working during term time and school holidays, this position offers a perfect balance of work and personal life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Professional
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Harris Lee. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Harris Lee directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Harris Lee’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Professional
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Governance Professional at Harris Lee, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Governance Professional, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Harris Lee. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Lee
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Harris Lee. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Harris Lee's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
