At a Glance
- Tasks: Clerk academy meetings, provide governance advice, and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join the Inspiration Trust, a forward-thinking education organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth across Norfolk and Suffolk.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in schools while developing your skills in governance.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in formal decision-making processes.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 17 ÂŁ per hour.
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale G: ÂŁ16.35 - ÂŁ17.47 per hour (plus holiday pay)
Casual Contract, Variable Hours
Start Date: September 2026
This role will be based at Inspiration Trust Central Services, currently located at Hewett Academy, Cecil Road, Norwich, NR1 2PL, with travel to academies across Norfolk and Suffolk.
The Inspiration Trust Central Governance Team is seeking a skilled and highly organised Governance Professional to support the Head of Governance in delivering high-quality governance services across the Trust. This role is central to ensuring that academy committee meetings and panel hearings are conducted fairly, professionally and in line with statutory guidance, regulatory requirements and Trust policies. You will act as a Governance Professional, providing procedural advice and ensuring accurate records of challenge, decision-making and agreed actions.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Clerking academy committee meetings, providing professional advice on governance processes, procedural matters and compliance requirements
- Preparing, circulating and publishing agendas and supporting papers in a timely manner
- Attending meetings and panel hearings in person at academies across Norfolk and Suffolk
- Taking clear, accurate minutes that clearly record challenge, decision-making and agreed actions
- Clerking panel hearings, including exclusion and complaints panels, ensuring hearings are convened and conducted in line with statutory guidance and Trust procedures
- Supporting academies to ensure panels are appropriately constituted and all parties are properly informed
- Communicating panel decisions accurately and within required timescales
- Supporting follow-up actions and maintaining appropriate governance records
- Ensuring the appropriate handling, storage and confidentiality of sensitive information at all times
About You
You will be a confident and professional individual with strong organisational and communication skills, capable of supporting formal decision-making processes in a respectful, impartial and compliant manner. You will be comfortable working with senior leaders, governors, panel members and parents/carers, and able to handle sensitive and occasionally challenging situations with discretion and professionalism.
Essential
- Experience of working to tight deadlines
- Experience of supporting meetings, hearings or formal decision-making processes
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High levels of literacy, accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to exercise professional judgement and know when to escalate matters
- Competence in IT, including confident use of Microsoft Office
Desirable
- A degree or similar level qualification
- Experience of clerking governing bodies, academy committees or boards
- Experience of clerking exclusions or complaints panels
- Understanding of governance within an education setting
Why Join Inspiration Trust
At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.
Next Steps
Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 22nd May 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities: Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Governance Professional (Norwich) employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Professional (Norwich)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Inspiration Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common governance scenarios. Think about how we would handle sensitive situations or tricky questions. This will show our confidence and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so let’s make sure we look professional and polished for the interview. It shows we respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that keeps us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate our interest in being part of the Inspiration Trust family!
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Professional (Norwich)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Governance Professional role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Use the language from the job description to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Show us how you fit the bill for this specific role at Inspiration Trust.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We love detail, but make sure it’s relevant. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts and make it easier for us to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure you apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on governance processes and statutory guidance relevant to the education sector. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, as well as the policies of Inspiration Trust. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the importance of governance in an educational setting.
✨Prepare for Meeting Scenarios
Since you'll be clerking meetings and panel hearings, think about potential scenarios you might face. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed similar situations. This will help you demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle sensitive matters professionally.
✨Practice Your Minute-Taking Skills
Being able to take clear and accurate minutes is crucial for this role. Before the interview, practice summarising discussions and decisions from mock meetings. This will not only improve your minute-taking skills but also give you confidence in your ability to document important information accurately.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Governance Professional, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. During the interview, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples that highlight your written and verbal communication skills, especially in challenging situations, to prove you can handle the demands of the role.