At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead school governance and assurance to improve outcomes for children in Newham.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Newham, a diverse and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic setting with excellent transport links and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education governance in one of London's most vibrant boroughs.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, compliance, or risk management within education or public sector.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Newham is one of London's most ambitious and diverse boroughs, and we are committed to ensuring that our schools and education settings have strong, effective governance that supports the very best outcomes for children and young people.
We are looking for an experienced and confident School Governance & Assurance Lead to provide strategic leadership for school governance, accountability and assurance across Newham's maintained schools and relevant education settings.
This is a key role within our Education Improvement and Outcomes service.
You will act as the Council's principal adviser on school governance and governance assurance, working closely with senior leaders, headteachers, governing boards, elected members and colleagues across Education and the wider Council.
You will lead the development and continuous improvement of our borough-wide governance assurance framework, ensuring effective arrangements are in place to identify and manage governance risk, monitor statutory compliance and provide senior leaders with clear and robust assurance.
The role will also lead on governance policy and standards, provide expert advice and constructive professional challenge, and lead complex governance reviews and investigations where significant concerns or risks have been identified.
Working closely with our School Improvement and wider Education colleagues, you will help ensure that strong governance is embedded across our education system and contributes to effective leadership, safeguarding, financial management and improved outcomes for children and young people.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and strengthening school governance and assurance across one of London's most diverse boroughs.
About You
We are looking for someone with significant experience in governance, assurance, compliance, audit or risk management within education or another complex public sector organisation.
You will have a strong understanding of statutory responsibilities relating to school governance, safeguarding, finance and accountability and will be comfortable working with senior stakeholders in situations that can sometimes be complex, sensitive or high risk.
- You will
- Provide credible strategic advice, assurance and professional challenge.
- Analyse complex information and identify governance, compliance and assurance risks.
- Develop and implement effective governance frameworks, policies and standards.
- Lead reviews and investigations and make clear, evidence-based recommendations.
- Communicate confidently and build effective relationships with senior leaders, headteachers, governing boards, elected members and external partners.
- Produce high-quality reports, policies and assurance documentation.
- Manage competing priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
You will be proactive and solution-focused, with excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to exercise sound professional judgement and discretion to ensure continuous improvement and strengthening governance across Newham.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct.
If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment.
Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity.
Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by .
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all.
When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation.
If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that's all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London.
It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east.
It is well connected by public transport with, bus, tube and DLR.
When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London.
The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock.
Newham has the youngest overall population in the country.
It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium.
It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family.
There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock.
It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
School Governance & Assurance Lead employer: Newham Council
Newham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where you can make a tangible impact on the community. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while working on meaningful projects that shape local policy and public affairs. The Council values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Governance & Assurance Lead
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Newham Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Newham Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governance & Assurance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Newham Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newham Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Newham Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Newham Council.
