At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise and support school governance, compliance, and admissions across 154 Church of England schools.
- Company: Join a supportive Diocese committed to education and community service.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexi-time, remote work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent career growth and a focus on social purpose.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on governance practices and help shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of governance frameworks and experience with boards or committees.
Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying. The Diocese supports Church of England schools across Sussex, working to ensure every child flourishes. The vision for education is “Deeply Christian, serving the common good.”
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced governance professional to step into a strategic, system-wide role, influencing governance practice across the large and diverse family of 154 Church of England schools within the Diocese.
Position: School Governance and Admissions Officer
Location: Hove/Hybrid (You will be expected to work at the Hove office at least 50% of the week)
Salary: £30,970 per annum (pro rata FTE £44,242 pa)
Hours: Part-time – 26.25 hours per week (0.7 FTE) - flexi time available
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 12 July 2026
Interview Date: Hove on 24 July 2026
About the Role
Reporting to the Diocesan Director of Education, you will act as a trusted adviser and expert, supporting governing bodies, senior leaders and school trusts to deliver strong, effective and values-led governance. You will work alongside senior leaders and governance professionals as a respected expert in your field, helping to shape governance practice across the Diocese. There is an expectation that at least 50% of the working week will be spent at the diocesan office at Hove, unless visiting schools.
- Advise governing bodies, headteachers and trust leaders on governance, compliance and admissions
- Support Multi Academy Trusts in navigating governance and diocesan requirements
- Lead and deliver high-quality training for governors and governance professionals
- Contribute to governance reviews and improvement work in schools
- Translate complex policy into clear, practical guidance
- Build strong partnerships with schools, trusts and local authorities
About You
You’ll bring:
- Strong knowledge of governance frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Experience working with boards, governing bodies or committees
- The ability to build relationships and influence at senior levels
- Confidence in interpreting legislation and applying it in practice
This role would particularly suit Governance Professionals / Clerks looking to move into a strategic advisory role, Governance Leads within Multi Academy Trusts or Local Authority governance officers seeking wider system influence. You will be expected to support the Christian ethos of Church of England education.
Why join the team?
- A genuinely strategic governance role with system-wide impact
- Opportunity to influence governance across 154 schools
- A supportive and collaborative diocesan team
- Generous pension (15.1% employer contribution)
- A role combining professional challenge with strong social purpose
You can view full details of the job description and person specification when you apply.
About the Organisation
The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England. As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
What is on offer:
- A 0.7 pro-rata entitlement to 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
- Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home.
- Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities.
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post will involve travelling around the Diocese, some evening work and occasional work at weekends.
You may have experience in roles such as Governance, School Governance, Governance Adviser, Governance Officer.
School Governance and Admissions Officer in Heathfield employer: Not For Profit People
The Diocese offers a unique opportunity for professionals in governance to make a meaningful impact across 154 Church of England schools in Sussex. With a strong commitment to a supportive and collaborative work culture, employees benefit from generous pension contributions, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on professional development, all while serving a deeply Christian ethos that prioritises the common good. This role not only provides strategic influence but also aligns with a purpose-driven mission, making it an excellent employer for those seeking rewarding and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Governance and Admissions Officer in Heathfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in governance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Diocese and its schools. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your governance knowledge and how it can benefit the schools in the Diocese.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace School Governance and Admissions Officer in Heathfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a School Governance and Admissions Officer and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to governance and admissions. Highlight relevant achievements that showcase your expertise in these areas.
Show Your Passion for Education:We’re all about supporting Church of England schools and helping every child flourish. Make sure to express your commitment to our vision and how you can contribute to the educational landscape in Sussex.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us without any hiccups, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Not For Profit People
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance frameworks and regulatory requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially when advising governing bodies or headteachers.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role is all about building strong partnerships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced senior leaders or worked collaboratively with boards. Highlight your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios where you had to translate complex policy into clear guidance. Think of specific instances where your advice led to positive outcomes in governance practices.
✨Embrace the Christian Ethos
Since this role supports the Church of England schools, be prepared to discuss how you align with their values. Share your understanding of the Christian ethos in education and how it influences your approach to governance.
