At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the governing board by clerking meetings and managing documentation.
- Company: St Jude's C of E Primary School, committed to child welfare and community.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive pay and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while gaining valuable experience in governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in clerking or secretarial duties and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible term-time position with potential for growth in a supportive environment.
Reports To: Governing Board through Chair of Governors
Pay Band: Band 8 (FTE 36363) Actual 4375
Closing Date: 12:00pm Wednesday 1 December 2025
Start Date: 1 January 2026
St Judes Church of England Primary School is looking for a clerk to the governing board to support meetings throughout the year for a period of 200 hours. This is a term‑time position with a fully accredited clerk pay band quoted.
The role:
- Support the Chair of Governors with governing board matters
- Clerk meetings throughout the year of the Full Governing Board (FGB) and its committees
- The FGB meets twice a term between 18:30 and 20:30, plus committee meetings during school activities.
- One half‑day team development day will also be attended and clerked for.
- Duties include drafting work schedules and agendas, minute‑taking, collation and distribution of paperwork, and ensuring governor information on the website is up to date.
- Attendance at relevant training courses for continuing professional development will be expected.
Qualifications and skills:
- Ideally an accredited clerk
- Previous experience of clerking or secretarial duties
- Understanding of the law around school governance
- Good communication literacy and IT skills
- Discretion and effective organisational skills
PCC & St Judes CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level and any other background checks, including overseas checks, will be required prior to any offer of employment.
To apply please read the job description and complete the attached application form and return it to hellis@ by 12:00pm on Monday 1 December 2025. Alternatively, you can post your application to Mrs Helen Ellis, HR & Admin Manager, St Judes CE Primary School, St Nicholas Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2NZ.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
As part of any recruitment process St Judes CE Primary School collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. St Judes CE Primary School is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations under the GDPR. Completing and sending an application for a vacancy is your consent for us to process your data for the purpose of recruitment. Your data is not used in any other way and you can withdraw your consent at any point in the recruitment process and we will destroy or delete your information. For more detailed information on what we collect, how we use, store or delete data and your rights you can access a privacy statement on our website.
You will need to demonstrate that you have a Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. We would like to thank you in advance for your application; however please note we will only contact those applicants shortlisted for interview.
Clerk to the Governors St Jude\'s C of E Primary School in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerk to the Governors St Jude\'s C of E Primary School in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research St Jude's C of E Primary School, their mission, and the governing board's role. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members, governors, or even parents involved with the school. They can provide insights and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to governance and clerking. Think about how your skills match the job description and be ready to share examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and know how to follow instructions!
We think you need these skills to ace Clerk to the Governors St Jude\'s C of E Primary School in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’s important to understand what St Jude's is looking for in a Clerk to the Governors, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Show Off Your Skills: When filling out the application form, highlight your relevant skills and experiences. If you've got previous clerking or secretarial experience, let us know! We want to see how you can support our governing board effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website or via email as specified. Following the instructions helps us process your application smoothly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Governing Board
Before the interview, take some time to research St Jude's C of E Primary School and its governing board. Familiarise yourself with their values, recent initiatives, and any challenges they may be facing. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting their mission.
✨Showcase Your Minute-Taking Skills
Since minute-taking is a key part of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Bring examples of previous minutes you've taken or describe how you ensure accuracy and clarity in your documentation. Highlighting your organisational skills will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
As a clerk, you'll be privy to sensitive information. Be ready to discuss how you handle confidential matters and maintain professionalism in your work. Sharing specific scenarios where you've successfully managed sensitive information can illustrate your understanding of the importance of discretion.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the governing board's goals, the support they provide to the clerk, and any training opportunities available. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.