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- Tasks: Lead governance and communications for a growing Catholic Academy Trust.
- Company: Join Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust, a values-driven organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to education and community.
- Why this job: Shape impactful governance and communications across multiple schools.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and strong governance expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust is seeking an experienced, highly organised Head of Governance and Communications to lead and coordinate governance and communications across our expanding family of schools. This is a pivotal senior role within a newly formed and growing Trust, offering the opportunity to shape robust governance structures and deliver impactful communications that support our Catholic mission and strategic ambitions.
The Head of Governance and Communications ensures the Trust is governed to the highest standards through effective structures, compliance and accountability, while also leading creative and far-reaching communications across the Trust.
You will:
- Act as Company Secretary to the Trust
- Provide high-level strategic, organisational and administrative support to the CEO
- Support the Board, Committees and Local Governance Committees to operate effectively within legal and regulatory frameworks
- Lead Trust-wide communications, fundraising activity and external engagement
This role is central to enabling effective decision-making, supporting growth, and ensuring transparency and integrity across all levels of governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Governance & Strategic Leadership
- Lead and manage all governance functions across the Trust
- Develop, implement and maintain effective governance structures
- Draft, review and update governance policies and key documents, including the Governance Handbook and Scheme of Delegation
- Manage GovernorHub and ensure consistency of governance practice across schools
- Support stakeholder engagement, including with the Diocese and external partners
- Support schools with complaints and ensure safeguarding is embedded in governance processes
- Governance Development
- Lead induction, training and development for Directors, Governors and Clerks
- Carry out governance reviews, skills audits and self-evaluations
- Measure and report on governance effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
- Board & Committee Support
- Provide professional clerking and governance support to the Board, Committees and Members
- Ensure compliance with charity and company law, ESFA requirements and the Academy Trust Handbook
- Manage statutory filings, registers and records
- Prepare agendas, reports and accurate minutes, tracking actions to completion
- Communications
- Develop and deliver impactful communications campaigns to raise the Trust’s profile
- Manage the Trust website and oversee online presence
- Produce reports, marketing materials and key publications
- Lead Trust-wide fundraising activity, including researching funding opportunities and bid writing
- Coordinate Trust communications, including termly priorities, liturgical calendars and wellbeing updates
- CEO Support
- Provide high-level administrative and organisational support to the CEO
- Coordinate executive and governance communications
- Prepare documentation, reports and meeting packs
- Safeguarding & Integrity
- Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality and the Nolan Principles of Public Life
- Act as a professional ambassador for the Trust, reflecting its Catholic values
Person Specification
We are seeking a strategic, values-driven leader with strong governance and communications expertise.
Essential criteria
- Degree-level qualification
- Strong knowledge of governance and legal frameworks
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven organisational, time-management and project management skills
- Experience working at senior level and advising Boards
- Awareness of safeguarding and KCSIE responsibilities
- Commitment to confidentiality, integrity and professionalism
- Sympathy with and ability to support the Catholic mission of the Trust
Desirable criteria
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g. NGA)
- Experience of academy growth, school expansion or change management
- Experience of communications leadership (in-house or agency)
- Understanding of academy conversions and due diligence
- Experience clerking or supporting corporate bodies
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a newly established and expanding Catholic Academy Trust
- Play a key role in shaping governance and communications across multiple schools
- Work within a collaborative, supportive and values-led organisation
Benefits include Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and 27 days’ annual leave.
Head of Governance and Communications in Croydon employer: Sancta Familia
Contact Detail:
Sancta Familia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance and Communications in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with governance and communications. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your previous governance and communications work to the table during interviews. Whether it’s a successful campaign or a governance structure you implemented, concrete examples will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance and Communications in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your governance and communications experience. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Head of Governance and Communications role.
Showcase Your Values: Since we’re a Catholic Academy Trust, it’s important to reflect your understanding and support for our values in your application. Share examples of how you’ve embodied love, service, humility, and faith in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sancta Familia
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on governance structures and legal frameworks relevant to academy trusts. Familiarise yourself with the specific governance policies of Sancta Familia CAT, as this will show your commitment and understanding of their operations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of impactful communications campaigns you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance the Trust's profile through creative strategies, as effective communication is key to this role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would approach the development and implementation of governance structures. Be prepared to share your vision for governance within the Trust and how it aligns with their Catholic mission.
✨Engage with Their Values
Understand and reflect on the values of love, service, humility, and faith that underpin the Trust. Be ready to discuss how these values resonate with you and how you would embody them in your role.