At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise schools on governance and admissions while shaping effective practices across 154 Church of England schools.
- Company: Join a supportive Diocese committed to the common good and Christian values.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexi-time, remote work options, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and system-wide influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education governance and support children's flourishing.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance frameworks and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30970 - 30970 £ per year.
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.
You will:
- 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
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 Hove employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
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 professional development opportunities, all while contributing to a deeply Christian ethos that serves 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.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Governance and Admissions Officer in Hove
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in governance. Attend local events or webinars related to school governance to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with governance frameworks and successful projects. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value to prospective employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your skills align with the role of a School Governance and Admissions Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to submit your interest. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the Diocese's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governance and Admissions Officer in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of School Governance and Admissions Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for education and governance shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who not only understands the importance of governance but also shares our commitment to serving the common good within Church of England schools.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Community Chaplaincy
✨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
Think about real-life scenarios where you've translated complex policies into clear guidance. Be ready to share 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. Reflect on your understanding of the Christian ethos in education and how it influences your approach to governance.
