At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to enhance school governance and educational outcomes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking service dedicated to innovation and excellence in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and team growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while shaping the future of governance services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong knowledge of school governance required.
The predicted salary is between 54360 - 61686 £ per year.
Do you see yourself leading a high-performing team that makes a real difference to school governance and educational outcomes? Can you use your experience to shape strategy, influence stakeholders, and deliver high-quality governance support across a diverse education landscape? Does the idea of joining a forward-thinking service, where your leadership will drive innovation, compliance, and excellence, excite you? If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our School Support Services is looking for a passionate and dedicated Head of Governor Services to join our amazing team and help make a difference today!
About the Role
As Head of Governor Services, you will provide strategic leadership to the Governor Services Team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused support to school governing bodies. You will lead on governance, risk, and compliance frameworks, ensuring robust and effective processes are in place across schools. You will manage and develop a team of Governor Development Advisors and a Governor Services Coordinator, while working closely with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver a strong governance offer. The role includes overseeing statutory duties, supporting schools with Ofsted readiness, driving innovation, and ensuring services evolve to meet future needs.
About You
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams
- Strong knowledge of school governance, statutory requirements, and compliance frameworks
- Experience designing and delivering strategic, business-focused services
- Ability to provide expert advice, coaching, and mentoring to a wide range of stakeholders
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships
- Experience supporting organisations through inspection or regulatory processes (e.g. Ofsted)
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan and deliver statutory services effectively
- A proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving and service development
About the Team
You’ll be joining a dedicated and collaborative team within School Support Services, committed to delivering outstanding governance support to schools. We pride ourselves on our professional, supportive culture, where continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and development are at the heart of what we do. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of governance services, influence wider service development, and support the growth and success of schools. You’ll have the chance to develop both your team and your own leadership capability in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
Contact Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Donna-Marie Muir at donna-marie.muir@southwark.gov.uk
Additional Information
- Relevant degree or equivalent and/or business and/or professional qualification and management qualification or evidence of recent/continuing professional qualification
- Hours of work, 36 hours per week Monday - Friday
- This post is a maternity cover and would be offered as a fixed term contract/secondment opportunity for 9 months
- This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced - Adults and Children (Barred) level
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
About Southwark
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £54,360 - £61,686
Head of Governor Services employer: Southwark Council
At Southwark, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. As the Head of Governor Services, you will lead a dedicated team in a dynamic environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development while making a meaningful impact on educational governance. Our commitment to tackling inequalities and promoting inclusion ensures that every employee can thrive and contribute to our mission of serving the community effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governor Services
✨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 Southwark 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 Southwark 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 Head of Governor Services
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 Southwark 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 Southwark Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Southwark 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 Southwark Council.
