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- Tasks: Lead governance and compliance strategies for a dynamic education group.
- Company: St Dunstan’s Education Group, a fast-growing not-for-profit school group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team dedicated to excellence and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and influence high-level decision-making.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, compliance, or legal roles, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
St Dunstan’s Education Group (SDEG) is one of the fastest-growing not-for-profit independent school groups in the UK. It comprises a dynamic family of schools in south-east London, united by a shared ethos of integrity, curiosity, and community, and by a bold vision for modern, future-focused education. Across its schools, SDEG educates approximately 2000 pupils from the early years through to Sixth Form.
SDEG’s defining philosophy - Excellence. Differently - is a commitment to reimagining what excellence in education looks like. It encompasses sector-leading pupil progress, outstanding public examination results, national recognition in sport, music and drama, and award-winning approaches to wellbeing, inclusion, and curriculum reform. It also reflects the Group’s belief that excellence must extend beyond the classroom to the way it supports families, serves communities, and invests in its staff.
As part of the Group’s plans for sustainable growth, a new Director-level role has been created to provide strategic leadership of governance and compliance: The Group Director of Governance and Compliance. This is an exciting opportunity to shape governance in a growing, high-performing educational Group and to influence decision-making at the highest levels, supporting the long-term success of the Group.
SDEG is looking for an outstanding senior leader who can ensure that governance across the Group is robust, effective and continuously improving, and that the Group and its schools are compliant with legal and educational regulation. This high profile and exciting leadership position will most likely be suited to an experienced legal, governance, financial or compliance professional from the charity, corporate or education sector.
Working closely with the CEO, members of the Group Board, St Dunstan’s Executive Team and Heads of the Group Schools, the successful candidate will have outstanding interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, a meticulous eye for detail and will be comfortable in challenging others with tact and diplomacy. They will thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with:
- Peter Lockhart, Search Consultant: peterlockhart@rsacademics.com
- Nina Lambert, Head of Professional Services Appointments: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am on Tuesday 26 May 2026.
St Dunstan’s Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
Group Director of Governance and Compliance in Essex employer: ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP
Contact Detail:
ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director of Governance and Compliance in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at St Dunstan’s Education Group. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for informal chats! If you get a chance to speak with someone from the group, be ready to discuss your vision for governance and compliance. Show them how your experience aligns with their ethos of integrity and community.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Group thoroughly! Understand their philosophy of 'Excellence. Differently' and think about how you can contribute to that vision. This knowledge will help you stand out in conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St Dunstan’s Education Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director of Governance and Compliance in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the ethos and values of St Dunstan’s Education Group. Highlight your experience in governance and compliance, and how it aligns with their commitment to excellence in education.
Showcase Your Skills: Use your written application to demonstrate your outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex governance issues in the past, as this will resonate well with the role.
Be Detail-Oriented: Pay close attention to detail in your application. A meticulous approach will not only impress us but also show that you have the right mindset for a role that requires a keen eye for compliance and governance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through the RSAcademics website for a smooth application process. This way, you can ensure all your documents are submitted correctly and reach the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP
✨Know Your Governance and Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest governance and compliance regulations relevant to the education sector. Familiarise yourself with SDEG's ethos and how they implement their commitment to excellence. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in dynamic environments. Highlight your ability to influence decision-making and drive improvements in governance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate with Clarity and Confidence
Since this role requires outstanding interpersonal skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to present complex information, so think about how you can simplify it for different audiences. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Be Ready for Challenging Questions
Expect questions that test your ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy. Prepare scenarios where you've had to challenge others constructively. This will demonstrate your capability to maintain a positive environment while ensuring compliance.