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- Tasks: Lead governance design and support the Board during an exciting transformation.
- Company: Join Castle School Education Trust, a vibrant family of schools committed to great education.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, discounts on tech and gym memberships, and dedicated counselling services.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact in governance.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and commitment to staff development and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: You will work across 2 sites as required; Marlwood and Worle, with some hybrid working supported. Working hours: up to 37 per week. Flexible working hours are welcomed.
Shape the future during a defining era of transformation. This is a unique opportunity to lead during an exciting period of change. Working initially across two multi-academy trusts, you will play a central role in designing and establishing the governance structures for the intended new Pathway Trust. As the lead governance professional, you will provide crucial support to the Board and Executive team, ensuring our governance is robust from inception. Acting as Company Secretary and a trusted strategic adviser, you will ensure our decision-making is rigorous and our compliance absolute.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Design: Lead the design and implementation of frameworks, accountability structures, and practices for the new Pathway Trust.
- Crucial Support & Advisory: Act as the primary advisor to Trustees, the CEO, and executive leaders on risk, compliance, and governance effectiveness.
- Team Leadership: Line manage the governance function and the Trust's Project Manager to deliver on cross-functional projects, including school conversions and legal changes.
- Assurance & Compliance: Provide strategic oversight of high-risk areas including complaints, whistleblowing, and information governance, ensuring statutory compliance and organizational learning.
To navigate this complex and changing landscape, we are looking for a senior professional with expert knowledge of academy trust governance. You will bring:
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience: A proven track record at senior management level, with specific experience acting as a Company Secretary and managing complex complaints and compliance frameworks.
- Leadership: Strong people management skills with the ability to develop teams and oversee the work of clerks and support roles.
- Influence: Excellent communication skills, capable of providing professional challenge and influencing stakeholders at the highest level.
- Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework affecting education (including Safeguarding and the Equality Act) and charity law.
About Castle School Education Trust
Castle School Education Trust (CSET) is a vibrant family of schools united by one powerful ambition: to deliver a great education for every child. CSET is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils. Spanning four secondary and five primary schools across South Gloucestershire, we’re proud of our strong track record in school improvement, rising pupil numbers, and consistently improving outcomes. Each of our schools has a distinct identity shaped by the community it serves—and we celebrate that uniqueness while sharing expertise, resources, and support across the Trust.
Joining us
You will be joining us at an exciting time, as we work collaboratively with eleven schools from TPLT in North Somerset, with an aim to join to form Pathway Trust in the future.
We can offer you
- Commitment to CPD and development of all staff including collaborative support and instructional coaching to allow employees to thrive
- Commitment to inclusivity and fostering of diversity
- Values and vision that are lived not laminated
- Open and honest culture
- Generous Local Government pension scheme
- Up to 30% discount with Microsoft & Dell
- Discounted gym membership
- Life Assurance - 3 x Death in Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Dedicated counselling service
Head of Governance employer: THE CASTLE SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
THE CASTLE SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in governance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific governance challenges faced by multi-academy trusts. Show us you understand the landscape and can bring innovative solutions to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission. Plus, it shows initiative and commitment to being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Governance role. Highlight your experience with governance structures and compliance frameworks, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and managed complex projects in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and drive change, as this is crucial for the position.
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 achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE CASTLE SCHOOL
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of academy trust governance, compliance frameworks, and the regulatory landscape affecting education. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing complex complaints or ensuring compliance. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Governance, you'll need to demonstrate strong people management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've developed teams in the past, managed diverse stakeholders, and influenced decision-making at a senior level. Highlighting your leadership style will be key.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the future direction of the Pathway Trust, the challenges they foresee, or how they measure governance effectiveness. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values.
