At a Glance
- 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: Flexible working hours, CPD opportunities, generous pension scheme, and discounts on tech and gym memberships.
- 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: Dynamic environment with a commitment to inclusivity and professional growth.
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: 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 in Morton 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 in Morton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent changes, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are discussing your experience and vision, the better you'll come across.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. 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 in Morton
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 our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Governance, strong leadership is key. Use your application to highlight your experience in managing teams and influencing stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is crucial. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon where possible and make sure your key messages stand out—this will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE CASTLE SCHOOL
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of governance structures, especially in the context of multi-academy trusts. Brush up on relevant legislation and frameworks, as well as the specific challenges faced by educational institutions. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you've had to navigate complex situations or drive change. This will highlight your ability to lead the governance function effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific governance challenges, such as compliance issues or stakeholder disagreements. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Castle School Education Trust's values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around inclusivity and community engagement. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.