Governance Coordinator in Plymouth

Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) is a family of 31 schools (8 secondary and 23 primary), working together across the South West.

We are seeking an organised, confident and highly professional Governance Coordinator to join Westcountry Schools Trust and support effective governance across our schools.

You will work closely with WeST Community Council Chairs and members, Headteachers, school and central colleagues, helping to ensure that governance activity is well organised, compliant and effective.

About this Role

Reporting to the Governance and Compliance Lead, you will administer an allocated portfolio of WeST Community Councils and act as a first point of contact for routine governance and procedural enquiries. You will plan and support the full governance cycle, prepare accurate minutes and records, monitor actions, coordinate member recruitment, onboarding and training, and help schools apply agreed governance procedures consistently. The role also supports Trust-wide governance compliance and assurance, including policy approval and website compliance monitoring. You will assess information against established requirements, maintain trackers and systems, prepare reports and dashboards, follow up routine corrective actions and elevate complex or sensitive matters to senior governance colleagues. Some evening meetings and travel to schools across the Trust will be required.

What we’re looking for

You will be a skilled administrator and coordinator who can organise formal meetings, prepare papers, take clear and accurate minutes, maintain secure records and manage several priorities and deadlines. You will communicate confidently and courteously with a wide range of stakeholders, work independently within agreed procedures and use professional judgement to resolve routine matters or elevate them appropriately.

You will need a sound educational background, including GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above or equivalent, strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Copilot, with the aptitude to learn systems such as GovernorHub and Scriba.

Experience in education, governance, compliance, audit assurance, clerking or supporting volunteers would be an advantage.

Above all, you will share WeST’s values of Collaboration, Aspiration, Integrity, Compassion and Respect.

We are happy to discuss flexible working.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Pippa Truman Davies, Governance and Compliance Lead, ptrumandavies@westst.org.uk.

Procedures

All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks. That means:

• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Policy is attached.
• Your identity will be confirmed by sight of original, official documents such as a Birth Certificate, Passport etc. in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
• Original documents relating to all the qualifications you have listed on your application form must be supplied.
• Your employment history will be thoroughly examined and clarification will be sought where there are gaps or other discrepancies arising from information provided either by you as the candidate or your referee.
• References will be used to check dates of employment and your relevant experience. A minimum of two written references will be taken up and these references will be requested before the interview.
• References should cover the last 3-5 years’ work history, as a minimum.
• An online search of shortlisted candidates will be conducted in accordance with Part Three ‘Safer Recruitment’ of Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.
• The identity of referees and information relating to disclosures will be verified.
• You will be required to provide details of any relevant unspent or spent convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be requested. Please note that it is an offence to apply, offer or accept to do any work with children (paid or unpaid) if disqualified from working with children. Applicants will be challenged where inconsistencies exist. Please be aware that a firm offer of appointment will only be made after receipt and verification of all satisfactory checks. Westcountry Schools Trust will carry out these checks and should you fail these checks, our offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Further details about the Trust can be found on our website (www.westst.org.uk) and on My New Term (https://mynewterm.com/trust/Westcountry-Schools-Trust/142688 ).

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