At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the School’s Council with governance, prepare agendas, and produce accurate minutes.
- Company: Join Wycombe Abbey, a leading independent school with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, free meals, and access to the Sports Centre.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in decision-making and governance at a prestigious school.
- Qualifications: Organised, detail-oriented, and able to handle confidential matters professionally.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Wycombe Abbey seeks an organised, professional and highly discreet Clerk to Council to provide effective clerking and governance support to the School’s Council and its committees. This pivotal role ensures the smooth and compliant operation of the governing body, supporting strong governance in a leading independent school.
Working closely with the Chair of Council, governors and senior leaders, the post holder will play a central role in enabling effective decision‑making and oversight.
Reports to: Chair of Council (with operational liaison with the Headmistress).
Contract: This is a part‑time, permanent contract. The first three months will be a probationary period.
Hours of Work: A total of 600 hours across the year (approx. 0.36 FTE), predominantly during term time. This role requires the post holder to adopt a flexible approach to working hours to match the rhythm of Council business. They must also be able to attend all meetings of Council, its committees and subsidiaries. Meetings are usually held at the School, or occasionally in London, but the successful candidate will be able to work from home or the School at other times.
As Clerk to Council, you will play a crucial role in supporting the governance framework of the School. Responsibilities include:
- Preparing agendas and papers
- Advising on governance processes
- Attending meetings
- Producing accurate minutes
- Maintaining statutory and governance records
- Supporting compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
This role is ideal for a highly organised individual with excellent attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to handle confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
Benefits of working at Wycombe Abbey include:
- Enrolment in the School’s generous pension scheme
- Fee school remission at Wycombe Abbey and selected prep schools
- Generous CPD training and development scheme
- Free parking
- Free meals
- Free use of the Sports Centre
- Free eye tests
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme
Wycombe Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all applicants are required to declare all unspent convictions and conditional cautions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). We are an equal opportunities employer. Wycombe Abbey is a Disability Confident Committed Employer.
Clerk to Council employer: Wycombe Abbey
Wycombe Abbey is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As a Clerk to Council, you will benefit from generous training opportunities, a competitive pension scheme, and a range of perks including free meals and access to the Sports Centre, all while contributing to the governance of a prestigious independent school. With a commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities, Wycombe Abbey fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerk to Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Wycombe Abbey on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the School’s Council, its committees, and recent decisions. This shows us you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed agendas, minutes, or governance records in the past. We love seeing how you handle details with finesse.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who fit our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Clerk to Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Clerk to Council role. We want to see how you can support our governance framework and contribute to effective decision-making.
Showcase Your Organisation Skills:As this role requires excellent organisational abilities, be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully managed agendas, minutes, or any governance-related tasks in the past. We love seeing attention to detail!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for education and governance, and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Wycombe Abbey.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wycombe Abbey
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on governance processes and the specific responsibilities of a Clerk to Council. Familiarise yourself with the School's governance framework and be ready to discuss how you can support effective decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your organisational abilities, especially in managing agendas and producing accurate minutes. Think about times when you've successfully handled multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Since this role involves handling confidential matters, be prepared to discuss how you maintain discretion in your work. Share experiences where you've had to manage sensitive information with professionalism.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the Council's current challenges or how they measure success in governance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand their expectations better.
