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 working hours and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in decision-making and governance at a prestigious school.
- Qualifications: Highly organised with attention to detail and discretion in handling confidential matters.
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, and 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 in London employer: Wycombe Abbey
Wycombe Abbey is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where the Clerk to Council plays a vital role in enhancing governance within a prestigious independent school. Employees benefit from generous training opportunities, a comprehensive pension scheme, and a range of perks including free meals and access to sports facilities, all while contributing to the welfare of children and young people. With a commitment to professional development and a flexible working approach, Wycombe Abbey fosters a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerk to Council in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Wycombe Abbey. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Wycombe Abbey, its values, and the role of Clerk to Council. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their governance framework.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across as a professional and organised candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role at Wycombe Abbey.
We think you need these skills to ace Clerk to Council in London
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 multiple tasks or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can juggle responsibilities with ease!
Attention to Detail is Key:Since you'll be producing accurate minutes and maintaining records, it's crucial to demonstrate your attention to detail. We recommend proofreading your application to ensure it’s free from errors and clearly presented.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
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.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your organisational abilities. Think about times when you've successfully managed agendas, produced accurate minutes, or maintained records. This role is all about detail, so highlight your knack for keeping things in order.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Since this role involves handling confidential matters, be prepared to discuss how you've managed sensitive information in the past. Show that you understand the importance of discretion and professionalism in a school environment.
✨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 envision the Clerk's role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
