The Governance Professional (Clerk to Trustees) – Academy Trust

The Governance Professional will provide advice and guidance to the governing board on governance, constitutional and procedural matters. This professional clerk role will contribute towards the efficient functioning a governing board and its committees by providing:

• administrative and organisational support;
• guidance to ensure that the board works in compliance with the appropriate legal and regulatory framework, and understands the potential consequences for non-compliance; and
• advice on procedural matters relating to the operation of the board.

This role would suit someone who already has experience in a similar role or is highly organised and up to date with current guidance and is prepared to make a commitment to attend the National Training Programme for Clerks or its equivalent.

Qualifications and Training

ESSENTIAL

• Be able to demonstrate a willingness to attend appropriate training and development; (AF, I)
• Have already attended or make a commitment to attend the National Training Programme for Clerks or its equivalent (AF, I)
• Level 2 qualification in numeracy / maths and literacy / English or equivalent. (AF, I)

DESIRABLE

• NVQ Level 3 in Administration / Business or equivalent qualification or experience. (AF, I)

Knowledge and Experience

ESSENTIAL

• Evidence of relevant personal and professional development; (AF, I)
• Evidence of working in an environment where experiences included taking initiative and self-motivation; (AF, I)
• Working as a member of a team. (AF, I)

DESIRABLE

• Experience of financial work / administrative. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of relevant educational legislation, guidance and legal requirements. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of school governance legislation. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of the respective roles and responsibilities of the Trust Body, the Headteachers, DfE and other authorities. (AF, I)
• Basic awareness of inclusion, especially within a school setting. (AF, I)

Skills and Abilities

ESSENTIAL

• Good listening, oral and literacy skills; (I)
• Writing agendas and accurate concise minutes; (I)
• ICT including keyboarding skills; (I)
• Organising their time and working to deadlines; (I)
• Organising meetings; (I)
• Record keeping, information retrieval and dissemination of Trust Body data/documentation, to the Trust Body and relevant partners; (I)
• Using the internet to access relevant information; (I)
• Communicates in a clear, accurate and succinct manner to deliver information to the right person, ensuring he / she understands the message. (AF, I)
• Maintains open and honest relationships with colleagues and shows sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others. (AF, I)
• Actively listens to take account of others’ views and opinions. (AF, I)
• Works with the team to generate solutions and reach consensus. (AF, I)
• Is able to use and understand the purpose of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and has the ability to search for and extract information, using a range of technology. (AF, I)
• Is able to use ICT securely and safely and supports / encourages Governors to also use ICT technology, linked to the work of the Trust, in a safe and secure manner. (AF, I)
• Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with people, treating them consistently with respect and consideration. (AF, I)
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and carry out the role effectively, knowing when to seek help and advice. (AF, I)
• Ability to organise own time and work to deadlines. (AF, I)
• Ability to improve own practice through observation, evaluation and discussion with colleagues. (AF, I)
• Be a person of integrity; (I)
• Be able to maintain confidentiality; (I)
• Be able to remain impartial; (I)
• Have a flexible approach to working hours; (I)
• Sympathetic to the needs of others; (I)
• Have an openness to learning and change; (I)
• Have a positive attitude to personal development and training; (I)
• Have good interpersonal skills. (I)
• Well organised and flexible approach to work. (I)
• Ability to work constructively and supportively as part of a team. (I)
• Good attention to detail. (I)
• Able to work on own initiative but seeks advice from others when necessary(I).

DESIRABLE

• Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the schools’ activities within the Academy Trust and how the Trust contributes to performances as a whole. (AF, I)
• Is able to describe the current activities in their area and whole-school developments. (AF, I)
• Adapts data according to particular needs and presents it appropriately. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of the respective roles and responsibilities of the Trust Body, the headteacher, the LA, Church Authorities and the DfE. Knowledge of Equal Opportunities and Human Rights legislation; (I)
• Knowledge of Data Protection legislation. (I)

Other Factors

ESSENTIAL

• Commitment to working with young people.
• Willingness to work in support of the inclusive ethos of the school.
• Police clearance. (DBS check)

Evidence Key:

(AF) – Application Form

(I) – Interview

(R) – References