Governance Manager

Learn Academies Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced, organised and highly professional Governance Manager to lead and develop our governance function. This post is offered on a permanent part-time basis. The successful individual would be working 20 hours a week, 9 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, plus one additional week for training days. For the right candidate, there can be some flexibility in the working base/hybrid working.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing Multi Academy Trust and play a pivotal role in ensuring effective governance, regulatory compliance and high-quality support for our Trustees, Committees and Local Governance Committees.

Working closely with the Chief Finance & Operations Officer, Trustees, Chairs and Headteachers, you will be responsible for managing governance operations across the Trust, ensuring governance arrangements are compliant, efficient and aligned to our strategic priorities.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Has significant experience supporting boards, committees or governance structures.
• Is highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Has experience working with senior stakeholders and maintaining professional relationships.
• Possesses strong written communication skills and can produce high-quality agendas, reports and minutes.
• Has experience of compliance monitoring and managing confidential information.
• Can work independently, use initiative and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Has strong Microsoft 365 skills and is confident managing governance systems and records.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day governance function across the Trust.
• Manage the annual governance calendar and cycle of meetings.
• Coordinate and support Trust Board, Committee and Local Governance Committee meetings.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory governance requirements.
• Lead governor and trustee recruitment, induction and development activities.
• Oversee policy governance processes and compliance monitoring.
• Support governance reviews, audits and continuous improvement activities.
• Provide high-quality governance advice and support to senior leaders and governance volunteers.
• Contribute to governance arrangements associated with Trust growth and organisational change.

Essential Qualifications:

• GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade 4/C or above).
• Relevant governance, administration, legal, business or management qualification or equivalent experience.

Experience within the education sector or a Multi Academy Trust is desirable but not essential. We welcome applications from candidates with governance experience from a range of sectors.

Safeguarding and Recruitment:

Our Schools/Trust and all its personnel are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. For all short-listed candidates, references will be requested in advance of the interview, and an online search will be carried out. The successful applicant will be subject to a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure, proof of ID, social media checks, medical clearance, and checks regarding the right to work in the UK.

Why join us?

• Welcoming, inclusive workplace.
• Opportunities for growth and career progression in a Trust that invests in its people.
• A supportive environment for your professional development.

Benefits

• Free parking on site.
• Access to well-being services.
• An excellent pension (LGPS)
• Staff development opportunities
• Bike to work scheme.

Learn Academies Trust is a Disability Confident employer and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential job criteria will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at interview.

Learn Academies Trust is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and creating a truly inclusive Trust. We are determined to ensure all our stakeholders flourish and thrive. We aim to foster a culture where all are valued and respected. We acknowledge and celebrate all protected characteristics. We endeavour to remove all barriers to learning and participation. Our ED&I Policy and objectives are integral to all that we do.

Our vision for ED&I is simple: we aim to create an environment where everyone has a seat at the table, where everyone has a voice and where everyone belongs. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy if organisational priorities change.