School Governance Advisor

Role: School Governance Advisor Sector : Educational Location: London Permanent opportunity Salary : £53k - £56K per annum plus excellent benefits Hybrid working Overview We are looking for a highly motivated individual to enhance governance in Local Authority maintained schools and academies. You will work with governing bodies and senior leaders to raise standards and improve outcomes for children. As part of a dedicated team, you will ensure governing bodies meet statutory duties and effectively challenge school leaders per government guidance. You will foster positive relationships and maintain compliant systems. Additionally, you will lead traded opportunities for the governance service via the borough’s Learning Partnership and support the local Schools Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) by organising and managing meetings. You will have significant senior leadership experience and up-to-date knowledge of school governance laws and regulations. A comprehensive understanding of the education system, school improvement agendas, statutory interventions, and external inspection expectations is essential. You should also have experience in planning, designing, and delivering training, and managing projects and budgets under various pressures. Responsibilities: Governance Support: Develop knowledge of governing bodies, provide challenge and support, attend meetings, conduct reviews, and manage exclusions hearings. Stakeholder Relationships: Establish effective relationships with local authority officers, senior leaders, governors, and school leaders. Policy and Compliance: Lead policy development for governor appointments, ensure compliance with legislation, maintain the Governor Database, and support system upgrades. Advice and Guidance: Provide high-quality advice on governance, recruitment, and performance management; respond to queries; produce reports. Training and Development: Identify training needs, develop and deliver training programmes, and coordinate trainers. Administrative Support: Organise meetings and events, ensure GDPR compliance, manage financial records, and oversee communication systems. Qualifications and Experience: Professional qualifications (e.g., Level 5 Diploma or higher degree). Knowledge of school governance laws and improvement strategies. Experience in planning and delivering training. Project and budget management skills. Strong communication and leadership abilities. Knowledge of equalities legislation and problem-solving skills. Additional Information: Adhere to Council policies on health and safety, equality, governance, GDPR, and employment law. Undertake required training and development. Represent the Education Service at various meetings and events. Produce and present reports for different audiences, including senior council members and the Department for Education (DfE).   The role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends and a commitment to continuous professional development and educational improvement.