Job Description
Summary of the role
What are we looking for?
The Governance and Exec Support Manager will play a dual role:
* Managing governance and compliance arrangements to ensure the effective operation of the Board of Trustees and its sub-committees.
* Providing high-quality executive support to the Principal and senior leadership team, enabling them to operate efficiently and strategically.
This is a pivotal role requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage complex governance processes while also delivering proactive executive assistance.
Key Responsibilities
Governance and Compliance Management:
* Support the Clerk (currently the Finance Director) with the day-to-day management of the work of the Board of Trustees and its committees, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
* Assist the Clerk with the preparation and management of agendas, papers, and minutes, ensuring they are delivered in a timely and accurate manner.
* Oversea and monitor the Board and Sub-committees’ compliance on governance, regulatory matters, and best practice.
* Maintain up-to-date records of governance activity, membership, and statutory filings.
* Maintain a repository of previous policy versions to enable effective auditing.
* Support Board recruitment activities, including induction, training, and evaluation processes.
* Ensure effective communication is facilitated between the Board, sub-committees, and the executive leadership team.
Executive Support:
* Provide comprehensive administrative and executive support to the Principal and the Clerk, including diary management, correspondence, travel, and meeting arrangements.
* Support the senior leadership team with scheduling, coordination, and preparation of key documents and reports.
* Manage the flow of information to and from the Principal and leadership team, ensuring priorities are addressed promptly.
* Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, and briefing papers.
* Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion at all times.
Experience & Skills –
Essential:
* Proven experience in a governance or company secretarial department.
* Experience providing executive or senior administrative support at leadership level.
* Excellent organisational, planning, and time management skills.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including minute-taking.
* Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
* High level of IT proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, digital board portals, etc.).
* Ability to work independently, use initiative, and manage multiple priorities.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of governance in the education sector
* Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission, Companies House, DfE, OfS, ISI etc.).
* Formal governance or company secretarial training (e.g., ICSA/CGI qualification).
Key Attributes:
* Professional, calm, and resilient under pressure.
* Diplomatic and able to build effective relationships at all levels.
* Detail-oriented but able to see the bigger picture.
* Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
* Discretion when dealing with sensitive institutional matters