Who We Are & What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Join a team that helps school leaders do their best work
The Governor Support Service is a busy, high‑performing team providing high‑quality clerking, advice and governance support to school governing bodies and academy trust boards. The team delivers expert guidance on governance regulations, prepares agendas and documentation, supports meetings, and ensures boards have the information they need to make effective decisions. Their work plays a vital role in strengthening local school governance and fostering strong, professional relationships with chairs, trustees and school leaders.
Be the expert voice guiding effective school decisionmaking
What You Will Get To Do
* Produce draft agendas and final agendas for governing body and committee meetings.
* Attend governing body, committee, exclusion and complaint meetings mainly during evenings.
* Provide advice to governing bodies and academy trust boards before, during and after meetings, ensuring compliance with governance regulations.
* Write accurate draft minutes within 15‑20 working days and complete follow‑up actions.
* Maintain strong, professional working relationships with chairs, boards and school leaders.
* Support effective governance by applying knowledge of the schools system, legislation and good practice.
* Work termtime only and undertake regular unsocial hours as part of meeting attendance requirements.
What You Will Bring
* A relevant clerking qualification (or commitment to complete one within 12 months).
* A good standard of education with strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication, including minute taking and report writing.
* Planning, organisational and time management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage competing demands.
* People and relationship‑building skills, with the professionalism to work effectively with chairs, boards and school leaders.
* Advisory and problem‑solving skills, applying knowledge of governance legislation and effective governance practice.
* A current driving licence and access to a car/means of mobility support to attend meetings across locations.
What’s In It For You
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. Salary £32,061 - £34,434 pro rata to Term Time Only working.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How To Apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying. If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via.
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application. Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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