About Us
Arnold House was founded in 1905 in St John’s Wood. It is an independent preparatory school located in London, NW8, for boys from 3 to 13, and a member of IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools). In our recent EQI ISI inspection it was reported that pupils’ academic achievement and personal development are both excellent.
Role
The role of Clerk to Governors presents an ideal opportunity for a highly organised professional, with previous experience of clerking, to play a key role at the heart of the School. The role would suit someone with legal or para-legal experience. As Clerk to Governors you will be a trusted partner ensuring the seamless operation of the Governing Body.
The Clerk to Governors is responsible to the Chair of Governors.
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance and Board Administration
* Develop, maintain, and manage a comprehensive annual Board and Committee calendar across all Board, and Finance and Remuneration Committee meetings.
* Ensure timely and efficient production and distribution of papers, including agendas, reports, and minutes.
* Accurately record meeting minutes, track actions, and ensure follow-up is completed.
2. Board & Committee Support
* Maintain and periodically review Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the Board and all Committees.
* Support the Chairs of each Committee and the Board with scheduling, coordination, and documentation.
* Advise the Board on governance best practice and procedural compliance.
* Organise agreed and appropriate training for all governors and record such training.
3. Statutory & Regulatory Compliance
* Ensure timely filings and updates with relevant bodies, including:
o Companies House
o Charity Commission
* Maintain accurate registers, including:
o Register of Interests
o Register of Gifts and Hospitality
o Register of Conflicts of Interest
4. Policy Oversight & Governance Framework
* Develop and manage a comprehensive Board Manual, including:
o Delegation of authority framework
o Code of conduct
o Trustee induction and evaluation framework
* Advise on and coordinate Board-owned policy reviews (e.g., Conflict of Interest, Whistleblowing).
5. Risk Management & Compliance
* Support implementation and oversight of a risk management framework including a defined risk appetite statement and committee-level accountability.
* Assist with periodic review and consolidation of the risk register for Board-level analysis.
* Coordinate annual reviews of business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
6. Strategy and Business Planning Support
* Play a coordinating role in the strategic planning and delivery oversight, ensuring alignment between the Executive and governance structures.
* Support progress monitoring and reporting against the School Development Plan / Strategic Business Plan.
7. Board Development and Succession
* Oversee Trustee induction, training and recruitment, including skills audits.
* Organise Board evaluations and effectiveness reviews, including governance development plans and external reviews.
* Support recruitment aligned to strategic needs.
Key Documents to Maintain and Oversee
* Board Manual
* Board & Committee ToRs
* Annual Calendar and Forward Plan
* Risk Management Framework
* Delegation of Authority Document
* Register of Interests, Gifts & Conflicts
* Induction and Trustee Evaluation Documentation
* Governance Policies (e.g., Whistleblowing, Conflicts)
We offer a competitive salary and pension, a friendly work environment, and free lunches during term time. This is a part-time role (hours to be discussed at interview), and includes the ability to work from home for the majority of the time. Some evening work will be required to cover meetings.
Our school is known for its family ethos and being a great place to work. We are committed to promoting and protecting the mental and physical health of all our staff.