Overview
Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust is a multi-academy trust currently comprising nine schools. We’re located primarily in Ashington, with schools in Newbiggin, Lynemouth, Warkworth and Alnwick. We serve several diverse local communities, providing high-quality education and opportunities for over 3,000 children and young people.
Our vision is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to ‘let their light shine’. Our LIGHT values drive all actions across all areas of operation. Strong governance plays a vital role in helping us deliver on this promise.
Role
The Director of Governance provides proactive strategic and administrative governance support and acts as company secretarial support to the Trust and Trust Schools, including trading subsidiaries and the Endowment Trust. Alongside core board and committee duties, the postholder will contribute to and oversee a comprehensive governance framework and decision-making framework, and support a risk strategy that enables Trustees and senior leaders to discharge their responsibilities.
Base pay range
40-44K
Location: Northumberland (Hybrid Working)
How to apply
Please apply with a full CV and cover letter to our retained consultancy Castle Peak Group via email: James.carss@castlepeak-group.com
Closing date
Closing date is Friday 12th September. Interviews will occur 24th & 25th September.
Responsibilities
Governance framework
* Lead on the effective implementation and alignment of high-level governance-related organisational planning and governance activities.
* Ensure fulfilment of statutory governance requirements for the Trust including filings, returns, resolutions and maintenance of records and registers with relevant regulators.
* Lead on the annual review of NCEAT’s Scheme of Delegation to ensure delegations comply with all relevant statute and reflect responsibilities throughout the organization.
* Coordinate the effective operation of the Board and sub-committees ensuring alignment with Articles of Association, Scheme of Delegation, Funding Agreements and regulator requirements (DfE, Church of England).
* Schedule meetings to enable thorough consideration of agenda items and efficient flow of information and decisions through governance structure.
* Provide governance support for Local Governing Bodies across the Trust, promoting alignment with Trust-wide priorities and standards, including standardised reporting where effective.
* Translate business calendars into standing agendas, board report templates and briefing materials.
* Develop reporting arrangements between different entities within the group.
* Ensure governance records, controls, databases and public information are compliant and effective for Trust use.
Trustee board and committee support
* Shape agendas and forward-planning for board and committee meetings, following through on actions from previous meetings.
* Deliver high-quality papers and reports to enable Trustees and committee members to fulfil their responsibilities.
* Ensure smooth meeting delivery, including taking and circulating minutes.
* Contribute to the preparation, publication, distribution and presentation of the Trust’s annual report.
* Provide ongoing support and communications to the Trust Board as appropriate.
Board and committee recruitment and induction/succession planning
* Lead on recruitment of Trustees and Governors with a rigorous process, liaising with the Diocese where relevant.
* Develop and implement a governor induction journey and training materials to support Trustees/Governors in role.
* Coordinate with the Chair, CEO and Diocese to ensure robust succession planning.
Board and committee training, development and evaluation
* Ensure Trustees and Governors receive necessary training and development, including compliance briefings.
* Develop and implement an annual training plan for Trustees and Governors.
* Plan an annual strategy day for Trustees and Governors.
* Support board evaluation including external governance reviews and Trustee appraisal processes.
Compliance, regulation and risk
* Assist with ensuring compliance across all entities with governance-related regulation, including the Academy Trust Handbook, Charity Commission and Companies House requirements and Master Funding Agreement.
* Work with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer to maintain and monitor the risk register.
* Oversee policy management ensuring timely review/approval by Trustees/Governors and compliance across all schools.
* Maintain the Trust’s complaints register.
Governance benchmarking and best practice
* Research evolving charity and multi-academy governance to move towards best practice.
* Improve governance and assurance framework through initiatives to support Trust governance.
* Promote good governance within Trust schools and support Local Governing Body reviews.
* Provide impartial guidance on procedural matters and conflicts of interest.
Other duties
* Provide high-quality administrative support; liaise with central services, principals and head teachers as required; network for the benefit of the Trust.
* Recruit, line manage, mentor and support clerks to the Trust’s Local Governing Bodies.
* Undertake other tasks as directed by the Chair of Trustees or the Chief Finance and Operations Officer.
Person specification
* Enthusiasm and commitment to the Trust’s mission, values and principles.
* Strong experience in governance and/or company secretariat.
* Degree or NGA/ICSA qualification in Academy governance or similar.
* Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Experience working to multiple deadlines and managing competing priorities.
* Proven ability to organise board meetings, agendas and take accurate minutes.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Can-do attitude focused on solutions; positive and open-minded with the ability to think on your feet.
* Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with diplomacy and professionalism.
* Experience of governance within the public or private sector.
* Experience of project management and Google Suite.
Other
This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
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