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Job title: Senior Governor Support Officer
Salary: SO2 £37,280 - £39,152
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Technorth, Chapel Allerton Leeds, with some hybrid working
As a Senior Governor Support Officer you’ll thrive on supporting local authority governing bodies and academy trusts through the changing education landscape. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About You
* Producing high quality communications and/or guidance documents
* Offering appropriate advice and information to a range of stakeholders
* Experience of delivering training
* Experience in the education sector or school governance would be an advantage but is not essential; enthusiasm and commitment to learn and succeed in a new sector is more important
* Training will be provided to the successful candidate
About The Role
As our next Senior Governor Support Officer you’ll be involved in training a diverse range of delegates, supporting and developing a team of home‑based clerks, keeping up to date with governance and legislation changes and producing a range of communications to provide advice to others. The role includes some evening working and requires clerking of governing board meetings. The position is integral to the Governor Support Service, which delivers training, timely communication and a knowledgeable clerking service, all underpinned by a commitment to ensuring children in Leeds receive the best education and outcomes possible.
What We Offer You
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How To Apply
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Alison Smith, Manager, or Claire Harrison, Deputy Manager, on 0113 3785213 or email education.governors@leeds.gov.uk.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+ people, ethnic minorities, disabled people and care‑experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or by holding a valid work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. Eligibility normally requires a standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or other criteria.
Job Description
Job purpose: To provide a full range of support services to school and academy governing boards.
Responsibilities
Advice
* Provide accurate, professional, and timely advice on matters relating to the responsibilities and conduct of school and academy governing boards via briefing documents, toolkits, guidance and direct support for governors, clerks and head teachers.
* Ensure that advice and support to governors is current, accurate and easily accessible to enable them to fulfil statutory roles effectively and understand the city’s priorities.
* Handle issues regarding recruitment, appointment and resignation of governors, advising on timely election and appointment procedures including nomination of LA governors.
* Ensure that advice and support shared with the team, including home‑based clerks, is relevant and effective.
Traded Service
* Develop and maintain the GSS traded services page on Leeds for Learning.
* Monitor the governor database to ensure it is up to date and compliant with GDPR.
* Support governors in fulfilling statutory duties and sharing best practice.
* Maximise service income through service level agreements and other contracts.
Training
* Support GSS management in delivering a high-quality training and development programme.
* Use the training available to support and challenge governing boards, developing skilled, well‑informed governors who meet statutory duties, set an excellence standard, and focus on improving teaching and learning.
Range of Duties
* Plan and deliver high‑quality training and development sessions for governors and governing boards using a range of media and techniques.
* Develop and maintain administrative systems to support and publicise the training programmes.
* Support GSS management in delivering conferences and briefings for governors.
* Produce effective information and guidance documents for governors, clerks and head teachers.
* Identify boards needing additional support and deliver appropriate support and guidance, including through reviews of governance, brokered support from national and local leaders and other boards.
* Maintain a system of governor communications, including social media, to disseminate new legislation and policy changes.
* Support GSS manager in evaluating courses and providers to continuously improve the GSS offer.
* Support GSS manager in evaluating the service through commissioning regular feedback and surveys.
* Maintain and update information on the effectiveness of governing bodies.
* Participate in training and development opportunities to keep knowledge and skills up to date.
* Quality‑assure clerks’ support to governing boards and conduct performance management interviews per company policies.
* Assist in the recruitment and development of clerks.
* Liaise effectively with other senior governor support officers, Children and Families staff, governors, head teachers and external organisations.
* Clerk governing body meetings when required.
* Facilitate the establishment of Interim Executive Boards, including suitable clerking arrangements.
* Any other duties as directed.
Qualifications
Essential Requirements
Manage Information
* Assimilate complex information
* Offer appropriate advice and information
* Present information for a range of audiences and contexts
* Liaise with others in the organisation
Manage Self and Resources
* Use own initiative
* Manage and develop staff
* Produce high‑quality written guidance materials
Manage Projects
* Recognise needs and prioritise work
* Develop and manage good administrative and organisational systems
* Manage financial systems and produce reports
* Run efficient meetings
* Collate statistical information
Assess Requirements and Manage People and Resources to Meet These
* Communicate effectively in both written and spoken word
* Promote the highest standards of service delivery
* Meet deadlines
* Present training materials
Essential Behavioural And Other Characteristics
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
* Be committed to continuous improvement and deliver the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
* Understand and observe equity and diversity policies
* Carry out duties considering Health & Safety policies
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development
* Flexible and adaptable to change and assist other services as required commensurate to grade
* Participate in appraisal, training and development activities
* Be aware of and comply with council policies and procedures
* Support equality and ensure anti‑discriminatory practice, upholding council policies
* Recognise and appropriately challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and abuse, reporting concerns to the appropriate person
* Understand the council’s flexibility protocol and work within these parameters
Desirable Requirements
* Good chairing skills
* Calm manner under conflicting demands
* Training skills
Knowledge and Understanding
* Understanding of current issues facing local authorities, communities and education services
* In‑depth understanding of the structure within Children and Families and the schools and organisations that use the service
* Understanding of governing board procedures and regulations
Apply for this job
Apply via the Leeds City Council careers portal.
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