We are seeking to fill a full time Head of Governance and Compliance for the Greenshaw Learning Trust (GLT). This is an exciting opportunity to join GLT and become an integral member of the Shared Service.

We require an experienced Governance professional to provide the highest level of governance and regulatory compliance to the Trust. You will be responsible for leading the development of the governance framework and structure, ensuring it is efficient and effective. You will lead and manage the governance function, driving improvements to its systems, processes and structures and delivering a high-quality service to the Trust.

Governance Strategy and Impact

● Support the efficient and effective operation of the Greenshaw Learning Trust Board and its committees, contributing to the strategy agreed by the Board of Trustees.

● Lead the development of the governance framework and culture for a growing Trust, particularly at local level and ensure that it is consistent, effective and empowered to deliver high quality challenge and support complementing the strategic objectives of the Trust.

● Monitor the external environment and provide regular updates on relevant topics and best practices to stakeholders across the business, including the leadership team and board

● Monitor and report to the CEO and the Board of Trustees on the operation, performance and impact of governance across the Trust.

● Develop strong and positive relationships with the chairs of local boards and the chair of the Board of Trustees.

● Provide effective leadership of the governance function supporting the team of clerks to deliver a high quality service to the Board of Trustees, its committees and at local level.

Governance effectiveness

● Provide advice and guidance to ensure that the members of the Board of Trustees and its committees discharge their duties in compliance with the appropriate legal and regulatory framework, including the trust scheme of delegation and the committees terms of reference

● Ensure the Board of Trustees and its committees are properly constituted and appropriate standards maintained in accordance with the Code of Conduct and the Nolan principles.

● Develop effective and inclusive recruitment practices which promote diversity, and advise on election and appointment procedures

● Lead a programme of regular evaluation of the quality of governance, including skills audits and individual reviews for those governing and develop and implement a trust-wide induction process and professional development for governors.

● Ensure Members, Trustees and Governors have access to appropriate documents, including any agreed Code of Conduct.

● Maintain up to date records of the names, addresses and category of Trustees and Governors and their term of office, along with any terms of reference, and inform the Board of Trustees and any relevant authorities of any changes to its membership.

● Ensure that:

• The Board and its committees receive highly effective administrative support
• An annual calendar for Board and committee meetings means agendas and papers as required are distributed in a timely fashion
• Board and committee meetings have focused agendas and those preparing papers for meetings are supported to make sure they are available on time
• Accurate and consistent copies of minutes are approved in a timely fashion, are sent to relevant bodies on request and are published as agreed at meetings
• Delegated committees of the Board, such as complaints, exclusions and appointment committees are well supported and members of each committee are trained appropriately

Compliance

● Provide guidance to ensure that the Trust works in compliance with the appropriate legal and regulatory framework and provide advice on procedural matters relating to governance

● Perform the functions of the Company Secretary in ensuring that statutory returns and annual reports are completed and submitted on time, to ensure that Companies House information and the data required by GIAS is accurate and meets compliance requirements.

● Interpret, analyse and proactively maintain knowledge of up-to-date statutory and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with governance policies and procedures

● Know where to access appropriate legal advice, support and guidance, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from third parties on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

● Keep abreast of policy developments, maintain the GLT Policy Schedule, ensure that statutory policies are in place, and that appropriate staff revise these when necessary.

● Ensure copies of statutory policies and other statutory documents such as the scheme of delegation and register of interests are published as agreed (e.g. on the trust and/or school website) and in line with statutory requirements and that the Trust and school websites are compliant with GLT requirements

● Ensure that Trust schools and the Trust Shared Service are supported with complaints, FOI and Subject Access Requests.

The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive and the post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that may be required from time to time. Any such duties should not however substantially change the general character of the post.

Person Specification

The successful applicant will meet the following person specification. Please note that the listed criteria will form the basis of the selection process. Applicants should address all elements of the Person Specification, demonstrating experience and where appropriate citing supporting examples within their application.

Essential:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the practical application of the regulatory compliance and governance in the education sector including latest MAT best practice, plus DfE and ESFA requirements
• Knowledge of the respective roles and responsibilities within educational governance.
• Knowledge of educational legislation, guidance and legal requirements
• Experience of working in a regulated sector and/or charitable trust
• Evidence of successfully building relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Successful proven experience of promoting inclusion, equality, and diversity.
• Graduate or equivalent experience
• Record of continuing professional development

Desirable:

• Evidence of supporting the growth of a MAT by adapting governance structures whilst ensuring compliance with legal requirements
• Chartered Governance Institute (or similar) part / fully qualified

Ability, Skills and Knowledge

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Ability to convey complex information with clarity
• Strong track record of delivering demonstrable improvements to processes and practice.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills – resilience and pragmatism are needed alongside integrity and 10 discretion and the ability to inspire and lead a growing team.
• Ability to analyse issues, make informed judgements and take appropriate actions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use initiative, prioritise, meet deadlines.
• Resilience, with the ability to deliver a complex and demanding workload.
• Excellent project management and organisation skills
• Demonstrable ability to develop, coach and lead others.