Post: [ 260611] Head of Governance

Salary: £58,973 – £63,545 per annum (pro rata if part time) – subject to pay award in September
Location: Remote, with regular travel to London and the South West
Contract: Permanent, full time, all year round. We champion flexible working and welcome discussions on arrangements that support both individual needs and organisational success

For more information about the role, please view our campaign pack. Head of Governance Campaign Pack

We are excited to introduce a new Head of Governance role, created to strengthen and elevate governance across our Trust.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape, design and embed a high-quality governance function at scale. You will work directly with the Board of Trustees, Members and Executive Team, ensuring governance is not only compliant—but a powerful driver of strategic decision-making and organisational performance.

Why this Role Matters

As our Trust continues to grow and evolve, strong governance has never been more important. This newly established position will:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership of governance across the Trust
• Ensure robust compliance with regulatory frameworks and statutory duties
• Enhance the quality, effectiveness and transparency of decision-making
• Lead the development of a modern, data-informed governance approach

You will play a key role in shaping how governance enables school improvement, accountability and long-term success.

About the Role

As Head of Governance, you will:

• Act as the Trust’s lead governance expert, advising on law, regulation and best practice
• Design and implement a fit-for-purpose governance framework, aligned with our strategy
• Oversee Board, Committee and Local Governing Body operations
• Lead governance assurance, risk alignment and audit readiness
• Drive the Trust’s approach to data governance and reporting, ensuring high-quality insights for leaders
• Develop and lead governance and clerking teams
• Support or act as Company Secretary, ensuring statutory compliance

This role offers a genuine opportunity to build and shape a function from the ground up, with direct exposure to Board-level decision-making, within a flexible, remote-first environment and a Trust committed to inclusion, development and continuous improvement.

 About You

You will be a confident, credible and strategic governance professional, with:

• Significant experience in governance leadership within education, charity or regulated sectors
• Expertise in the Academy Trust Handbook, company law and governance frameworks
• Experience advising Boards and working with senior executives
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills
• The ability to influence, challenge and support at the highest level
• A commitment to inclusion, integrity and public service values

A Chartered Governance qualification (or working towards) is essential.

About the Trust

Reach South Academy Trust is a values-led and growing organisation, united by a clear moral purpose: to improve life chances and advance education for all children and young people.

We are a family of 21 academies across the South West, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Our diverse portfolio includes primary, secondary, all-through and technical provision, alongside a strong and integral network of special schools and alternative provision. Our diverse provision enables us to meet a wide range of needs, including specialist and alternative provision.

At the heart of Reach South is a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Guided by our REACH values (Raising the Educational Achievement of Children), we are committed to removing barriers to learning, whether they are social, cultural, physical or cognitive, and ensuring that all pupils are supported to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to succeed in life.

Collaboration is central to our approach. We work in partnership across our schools, and beyond the Trust, to share expertise, build capacity and strengthen outcomes. Schools retain their individual identity while benefiting from the collective strength, accountability and shared ambition of the Trust.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain focused on delivering inclusive, high-quality education at scale. Reach South offers a compelling environment for senior leaders who are motivated by purpose, combining professional excellence with a deep commitment to social value, community impact and the success of every learner.

Next Steps

As Head of Governance, you will play a key role in supporting and enabling high-quality strategic decision-making across Reach South, working closely with the CEO and Executive Team.

For further information about the role, including employee benefits or general enquiries, please contact recruitment@reachsouth.org or call 07759 365064.

If you would like an informal and confidential conversation about the role and the exciting journey ahead, we warmly encourage you to contact Olivia Frings, Director of People, on 07841 464505 or via email at olivia.frings@reachsouth.org

How to Apply
You can submit your application via the advert page by clicking ‘Apply now’. You will receive updates from our Recruitment team throughout the process.

Application Deadline
Sunday 5 July 2026 at midnight

Interviews

Friday 17 July 2026 – :  Kilworth house, Lutterworth, Leicestershire  and all day

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.  

At Reach South, we are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We believe diversity strengthens our organisation, bringing perspectives that enhance collaboration and outcomes for our pupils.

Join us and you will be part of a Trust that invests in its people, champions equality, and values the contribution everyone brings.