Clerk to Governors- North Dorset Hub

Pickwick Academy Trust wish to appoint a well organised, efficient Governance Professional with good communication, minute taking and IT skills to become Clerk to the Local Governance Committees at 2 schools within the North Dorset Hub. The ability to work flexible hours is important, as some weeks will require more hours than others, 96 hours per year per school on a 41-week contract, including attending evening meetings either hybrid or in person.

Required to start: May 2025 

Salary: 

Dorset Grade 5, Point 5-6, £24,790 - £25,183 pro rata, per annum (actual salary £1,235 - £1,254 per annum per school, total of £2,470 - £2,508)  

Role overview

The successful applicant will have a genuine interest in school governance, ensuring they keep abreast with current educational developments and legislation affecting schools as well retaining up to date oversight of  how governance works at Pickwick Academy Trust.  A clerk must be independent, a person of integrity with strong interpersonal skills, organisational skills and a positive attitude.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Highly Organised and have the ability to juggle priorities and  work to tight deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable to suit the needs and requirements of the Trust.
• Confident in communicating with all levels.
• Able to remain professional when handling confidential material.
• Knowledgeable about governance procedures and educational legislation and guidance and/or willingness to develop knowledge. 

The Trust

Pickwick Academy Trust currently consists of fifteen community and church primary schools across Wiltshire and Dorset, organised into three geographically proximate hubs. The schools in the Trust are committed to working together to provide the best schools and outcomes for their children.  We are currently planning to welcome six new schools into our hubs from spring 2025. 

Please refer to the job description and person specification for further information. 

Contact details: 

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Sian Reed, Head of Governance and Compliance at sreed@pickwickacademytrust.co.uk

For any assistance regarding the My New Term system and the application process, please reach out to Sylwia Hulbert (HR Recruitment Officer) at SHulbert@pickwickacademytrust.co.uk , who will be happy to help with your queries.

How to apply

Closing date: 12noon on Tuesday 1^st April 2025

Interview: w/c 21st April 2025

What we offer: 

·        Generous contributory pension provision

·        Family friendly policies

·        Commitment to flexible working

·        Generous terms and conditions, and transparent policies with staff consulted directly on all key HR policies

·        Access to Employee Wellbeing support and counselling telephone support for all staff

·        Strong central team committed to and providing high level of support for staff at all levels

·        A People Strategy setting out the Trust’s commitments and initiatives to support staff

·        A real family and togetherness feel, where everyone is included and listened to, and ensures no one feels isolated

·        Free eye tests (for those assessed as regular Display Equipment Users, and glasses if needed specifically for particular roles)

·        Free annual flu jab

·        Partnership with the Motor Source Group, enabling staff to benefit from discounts on new and used cars (average £4k saving on a standard new car)

·        Wiltshire Rewards (LA scheme enabling discounts across a range of retail outlets - available to Wiltshire schools)

·        Emergency Salary Advance Scheme

·        Cycle scheme

Please do not apply via the Indeed website and please note that we cannot accept CVs.

EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: If you have previously applied for one of Pickwick Academy Trust’s vacancies using our My New Term applicant tracker system, please ensure that your application is updated with your current workplace details and responsibilities.

Additionally, please remember to nominate a referee. In line with KCSIE policy, the reference must come from someone within the leadership team, if you have worked in a school previously please nominate the Headteacher.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: If you have previously applied for one of Pickwick Academy Trust’s vacancies using our My New Term applicant tracker system, please ensure that your application is updated with your current workplace details and responsibilities.

Additionally, please remember to nominate a referee from Pickwick Academy Trust. In line with KCSIE policy, we require the reference must come from someone within the leadership team, such as the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

Talent Pool

If you do not find a suitable job on our website at this moment, we encourage you to sign up for our Talent Pool. By joining, you'll stay connected with our Trust and be considered for future opportunities across our 15 schools as soon as they arise. It's a great way to ensure you're on our radar for roles that match your skills and interests.   Please use the following link https://mynewterm.com/candidate-login/ to join in.

Safeguarding and Pre-employment checks

At Pickwick Academy Trust we are committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we require anyone joining our school to actively contribute to this commitment. 

All shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches as part of safer recruitment due diligence. Successful candidates will be subject to a range of pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check and a barred list check if working in regulated activity

Inclusive Community

Pickwick Academy Trust is a friendly and inclusive community and is committed to equality of opportunity for all.  Our aim is to ensure that no applicant or employee is discriminated against or is disadvantaged by policies, procedures, conditions or requirements. We have a caring and supportive environment where wellbeing is a key priority – flexible working requests will be considered.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020