GOVERNANCE PROFESSIONAL

THE ROLE
Position: Governance Professional
Hours: 30 hours per week, term-time + 2 weeks
Salary (FTE): £32,790 - £42,500 per annum (FTE) 
Salary (OTE): £23,557 - £30,533 per annum
Job Description: CLICK HERE

Are you a skilled Governance Professional looking to shape the future of governance across an established Multi-Academy Trust?

(This role is ideal for an ambitious and motivated individual who is keen to develop their knowledge and skills in school and trust governance. Prior experience is not essential, the post offers excellent opportunities for training and engagement with governance networks and forums to build the necessary knowledge and confidence.  A pro-active approach and the ability to seek out development opportunities are essential.) 

Aspire Academies Trust, a family of six primary schools in Hertfordshire, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Governance Professional to lead and innovate our governance. This is a pivotal role where you’ll work closely with the Executive Team and Trust Board, influencing strategic decision-making and ensuring compliance with the highest standards.

The post-holder will collaborate with school Principals, Local Advisory Boards, Trustees, and Members to ensure committees and individuals understand their governance responsibilities and are equipped with the training and systems needed for excellence. Based within the Central Services Team at Hammond Academy, Hemel Hempstead, the role offers a hybrid working model with office-based and remote working opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in governance leadership within education, preferably within a multi-academy trust or a similar public body or charity, however this is not essential. They will ideally be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of governance principles, company and charity law, and the value of effective governance. Highly organised with exceptional written communication skills, they will be confident in influencing at senior level, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice on governance legislation, policy, and best practice to the Executive Team, Members, Trust Board, and Local Advisory Bodies.
• Support the Trust Board in fulfilling its core functions, ensuring compliance with DfE guidance and the Governance Handbook, and overseeing governance frameworks, risk management, and statutory filings.
• Act as Clerk for all governance meetings (Trust Board, committees, and Local Advisory Bodies), supported by AI clerking software. Develop the annual calendar, advise on agendas and procedures, ensure timely distribution of papers, and monitor compliance with the scheme of delegation and terms of reference.
• Promote effective local governance, including statutory obligations, self-evaluation, governor recruitment, retention, and CPD.
• Manage exclusions, complaints, and HR panels across the Trust, ensuring compliance and providing procedural advice.
• Lead recruitment and induction of new governors, members and Trustees, ensuring governance documentation (Induction Pack, Handbook, Code of Conduct, Terms of Reference) is current and distributed
• Maintain accurate governance records, including attendance, membership, training logs, and statutory forms.
• Undertake regular training to maintain and enhance knowledge, staying informed of educational developments and legislative changes affecting governance.

Why this role:
Flexibility: Hybrid working model with term-time hours and additional two weeks worked flexibly during holidays.
Autonomy: Opportunity to make the role your own, shaping governance strategy and frameworks across the Trust.
Impact: Work at the heart of decision-making, advising the Board, Members, and Local Advisory Bodies.
Innovation: Clerking is supported by AI tools, freeing you to focus on strategic leadership and governance excellence.


OUR TRUST
Aspire Academies Trust is a family of schools that has come together to make a difference to the lives of our children. Our main goal as a Trust is to provide the best possible education for all of our learners, and understand that our staff are our most valuable asset and the foundation of our success. We aim to create a culture within our organisation that focuses on belonging, prioritises the wellbeing and professional development of our staff and embeds a sense of community. We offer a staff wellbeing package that includes free school lunches, flexible working policy, free flu-jab, access to vivup benefit platform, staff voice program, employee assistance programme and more.

Please see more details in the Aspire Academies Trust Careers document attached. 

We offer:
- A collaborative and supportive team environment
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- The chance to make a lasting impact on governance across our Trust


Attendance at all governance meetings is essential, including a mix of on-site and remote sessions, some of which may take place early mornings or evenings. A flexible approach and the ability to travel independently across all Trust sites is key. The role is term-time with two additional weeks worked flexibly during school holidays.

This role is pivotal within Aspire and requires excellent judgement, diplomacy and the ability to work confidently and build close working relationships with senior leaders and trustees.

If you are interested and would like an initial conversation to discuss your current experience and suitability for the role, we would welcome an initial conversation with you.  Please contact Lynn Taylor, Senior HR Officer on 07398 140241 or email: ltaylor@aspireacademies.org.uk