The Governance and Compliance Manager will oversee all aspects of governance and policy effectiveness and compliance within the Trust. They will ensure governance adheres to good practice, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements in accordance with the Academy Trust Handbook and the Articles of Association. 

The post-holder will collaborate with our schools, Local Academy Boards, Trustees, and Members to ensure that all committees and individuals clearly understand their responsibilities and have access to the necessary training and systems to achieve excellence. By developing policies, systems, and processes tailored to our schools, the post-holder will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance and compliance functions. This will enable Trustees, the Executive team, and School Leaders to concentrate their efforts on improving the educational experience within their schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote the development of a governance strategy and structure which aligns with the Trusts vision, growth plans and strategic objectives.
• Oversee and manage the delivery of best practice throughout all governance tiers, and which provides opportunities for the contribution of a wide range of key stakeholders
• Ensure statutory compliance, including reporting to organisations including Companies House, the Department for Education and other regulatory bodies.
• Oversee and coordinate the creation, review, and distribution of Trust-wide policies to ensure consistency and compliance across all schools.
• Maintain and review of the Trust’s Strategic Risk Register in conjunction with the Trust Executive Team and the Audit and Risk Committee. 
• Act as the Trust’s Data Protection lead, collaborating with the Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Trust staff, to ensure compliance with the GDPR and related legislation, maintaining official records across the Trust.

About You 

• Have experience or knowledge of at least one of:  board / committee level in the education sector / academies / company law / regulatory compliance.
• Be able to communicate effectively and develop positive relationships.
• Have a high level of self-awareness, personal integrity and credibility; ability to engage and command the confidence and respect of others quickly.

More information about the job role can be found in the job description. 

EPA Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism.   The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.