The Role

Wellspring is a values-driven Multi-Academy Trust which is committed to innovation and educational excellence by empowering the Academies within the Trust to ‘make a difference’ to the pupils we serve.

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Governance to join our team. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring forward thinking and effective Governance across the Trust.

You will lead our Governance function to ensure that Governance support is effective, transparent, and aligned with our core values. You will work closely with our Board of Trustees and provide a professional clerking service to the Trust Board and its Committees

Key Responsibilities

• Governance Leadership: Lead the Governance Team, implement Governance strategies that align with our vision and values.

• Board Clerking: Provide expert advice and support to the Board of Trustees and Committees, ensuring effective decision-making and compliance with statutory requirements.

• Empower Governance: Drive forward-thinking strategies and embrace cutting-edge technologies to enhance decision-making and transparency within our Governance framework.

• Foster Continuous Improvement: Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring our Governance structures remain agile and adaptable.

• Governance Practices: Provide expert advice and support to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective decision-making and compliance with statutory requirements.

Our Offer

• Impactful Work: Join a team of passionate educators who make a tangible difference to the lives of young people.

• Continuous Development: We value our people. Collegial working at all levels is central to our culture. High quality induction training and ongoing professional development support are guaranteed.

• Inclusivity: We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

• Innovation: We encourage creativity and innovation. We believe in the power of teamwork and encourage open communication and idea-sharing.

• Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working and hybrid working arrangements to support our employees’ well-being.

• Competitive Benefits Package: Including local government pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement and other benefits.

You will play a key role in shaping the Governance landscape at Wellspring. By driving innovation and forward-thinking, you will foster a culture of excellence and accountability, ultimately making a lasting impact on the future of education.

Location: Hybrid of remote and office working. Head office located in Barnsley town centre adjacent to the interchange.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, full-time weeks

Governance at Wellspring

In an ever-evolving educational landscape, innovation and forward-thinking are essential to ensure that our Governance practices are not only effective but also adaptable. As Head of Governance, you will be at the forefront of how we approach Governance within our Trust.

We believe that Governance should be proactive and visionary, ensuring that our policies and practices reflect our aims. As we seek to innovate, it’s crucial that Governance structures support and enable our ambitions.

The role will work with the Chief Administration Officer to lead the Governance Function, whilst reporting independently to the Trust Board. You will oversee all aspects of Governance effectiveness and compliance within the Trust, ensuring Governance adheres to best practice and meets all statutory and regulatory requirements.

As Head of Governance, your responsibilities will extend to clerking the Board and its Committees, a role that is crucial in maintaining the efficacy and transparency of our governance practices. You will ensure that meetings are well-organised, minutes are accurately recorded, and actions are diligently followed up.

The Governance team consists of our Governance Professional, and our Governance and Executive Assistants who service our Local Governing Bodies. The Head of Governance will lead the service provision and line manage the team effectively, ensuring that the Board and its Committees are supported to the highest standards. 

Further Information

Wellspring Academy Trust recognises that it has a statutory and moral duty towards safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and, if appropriate, vulnerable adults who participate in any Trust activities and expects all staff to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post.

References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview. Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.