Cheshire Academies Trust is seeking to appoint a local governing body governance professional to provide high‑quality governance and clerking support across the Trust’s schools. The postholder will ensure that governance structures operate efficiently, comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, and enable effective decision-making. They will act as a trusted adviser to Local Governing Bodies (LGBs) and school leaders ensuring robust, transparent, and well‑documented governance.

This role may be delivered as two part‑time roles (16 hours per week each providing governance support to 5 schools, term-time only) or one  role supporting all 10 schools (32 hours per week term-time only).

Key Responsibilities:

Clerking and Meeting Administration: Plan, prepare, and service meetings for Local Governing Bodies (LGBs) in line with the Trust’s governance calendar.

Governance Advice and Compliance: Provide clear, practical, and timely professional advice on governance legislation, statutory duties, and ensure that LGBs operate within the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation and Articles of Association.

Governor Recruitment, Induction, and Development:  Support the recruitment and appointment of new governors, ensuring safer recruitment processes where required.

Record Keeping and Information Management: Maintain up‑to‑date governance records, including membership registers, terms of office, attendance, and declarations of interest.

Contribution to Trust-Wide Governance: Work collaboratively with the Director of Governance and attend Trust training, briefings, and network meetings.

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The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

·   Strong organisational skills, ensuring accurate preparation of agendas, papers, and minutes.

·   Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, enabling effective liaison with governors, school leaders and trust colleagues.

·   Sound judgement and attention to detail, providing high‑quality advice on governance, compliance, and statutory requirements.

·   The highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism, modelling the trust’s values in all interactions.

·   A commitment to ongoing professional development, keeping governance knowledge current and contributing to a strong governance culture across the trust.

We Offer:

·        A supportive, committed Trust community

·        A culture that values and nurtures leadership, professional growth and career opportunity

·        Annual salary progression within a national pay scale (performance-related)

·        Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

·        An annual flu vaccination

·        Access to our ‘green schemes’ including cycle to work, electric cars and white goods