Clerk to Governors

William Austin Junior School; Luton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

William Austin Junior School in Luton seeks an enthusiastic, highly organised Clerk to the Governing Body to support effective governance across the school. The role acts as principal adviser on governance matters, ensuring statutory compliance and assisting governors with strategic responsibilities.

Key duties include planning agendas, clerking meetings, maintaining governance records, advising on legislation, and supporting recruitment, induction, and training.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
• Ability to work independently and with discretion.
• Willingness to develop governance knowledge through training.

Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas with the Chair and Headteacher.
• Attend and clerk meetings, record accurate minutes.
• Support governance cycle and ensure statutory compliance.
• Advise governors on governance legislation and best practice.
• Maintain governor records and compliance with GIAS and website requirements.
• Assist recruitment, induction, and training for governors.
• Organise meetings and ensure deadlines are met.

Skills

Organised

Communication

Discretion

Independent working

Education

Governance qualification (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

William Austin Junior School is a large five-form entry junior school in Luton, rated Good by Ofsted, with well-behaved pupils who are eager to learn and succeed. Our staff team is supportive, hardworking, committed and always puts children at the heart of everything we do. We are well resourced and benefit from strong support from parents, governors and the wider school community.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, highly organised and professional Clerk to the Governing Bodyto support our Governing Body and help ensure effective governance across the school.

This is a key role requiring excellent organisational, communication and governance skills. The successful candidate will act as the principal adviser to the Governing Body on governance matters, ensuring statutory compliance and supporting governors to carry out their strategic responsibilities effectively.

The role will include:

• Planning and preparing agendas in conjunction with the Chair of Governors and Headteacher.
• Attending, clerking and producing accurate minutes for Governing Body, committee and panel meetings.
• Supporting the annual governance cycle and ensuring all meetings are effectively organised and administered.
• Advising governors on governance legislation, procedural matters and best practice before, during and after meetings.
• Maintaining accurate records of governor membership, terms of office, attendance and declarations.
• Ensuring governance information is published and maintained in line with statutory requirements, including website compliance and the DfE's Get Information About Schools (GIAS) database.
• Supporting governor recruitment, induction, training and development.
• Maintaining and reviewing governance documentation, including terms of reference, policies and codes of conduct.
• Organising governor panels, including complaints and appeals panels, ensuring statutory timescales are met.
• Ensuring that relevant documentation and information is distributed to governors in accordance with agreed deadlines.
• Supporting the Governing Body in evaluating its effectiveness and maintaining high standards of governance.

Meeting Commitment

There are approximately 11 meetings each academic year, comprising 3 face-to-face meetings and 8 online meetings. Additional governor panels or exceptional meetings may occasionally be required.

You will:

• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to produce accurate, concise and professional minutes.
• Have strong IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office and online meeting platforms.
• Have a good understanding of school governance, or be willing to develop this knowledge through appropriate training.
• Hold, or be willing to work towards, a recognised governance qualification.
• Be highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Be able to work independently while maintaining professional relationships with governors and school leaders.
• Demonstrate integrity, discretion and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Be flexible in supporting evening meetings throughout the academic year.
• Show a commitment to continuous professional development.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and you can also visit our website for further details about our school at www.william-austin.com

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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