Governance and Compliance Specialist

Chiltern; Aston Clinton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education trust in the UK is seeking a Governance and Compliance Specialist to lead and coordinate governance. This pivotal role involves ensuring GDPR compliance, overseeing board operations, and driving compliance across various areas. The candidate should have a degree in governance or related fields, proven leadership experience, and exceptional communication skills. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in children’s lives.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in governance, legal, compliance or public administration.
• Proven leadership experience in a Multi-Academy Trust or regulated organisation.
• Expert knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook, GDPR, and education law.
• Exceptional communication, analytical and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Data Protection Officer ensuring GDPR compliance.
• Oversee board operations, statutory registers and policy governance.
• Drive compliance across safeguarding, FOI, equality, health & safety.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Organisational Skills

Education

Degree in governance, legal, compliance, or public administration

Job description

Chiltern Way Academy Trust (CWAT) is seeking a Governance and Compliance Specialist to lead and coordinate governance across our expanding Trust. This is a pivotal role, offering the opportunity to shape and embed a proactive governance framework that ensures we remain inspection-ready and fully compliant with all statutory and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Acting as our independent Data Protection Officer (DPO), ensuring GDPR compliance and ethical data practices
• Overseeing board operations, statutory registers and policy governance
• Driving compliance across safeguarding, FOI, equality, health & safety and more
• Supporting governor recruitment, training and development
• Maintaining our Trust-wide risk register and supporting audit processes
• Championing transparency, strategic assurance and continuous improvement, We are a forward-thinking Trust committed to improving outcomes for children with SEND and vulnerable learners. You'll be part of a values-driven team where your work directly contributes to our mission and where governance is seen not just as oversight - but as a driver of improvement.

Qualifications

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in governance, legal, compliance or public administration
• Proven leadership experience in a Multi-Academy Trust or regulated organisation
• Expert knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook, GDPR, and education law
• Exceptional communication, analytical and organisational skills
• A calm, impartial and credible professional who thrives on challenge and collaboration

Desirable Extras

• Professional governance or data protection qualifications (e.g. ICSA, NGA Level 4, GDPR Practitioner)
• Experience in SEND settings or Trusts undergoing rapid growth
• Confidence in leading audits, inspections and governor training

Chiltern Way Academy Trust is a specialist Multi-Academy Trust providing outstanding education for children and young people aged 4 to 19 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Currently 8 school sites.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for integrity, accountability and educational excellence? Do you thrive in a role where your expertise in governance, compliance and data protection can make a real difference to children’s lives?