Governance and Compliance Specialist

Chiltern Way Academy Trust; England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist Multi-Academy Trust in the UK is seeking a Governance and Compliance Specialist to lead governance and ensure compliance across multiple schools. The role requires leadership experience in education, knowledge of GDPR, and exceptional organizational skills. Join a values-driven team dedicated to improving outcomes for children with special educational needs.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead governance across the Trust Board, Members and Local Advisory Boards.
• Act as the independent Data Protection Officer and ensure GDPR compliance.
• Oversee board operations, statutory registers and policy governance.

Skills

Leadership experience

Knowledge of GDPR

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree-level qualification in governance or equivalent

Job description

Governance and Compliance Specialist (New)

Job Reference: EDV/2025/CWAT/07013
Location: Wendover Campus, Church Lane, Wendover, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6NL
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full‑Time
Salary: £40,835.00 – £45,072.00 annually (full‑time equivalent). Pro rata: £36,201.80 – £39,958.06.
Closing Date: 11:59pm, 14th Nov 2025
Start Date: ASAP
Positions Available: 1

About this Role

Chiltern Way Academy Trust (CWAT) is a specialist Multi‑Academy Trust providing outstanding education for children and young people aged 4–19 with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The Trust currently operates eight school sites.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading governance across the Trust Board, Members and Local Advisory Boards.
• Acting as the independent Data Protection Officer (DPO) and 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 the Trust‑wide risk register and supporting audit processes.
• Championing transparency, strategic assurance and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in governance, legal, compliance or public administration.
• Proven leadership experience in a Multi‑Academy Trust or a 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.

Why Join CWAT?

We are a forward‑thinking Trust committed to improving outcomes for children with SEND and vulnerable learners. As part of a values‑driven team, your work will directly contribute to our mission, where governance is seen not just as oversight but as a driver of improvement.

Apply by: 14th November 2025 (Interviews 19th and 20th November 2025).
For more information or to apply, contact: Amy Switzer at [e-mail]