Head of Governance

Suffolk County Council; Norwich; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional education trust in Norwich is seeking a Head of Governance. The successful candidate will be responsible for governance oversight, clerking duties, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to manage risks effectively. This is a permanent position with a salary of £34,434 per annum, pro rata, offering 15 flexible hours per week.

Qualifications

• Expert guidance on governance regulations and policies.
• Experience in clerking and minute-taking.
• Ability to provide policy and compliance management.
• Skills in risk and strategic assurance.
• Data and records management expertise.
• Excellent communication and liaison skills.
• Uphold high ethical standards and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide governance oversight and support.
• Serve as clerk to the Trust Board.
• Ensure compliance with governance regulations.
• Manage risk at trust and school levels.
• Maintain accurate governance records.
• Liaise with stakeholders and provide guidance.
• Advise on governance legislation and procedures.

Job description

Overview

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Evolution Academy Trust – Head of Governance

• Address: Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7XP
• Salary: £34,434 per annum pro rata
• Hours: 15 hours per week, with some flexibility
• Contract: Permanent, start September 2025
• Reference: 7807

On behalf of Evolution Academy Trust, thank you for your interest in our post as Head of Governance. This is an exciting time to join our Trust. We have a fantastic central team, great leaders and hard-working staff across our schools. All 12 of our schools are graded as 'Good' for Leadership and Management and outcomes are above national averages in all key areas.

We are seeking a dedicated Head of Governance to join our team and take us to the next phase of our journey, from Good to Great. We can offer you a thorough induction, strong network of support, excellent professional development, and you will be part of a fantastic primary multi-academy trust.

Please refer to the job description and recruitment pack for full person specification.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities

• Governance oversight and support: Provide expert guidance and advice on governance regulations, policies, and best practices. Support the effective operation of the Trust Board, Trustee committees and Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). Develop and maintain a governance calendar to ensure timely meetings, reviews, and statutory submissions.
• Clerking and minute-taking: Serve as clerk to the Trust Board and produce accurate, high-quality minutes of meetings and actions. Provide guidance, feedback and support to clerks of local governing bodies.
• Policy and compliance management: Provide the Chief Executive Officer and Trustees with the necessary advice and support to ensure they operate in compliance with all relevant regulations governing the board and its committees. Ensure governance structures and processes comply with the Academies Trust Handbook, Company Law, and DfE guidance.
• Risk and strategic assurance: Support the governance framework in identifying and managing risk at trust and school levels. Liaise with senior leaders to ensure board decisions are informed and aligned with trust strategy.
• Data and records management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of governance structures, members, and decision logs. Ensure statutory governance information is correctly published on school and trust websites.
• Liaison and communication: Act as a key liaison between the Executive Team, Headteachers, Chairs of Governors, and external stakeholders as required (e.g., Ofsted, DfE). Provide guidance and direction to Clerks and Governance Professionals of LGBs across the trust's schools, ensuring the effective operation of each LGB in alignment with the trust's central governance practices.
• Ethics and confidentiality: Uphold high standards of conduct, confidentiality, and integrity in all governance matters. Provide impartial and confidential advice where required. Provide the CEO, Chair of Trustees, Executive Leadership Team and Trustees with guidance on governance legislation, regulatory obligations, and procedural matters.

How to apply

How to apply

Please complete your application by visiting My New Term.

Closing date: 26 September 2025.

More information

Please read the Job Description (pdf) and the Recruitment Pack (pdf).

If you wish to arrange an informal conversation, please email [e-mail].

About the Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.

This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form.

The 'Apply Now' button below only allows you to submit a job alert, not an online application.