Head of Governance and Compliance

TES FE News; Matlock; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in the UK is seeking a Head of Governance and Compliance. This pivotal leadership role requires overseeing regulatory compliance and providing strategic support to the Trust Board. Ideal candidates will have governance experience in the education sector and relevant qualifications. Join a purpose-driven team dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes and enjoy flexible working options, competitive benefits, and a strong people culture.

Benefits

Membership of a competitive pension scheme

Two annual wellbeing days

Flu vaccination vouchers

Free tea and coffee at all sites

Salary sacrifice scheme

Enhanced sick pay and leave schemes

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave entitlement

Free parking and electric charging points

Access to CPD and career development

Qualifications

• Experience in governance or compliance, ideally within the education sector.
• Holds relevant qualifications in governance and leadership.
• Demonstrates integrity, independence, and a commitment to public service values.
• Confident in providing strategic advice and managing sensitive matters.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Passionate about supporting educational outcomes through strong governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s governance framework.
• Act as Governance Professional and Company Secretary to the Trust Board.
• Provide strategic advice and support to the CEO, Chair of Trustees, and Board Committees.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations including DfE, ESFA, Charity Commission, and Companies House.
• Support Local Governing Committees and oversee governor induction, training, and CPD.
• Manage governance documentation, policies, and registers.
• Play a key role in supporting the Trust’s strategic growth and development.

Skills

Governance experience

Compliance expertise

Organizational skills

Integrity

Public service values commitment

Education

Relevant qualifications in governance and leadership

Job description

Overview

Hours: 0.6 FTE, term time only

Location: Preferably UTC Reading, but could be any of the Trust’s locations (with flexibility to travel across Trust sites and ability to work from home, as agreed by the line manager)

Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET) is seeking a highly skilled and committed individual to join our central team as Head of Governance and Compliance. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the Trust meets all regulatory requirements and maintains the highest standards of governance across our schools.

About The Role

• Lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s governance framework.
• Act as Governance Professional and Company Secretary to the Trust Board.
• Provide strategic advice and support to the CEO, Chair of Trustees, and Board Committees.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations including DfE, ESFA, Charity Commission, and Companies House.
• Support Local Governing Committees and oversee governor induction, training, and CPD.
• Manage governance documentation, policies, and registers.
• Play a key role in supporting the Trust’s strategic growth and development.

About You

• Has experience in governance or compliance, ideally within the education sector.
• Holds relevant qualifications in governance and leadership.
• Demonstrates integrity, independence, and a commitment to public service values.
• Is confident in providing strategic advice and managing sensitive matters.
• Has excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Is passionate about supporting educational outcomes through strong governance.

Why Join ALET

This is a purpose-driven role within the education sector, where your work will directly support the governance and leadership that enables high-quality learning experiences for young people. At ALET, our strong people culture is our key strategic driver — we believe that investing in our people is the foundation of our success. We are guided by our Attributes: being resilient, enterprising, confident, aware, professional — and we seek individuals who embody these values in their work.

Benefits

• Membership of a competitive pension scheme (LGPS or TPS) with generous employer contributions and life cover.
• Two annual wellbeing days and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Flu vaccination vouchers.
• Free tea and coffee at all sites.
• Salary sacrifice scheme.
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity/paternity/shared parental leave, and special leave schemes.
• Flexible working options including hybrid and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Free parking and electric charging points at selected sites.
• Access to CPD, e-learning, and career development pathways.
• Opportunities to collaborate across our six schools and central team.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our recruitment page: Work for Us – ALET and complete the application form. Once completed, kindly return the form to [e-mail] by Thursday, 9 October 2025. Interviews: Week commencing 13 October 2025.

Safeguarding Statement

Activate Learning Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Employment will be conditional upon receipt of at least two acceptable references (one from your current or most recent employer) and evidence of the formal qualifications required for the role.