School Governance and Admissions Officer (Diocese of Chichester)

East Sussex County Council; Vines Cross; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A local educational authority in the UK seeks an experienced lead officer for school governance and admissions. The role involves advising headteachers and governors, managing recruitment processes, and delivering training. Candidates should have a degree and relevant governance experience, with a strong understanding of education legislation. This position offers a salary of £30,970 for part-time work, along with flexible hours, pension contributions, and generous leave entitlement.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Employee assistance programme

Free eye tests

Development opportunities

Free parking

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with relevant governance experience.
• Up-to-date knowledge of education legislation for Church Schools.
• Ability to plan and deliver high-quality training.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on school admissions and governance.
• Advise on compliance and governance issues.
• Manage recruitment of foundation governors.

Skills

Experience in school governance

Ability to deliver training

Knowledge of education legislation

Strong relationship-building skills

Commitment to the diocesan ethos

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

Job description

We wish to appoint a skilled and experienced team member to be the lead officer for school governance and admissions in Church of England schools across the Diocese and who will work closely with the Director and Deputy Director of Education. Principal duties include:

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and support relating to school admissions to headteachers and school governors.
• Advise school governing boards and headteachers on issues of compliance and governance, including complaints and disciplinary issues.
• Develop and deliver training related to admissions and governance.
• Manage the recruitment and appointment process of foundation governors.
• Work with the Deputy Director and School Effectiveness Team to address leadership and management issues in schools with the purpose of raising standards and improving outcomes for children.

Qualifications

• Be educated to degree level (or equivalent) and have experience of being a school governor, clerk to governors or other relevant governance experience.
• Have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of education legislation and regulation related to admissions and governance for Church Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts.
• Have the ability to plan and deliver high-quality training to governors and headteachers.
• Be able to establish effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including governors, headteachers, academy partners and Local Authority officers.
• Be committed and confident in the aims and ethos of the Diocese of Chichester and act as an outward-facing ambassador for the diocesan Education team.

Salary & Benefits

• A salary of £30,970 per annum (pro‑rata FTE £44,242) for 26.25 hours per week with flexibility to work the hours over 4 days per week.
• Flexi‑time and the opportunity to apply under the DBF's remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
• A 0.7 pro‑rata entitlement of 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
• Membership of the Church Worker's Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0‑6%.
• An employee assistance programme with access to counselling support, GP helpline, financial, legal and care advice and support.
• Free eye tests and employer contribution towards glasses.
• Free parking, a ride‑to‑work scheme and development opportunities.

Safeguarding & DBS

Chichester DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders must share this commitment and comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. Our full safeguarding policy can be found here. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and will involve travelling around the Diocese, some evening work and occasional work at weekends.