The Governance Professional (Clerk to Trustees) – Academy Trust

The Governance Professional will provide
advice and guidance to the governing board on governance, constitutional and
procedural matters. This professional clerk role will contribute towards the
efficient functioning a governing board and its committees by providing:

• administrative
  and organisational support;
• guidance
  to ensure that the board works in compliance with the appropriate legal and
  regulatory framework, and understands the potential consequences for
  non-compliance; and
• advice
  on procedural matters relating to the operation of the board.

This role
would suit someone who already has experience in a similar role or is highly
organised and up to date with current guidance and is prepared to make a
commitment to attend the National Training Programme for Clerks or its
equivalent.

Qualifications and Training

ESSENTIAL

• Be able to
  demonstrate a willingness to attend appropriate training and development;
  (AF, I)
• Have already attended
  or make a commitment to attend the National Training Programme for Clerks or
  its equivalent (AF, I)
• Level 2 qualification
  in numeracy / maths and literacy / English or equivalent. (AF, I)

DESIRABLE

• NVQ Level 3 in
  Administration / Business or equivalent qualification or experience. (AF, I)

Knowledge and Experience

ESSENTIAL

• Evidence of relevant
  personal and professional development; (AF, I)
• Evidence of working
  in an environment where experiences included taking initiative and
  self-motivation; (AF, I)
• Working as a member
  of a team. (AF, I)

DESIRABLE

• Experience of financial
  work / administrative. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of relevant
  educational legislation, guidance and legal requirements. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of school
  governance legislation. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of the
  respective roles and responsibilities of the Trust Body, the Headteachers, DfE
  and other authorities. (AF, I)
• Basic awareness of inclusion, especially within
  a school setting. (AF, I)

Skills and Abilities

ESSENTIAL

• Good listening, oral
  and literacy skills; (I)
• Writing agendas and
  accurate concise minutes; (I)
• ICT including
  keyboarding skills; (I)
• Organising their time
  and working to deadlines; (I)
• Organising meetings;
  (I)
• Record keeping,
  information retrieval and dissemination of Trust Body data/documentation, to
  the Trust Body and relevant partners; (I)
• Using the internet to
  access relevant information; (I)
• Communicates in a
  clear, accurate and succinct manner to deliver information to the right
  person, ensuring he / she understands the message. (AF, I)
• Maintains open and
  honest relationships with colleagues and shows sensitivity to the needs and
  feelings of others. (AF, I)
• Actively listens to
  take account of others’ views and opinions. (AF, I)
• Works with the team
  to generate solutions and reach consensus. (AF, I)
• Is able to use and
  understand the purpose of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and has
  the ability to search for and extract information, using a range of
  technology. (AF, I)
• Is able to use ICT
  securely and safely and supports / encourages Governors to also use ICT
  technology, linked to the work of the Trust, in a safe and secure manner.
  (AF, I)
• Ability to build and
  maintain successful relationships with people, treating them consistently
  with respect and consideration. (AF, I)
• Ability to work
  collaboratively with colleagues and carry out the role effectively, knowing
  when to seek help and advice. (AF, I)
• Ability to organise
  own time and work to deadlines. (AF, I)
• Ability to improve
  own practice through observation, evaluation and discussion with colleagues.
  (AF, I)
• Be a person of
  integrity; (I)
• Be able to maintain
  confidentiality; (I)
• Be able to remain
  impartial; (I)
• Have a flexible
  approach to working hours; (I)
• Sympathetic to the
  needs of others; (I)
• Have an openness to
  learning and change; (I)
• Have a positive
  attitude to personal development and training; (I)
• Have good
  interpersonal skills. (I)
• Well organised and
  flexible approach to work. (I)
• Ability to work
  constructively and supportively as part of a team. (I)
• Good attention to
  detail. (I)
• Able to work on own initiative but seeks advice from
  others when necessary(I).

DESIRABLE

• Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the schools’ activities within the Academy Trust and how the Trust contributes to performances as a whole. (AF, I)
• Is able to describe the current activities in their area and whole-school developments. (AF, I)
• Adapts data according to particular needs and presents it appropriately. (AF, I)
• Knowledge of the respective roles and responsibilities of the Trust Body, the headteacher, the LA, Church Authorities and the DfE. Knowledge of Equal Opportunities and Human Rights legislation; (I)
• Knowledge of Data Protection legislation. (I)

Other Factors

ESSENTIAL

• Commitment to working with young people.
• Willingness to work in support of the inclusive ethos of the school.
• Police clearance. (DBS check)

Evidence Key:

(AF) – Application Form

(I) – Interview

(R) – References