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. Polic