Governance Officer Apprenticeship

Governance Officer Apprenticeship at United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation 

The Apprentice Governance Officer will support the delivery of effective governance across the charity’s network of independent schools and single academy trusts. Working closely with the Director of Governance and Operations and the wider team, the apprentice will gain practical experience and training in governance best practice, regulatory compliance, and the administration of governing bodies and boards.

This role is designed to support the apprentice in gaining the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to pursue a career in governance or compliance in the education, charity, or public sector.

Apprenticeship Overview:

• Salary: £7.55 an hour, Automatic salary increase after 1 year of apprenticeship for those who are 19+


• Working Week: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm or 9.30 am - 5:30 pm with a 1-hour lunch break


• Hours: 35 hours per week
  


• Duration: 18 months


• Level Level 4 Governance Officer Apprenticeship standard qualification


• Online training supported by our dedicated tutors 


• Location: United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation, Pouchot Building, 57 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5HJ


• Website: Westminster Grey Coat United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation 


• September Start!!

Duties: 

• Assist in the preparation and distribution of agendas, papers, and minutes for governing body, trust board, and committee meetings.
  


• Attend governance meetings (virtually or in person) to take minutes and support meeting logistics.
  


• Maintain records of attendance, declarations of interest, and statutory documentation.
  


• Support the annual cycle of meetings, reviews, and compliance checks


• Help monitor statutory and regulatory compliance, ensuring records and policies are up to date across the trust/school network.
  


• Assist in the administration of the policy review schedule and help circulate updated policies as required.


• Support in compiling governance reports and returns to the Department for Education, Companies House, and the Charity Commission.


• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of trustees, governors, and members.
  


• Help with onboarding new trustees/governors, including DBS checks, induction packs, and training coordination.


• Track and record mandatory training, declarations, and conflict of interest disclosures.


• Act as a first point of contact for governance-related queries from school staff, governors, and external stakeholders.


• Responding to emails and using the phone.
  


• Support internal communication relating to governance updates and developments.


• Managed diary and organised ad hoc meetings.
  


• Supporting team members as necessary


• Undertake a Level 4 governance-related apprenticeship qualification.
  


• Participate in internal training and learning opportunities, including shadowing experienced governance professionals.
  


• Keep up to date with relevant changes in education policy, academy trust governance, and charity law. 

Experience, abilities, knowledge and skills:

• A good general education to A-Level or equivalent
  


• Some “student” work experience is desirable


• A genuine interest in governance, education, and charitable work


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Good attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), MS Teams and Zoom


• Organised, proactive, and eager to learn


• Ability to work flexibly and be a supportive colleague as part of small team and as part of a team


• Some experience of administrative work (voluntary or paid)


• Awareness of the role of trustees/governors in schools or charities


• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in governance, policy, or compliance

Personal Skills:

• A ‘can-do’ attitude


• Willingness to develop and learn


• Flexible – as required within a small team


• Communication 
  


• Working together
  


• Accuracy and care
  


• Supporting others
  


• Handling Complexity

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

The successful candidate will obtain a Level 4 Governance Officer Apprenticeship standard qualification.

Each apprentice will have their own dedicated tutor who will conduct monthly remote tutorials and reviews, providing continuous support throughout the apprenticeship program. Depending on the apprentice’s needs, the frequency of these sessions may vary. 

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship? 

Potential full-time employment for the right candidate upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Pre-employment checks. Please be aware that upon a successful offer of employment, the company completes digitalised right-to-work checks and DBS applications via an external provider - 'Matrix Screening'. The company also completes an internal online social media search, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. 

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