Governance Professional

Governance Professional

Location: North West London (NW7), with travel to schools across the group; free onsite parking. Remote working for part of term time and fully during school holidays.
Hours: Approx. 32 hours / 4 days per week (term time) plus ~8 hours/week in school holidays, worked flexibly. Mostly weekday afternoons/early evenings, with up to five Saturday meetings a year.
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 (approx. £65,000 FTE). Contract: Permanent, part-time. Reporting to: Chair of the Court of Governors.

About the role

A well-established charitable group of independent schools in North West London is seeking a Governance Professional to support its Court of Governors. Reporting to the Chair, you'll provide professional and administrative support to the Court and advise on governance, constitutional and procedural matters — acting as the trusted link between the schools and the Governors, and helping the Court drive an ambitious agenda towards best-practice governance.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of the Foundation. You'll lead the full cycle of Court and Committee business and own the governance machinery behind it, working closely with the Chair, CEO and central management team. The Court seeks a talented, self-sufficient professional who enjoys the educational environment, brings sound judgement and meticulous attention to detail, and can maintain absolute confidentiality while commanding the trust of senior stakeholders. Given the confidential nature of the work, the postholder may not engage in any role involving any other school.

Key responsibilities

* Schedule all Court and Committee meetings; agree agendas with the Chair, CEO and Executives; procure and distribute board papers in advance and arrange meeting logistics

* Attend meetings and take accurate, impartial minutes, ensure meetings are quorate, and circulate drafts promptly to the Chair

* Manage Charity Commission and Companies House administration (including the annual Return) and liaise on the Trustees' Report and Accounts

* Administer the full Governor lifecycle — appointment, induction, training, review, skills audit and succession planning

* Maintain governance records, declarations of interest, the skills matrix, risk register, policies and governance manual

* Ensure compliance with the Foundation's Articles, Scheme of Delegation and statutory duties, including safeguarding and ISI; organise appeal, disciplinary and complaints panels

* Act as first point of contact for Governors and liaison with the Executives, AGBIS and the Charity Commission; visit each school termly and support associated committees

About you

* Demonstrable understanding of the independent school sector, with sound knowledge of charity law, governance, risk and compliance

* Strong management and administrative skills from a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation, with first-class organisation and meticulous attention to detail

* Strong ability in writing agendas and concise, impartial minutes, and in processing large volumes of information

* Excellent communicator able to build trust with Governors, senior management, parents and staff; a proactive, flexible self-starter with credibility and integrity; strong ICT skills

* Own vehicle and full driving licence (essential for travel between schools)

* Desirable: Chartered Secretary qualification / Chartered Governance Institute membership; experience in a school, education, charity or NHS trust; charity knowledge from a non-profit setting

What we offer

* £40,000–£45,000 (approx. £65,000 FTE); 25 days' holiday (pro-rated, in salary); pension matched at 5% with life assurance

* Free onsite parking, meals on site, optional private medical insurance, Cycle to Work, and discounted gym/pool membership

* Professional development and training, plus remote working for part of term time and fully in school holidays
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed