Director of Governance

Northumberland Church of England Academy TrustDirector of Governance40-44KNorthumberland (Hybrid Working)NCEAT is a values-driven multi academy trust currently comprising nine schools. We’re located primarily in Ashington, but also have schools in Newbiggin, Lynemouth, Warkworth and Alnwick. We serve several diverse local communities, providing high-quality education and opportunities for over 3,000 children and young people.Our vision is simple: to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to ‘let their light shine’. Our LIGHT values drive all of our actions, both operational and strategic, across all areas of operation. Strong governance plays a vital role in helping us deliver on this promise.The RoleThe Director of Governance provides proactive strategic and administrative governance support and acts as company secretarial support to the Trust and Trust Schools, including trading subsidiaries and the Endowment Trust. Alongside core board and committee duties, the postholder will contribute to and oversee a comprehensive governance framework, decision making framework and support a risk strategy that enables Trustees and senior leaders to successfully discharge their responsibilities.ResponsibilitiesGovernance frameworkLead on the effective implementation and alignment of high-level governance-related organisational planning and governance activities.Ensure fulfilment of statutory governance requirements for the Trust including filings, returns, resolutions and maintenance of records and registers with relevant regulators.Lead on the annual review of NCEAT’s Scheme of Delegation to ensure delegations comply with all relevant statute, as well as reflecting realities of responsibilities throughout the organization.Co-ordinate the effective operation of the Board and sub committees ensuring alignment with Articles of Association, Scheme of Delegation, Funding Agreements and requirements from regulators such as the DfE and the Church of England.Schedule all meetings to fall at strategic times during the year to enable in-depth consideration of agreed agenda items and efficient flow of information and decisions through governance structure.Ensure consistent governance support for all LGBs across the Trust, promoting alignment with Trust-wide priorities and standards, including implementing standardised reporting, where effective.Translate business calendars into standing agendas, board report templates and agenda item briefings.Develop and promote reporting arrangements between different entities within the group.Ensure that governance records, controls, databases and public information (including governance related website information) are statutory and regulatory compliant, and effective for Trust use.Trustee board and committee supportShape agendas and forward-planning for board and committee meetings, including following through on action points and agenda items arising from previous meetings .Deliver high-quality papers and reports in a timely manner in conjunction with the Trust’s senior team to enable Trustees and committee members to fulfil their responsibilities.Ensure smooth meeting delivery, including taking and circulating minutes.To contribute to the preparation, publication, distribution and presentation of the Trust’s annual report.Provide ongoing support and communications to the Trust Board as appropriate.Board and committee recruitment and induction/succession planningLead on the recruitment of Trustees and Governors ensuring a rigorous recruitment process is deployed and, where relevant, in liaison with the Diocese.Develop and implement a governor induction journey and all relevant resources/ training materials in order to ensure. Trustees/Governors are supported into role.Liaise with the Chair, CEO and Diocese to ensure a robust succession planning process is in place.Board and committee training, development and evaluation Ensure Trustees and Governors receive all training and development opportunities necessary to ensure strong Board performance including briefings on compliance requirements.Develop and implement an annual training plan for Trustees and Governors.Work with the Chair and CEO to plan and organise an annual strategy day for all Trustees and Governors.Support board evaluation including external governance reviews and individual Trustee appraisal processes to encourage continual culture of self-reflection.Compliance, regulation and risk Assist with ensuring compliance across all entities within the Trust with all relevant governance-related regulation including all non-finance aspects of the Academy Trust Handbook, Charity Commission and Companies House requirements and Master Funding Agreement.Work with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer to ensure the Trust’s risk register is regularly updated and continually monitored.Responsible for the Trust’s policy management process, ensuring the Trust remains compliant across all schools and that policies are reviewed/approved by Trustees/Governors in a timely manner.Maintain the Trust’s complaints register.Governance benchmarking and best practice Carry out ongoing research on evolving charity and multi-academy Trust governance environment, to ensure fulfilment of all obligations and movement towards best practice.Support improvement in the governance and assurance framework including the design and implementation of initiatives which will further the overall work of Trust governance.Communicate with internal and external colleagues to promote good governance within the Trust schools including Local Governing Body reviews.Provide impartial guidance on procedural matters and conflicts of interests.Other duties as part of the central services teamTo offer high-quality administrative support.Liaise with members of the central services team, principals and head teachers as required.To network for the benefit of the Trust.Northumberland Church of England Academy Endowment TrustEnsure all grant applications comply with the Endowment Trust’s objects, offering advice and support to applicants.In liaison with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer, ensure the Northumberland Church of England Endowment Trust is administered in accordance with its objects, the Charity Commission regulations and charity law.Ensure filings, returns, resolutions and maintenance of records are up to date with the Charity Commission.OtherRecruit, line manage, mentor and support clerks to the Trust’s local governing bodies.Commit to ongoing personal development.Undertake other tasks as directed by the Chair of Trustees or the Chief Finance and Operations Officer.Person Specification Essential Enthusiasm and commitment to the Trust’s mission, values and principles.Strong experience in governance and/or company secretariat.Degree or NGA/ ICSA qualification in Academy governance or similar.Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.Experience in working to multiple deadlines and managing competing priorities.Proven strong experience of organising board meetings, agendas and taking accurate and concise minutes.Excellent inter-personal and communication skills.‘Can-do’ attitude focused on looking for solutions.Positive and open-minded with an ability to ‘think on your feet’.Ability to deal with confidential and/or sensitive information with exceptional diplomacy and tact, and a high level of professionalism.DesirableExperience of governance within the public or private sector.Experience of project management.Strong experience in using the Google suite of packages.Other • This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.ExperienceEnthusiasm and commitment to the Trust’s mission and values and the principles of the Church of EnglandStrong experience in governance and/or company secretariatDegree in non-discipline subject or NGA/ ICSA qualification in Academy governance or similarExceptional organisational skills and attention to detailExperience in working to multiple deadlines and managing competing prioritiesProven strong experience of organising board meetings, agendas and taking accurate and concise minutesExcellent inter-personal and communication skills‘Can-do’ attitude focused on looking for solutionsPositive and open-minded with an ability to ‘think on their feet’Ability to deal with confidential and/or sensitive information with exceptional diplomacy and tact, and a high level of professionalismHow to applyPlease apply with a full cv and cover letter to our retained consultancy castle peak group via email: James.carss@Closing date is Friday 12th September.Interviews will occur 24th & 25th September.

Created: 2025-08-30