Senior Governance Officer

About us and the role

Are you passionate about governance and looking to advance your career? Join our supportive and collaborative team in a newly created role designed to strengthen our Trust's robust governance framework.

Following a recent external review that praised our governance as "very well developed" and "highly effective," we're expanding our team to ensure we continue to lead in this area. We’re seeking an experienced, qualified, and enthusiastic professional to play a key role in advancing our governance practices.

In this role, you'll work closely with our Head of Governance, managing a portfolio of committees and groups, supporting governance professionals, and contributing to policy management, formal complaints, and various governance processes. Your expertise in communication, assurance reporting, and advising senior leaders will be crucial in maintaining and elevating our governance standards.

While this role is primarily home-based, with many meetings conducted remotely, there will be opportunities for in-person collaboration with Trustees and colleagues. During the interview process, we'll discuss how we can tailor these working arrangements to best suit both you and the Trust.

This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on the governance of our Trust. If you’re ready to bring your skills and enthusiasm to our team, we’d love to hear from you!

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, you are welcome to contact our Head of Governance (stuart.mcdonough@avanti.org.uk).

What will you do?

• Serve as a key contact for governance queries, deputise for the Head of Governance when necessary, and support the strategic objectives of the Trust.
• Support effective decision-making by managing the Trust's annual meeting cycle, agenda planning, and accurate documentation of meetings.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the Governor Hub, ensuring colleagues and Trustees are proficient in its use.
• Advise on and manage governance processes, including the Scheme of Delegation, Trustee recruitment, and policy reviews, while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
• Provide training and induction for Trustees and SSC Members, and support the Trust's internal scrutiny and compliance functions.

Why should you apply

Avanti exists to help each person become a well-rounded human being through intellectual, moral and spiritual growth, and so make the world a better place.

You will be working in a fantastic environment, with:

• Great opportunities for professional development through the Avanti Institute and our family of schools
• NEST pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria
• O2 discounts, Specsavers corporate eye test vouchers
• Flexible working opportunities
• Eligible for NUS Card and CSSC membership
• Access to multiple well-being programmes (Weekend Retreats, Yoga Classes and Apps)
• Cycle-to-work and Electric Vehicle Lease Schemes
• Free staff lunch and on site parking

What are we looking for

• Previous senior level experience of supporting/managing governance processes at Board level within a Multi Academy Trust or broader Education Sector
• Senior level experience of agenda management and preparing high-quality supporting reports and minutes.
• Proven successful track record of relationship management with external organisations, senior colleagues and Trustees
• Excellent communication and mediation skills
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students

Please view the full Job Description for more information on the responsibilities and essential criteria required for this role.

Further information

Pre-employment checks

Avanti Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates are required to have an Enhanced DBS check unless internally appointed and still within the cycle of DBS re-checks.

Any appointment subsequently made will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Diversity and Inclusion

We want to make sure we are attracting the widest possible range of people and ensure that they are accepted, understood and treated equally when they work here. This means we will work hard to understand that each employee is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics. 

Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how the school supports pregnant women and new parents.