Clerk to the Governors

Job Description

Role Description: Clerk to the Governing Body

School: St Thomas More Catholic Primary School
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex
Grade/Rate: £150 per meeting (up to 12 meetings per year)
Responsible to: Chair of Governors
Liaison with: Headteacher, School Office Manager, Finance Manager

Purpose of the Role

To provide high-quality clerking services to the Governing Body of St Thomas More Catholic Primary School. This includes preparing agendas and meeting packs, taking accurate minutes, advising on governance regulations and procedural matters, and ensuring the Governing Body operates efficiently and within statutory requirements.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas and compile meeting packs for Full Governing Body and committee meetings (Resources/Audit and Pupils & Standards) in consultation with the Chair and Headteacher.
• Distribute agendas and supporting documentation in advance of meetings.
• Attend all meetings (generally held at 6pm on Monday evenings) and take accurate and impartial minutes.
• Provide procedural advice to the Governing Body in line with the school's Article of Association, statutory regulations, and relevant policies.
• Finalise minutes with the Chair and distribute to relevant parties.
• Maintain an accurate record of Governor attendance, declarations of interest, and meeting outcomes.
• Manage and maintain an organised and up-to-date governance file, both electronically and physically as required.
• Handle correspondence on behalf of the Governing Body, and ensure effective follow-up on actions arising from meetings.
• Remain up to date with changes in legislation, policy and best practice in school governance.
• Attend training and briefing sessions provided by the Diocese, Local Authority or other recognised bodies, as authorised.
• Promote confidentiality and adhere to data protection and safeguarding policies.
• Support the effective recruitment and induction of new governors.

General Expectations

• Participate in performance reviews and personal development.
• Work independently and manage own time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Comply with the school's policies on Health & Safety, Equality, Safeguarding, and Confidentiality.
• Be a professional ambassador for the school and act with integrity.

Person Specification: Clerk to the Governing Body

Criteria Essential Desirable

Qualifications Educated to at least NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in English and Maths Clerking qualification or Governor Services training;

experience in financial or governance administration

Experience Experience in an administrative role requiring independence, Previous experience clerking in a school or governance context

confidentiality and accuracy

Knowledge Previous experience clerking in a school or governance context Understanding of education legislation and

academies governance

Skills Excellent written communication; accurate minute-taking;

clear and professional verbal communication; organisational Familiarity with education IT systems such as GovernorHub

and time-management skills

IT Competence Confident in the use of Microsoft Word, email and video Ability to manage electronic filing and cloud-based document systems

conferencing platforms such as MS Teams

Personal Qualities Professional, discreet, reliable, impartial, Flexible and proactive in approach; able to remain calm under pressure

and well-organised

Commitment Willingness to undertake training and maintain Commitment to the Catholic ethos of the school (not necessarily Catholic)

continuous professional development (CPD)

Other Requirements Able to attend meetings outside normal Interest in or understanding of primary education

working hours (typically Monday evenings)