Job Description

HEAD OF GOVERNANCE

Part Time (0.6 FTE) | Permanent
Salary: Essex Schools Pay Scale 12 (£54,495 - £62,014 pro rata)
Location: Trust Central Team (with travel across Trust schools)

About Us

The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust is a growing family of Church of England primary schools, committed to delivering high-quality education rooted in strong Christian values. We work collaboratively to support school improvement, develop inspiring leadership and ensure every child flourishes academically, socially and spiritually.

At the heart of our work is our core value of "empowering all to flourish" - guiding our approach to education, leadership and governance. We are committed to creating environments where pupils, staff and communities are supported to reach their full potential within a culture of care, inclusion and excellence.

About the Role

The Vine Schools Trust is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Governance to lead and develop our governance function across the Trust.

This is a key leadership role, providing expert advice and assurance to the CEO, Trustees and senior leaders, ensuring our governance arrangements are compliant, effective and aligned to best practice. You will play a vital role in supporting high-quality decision-making and maintaining strong standards of accountability and transparency across our schools.

As Head of Governance, you will:

Act as the Trust's principal adviser on governance, compliance and regulatory matters
Lead the development and continuous improvement of governance frameworks and structures
Serve as Governance Professional and clerk to the Trust Board and committees
Ensure compliance with company law, charity law and the Academy Trust Handbook
Oversee governance systems, policies and statutory returns
Lead on recruitment, induction and development of Trustees and Governors
Support risk management, audit processes and governance assurance across the Trust
This role combines strategic leadership with operational delivery and offers the opportunity to shape governance across a growing organisation.

What We Offer

At The Vine Schools Trust, we are proud to be an employer of choice and offer a supportive and rewarding working environment, including:

A strong commitment to work-life balance, with flexible working and family-friendly policies
Extensive professional development opportunities, including tailored CPD and career progression pathways
A collaborative and supportive culture across our network of schools, where best practice is shared
A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring all staff feel valued and supported
Strong leadership support, with open communication and opportunities to contribute to decision-making
A comprehensive wellbeing offer, including access to counselling, GP services and wellbeing programmes
Generous pension scheme
Employee benefits and discounts scheme, supporting everyday savings and lifestyle wellbeing
Recognition and appreciation programmes, celebrating staff contribution and success
About You

We are looking for a professional who:

Has significant experience in governance, compliance or company secretarial roles
Has advised Boards or senior leaders at a strategic level
Demonstrates excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills
Has a strong understanding of governance frameworks and regulatory requirements
Is highly professional, proactive and committed to high standards of integrity and accountability
Experience within the education or multi-academy trust sector is desirable.

Additional Information

The role requires flexibility, including attendance at some evening meetings
Travel between Trust schools will be required
Safeguarding

The Vine Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to Apply

Please email Elizabeth.Williams@dcvst.org for further details or complete the Head of Governance Application Form to express your interest.

A full Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this advert.

Information about the School

The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust is a growing academy chain currently serving 21 schools across the diocese. It is our aim to help our schools deliver, within a Christian context, the best educational, spiritual, physical, social and emotional outcomes for children and their families. This is achieved through a range of partnerships, including; schools, each local community, churches and our Multi-Academy Trust.

Schools in the trust are: Belchamp St Paul, Bulphan, Orsett, Ridgewell, Rivenhall, Rolph, St. Andrew's Weeley, Great Clacton, St Osyth, Howbridge, St. James Harlow, St. James, Colchester, Christchurch, St Leonard's, St. Cedd's, St Margaret's, William Martin Infant & Nursery and William Martin Junior, St Andrew's Gt Yeldham, Colne Engaine