We are excited to be partnering with 'Award Winning' E-ACT to recruit a Head of Governance. This role will lead the Governance function both strategically and operationally across the Multi-Academy Trust. This fantastic opportunity is paying c£70,000 per annum, offering 31 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
E-ACT are an 'Award Winning' Multi-Academy Trust, with 38 academies situated across England. They strive on delivering high level education to each of their academies', ensuring wellbeing is at the centre of everything they do. The organisation offers a hybrid and flexible working arrangement for their staff.
Their staff provide key services to the academies within the Trust, with an excellent network of support and educational expertise to deliver the very best education to their children. Their academies collaborate and share ideas with one through an internal professional networks structure, in addition to external links.
E-ACT's three core values are:
- Think Big
- Do the Right Thing
- Show Team Spirit
In June 2024, E-ACT were delighted to announce the exciting news that the entire E-ACT team had been honoured with the prestigious title of 'Trust Team of the Year' at the TES Awards. In 2023, they were awarded 'MAT of the Year' at the MAT Excellence Awards.
E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
The Head of Governance will play a pivotal role in ensuring robust and effective governance across the Trust. This position will lead the governance function to maintain and improve high standards of accountability, compliance, and strategic oversight. The role supports the Trust Board, the Local Ambassador Groups, and ensures that governance arrangements comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the governance function across the Trust, ensuring that all governance levels operate effectively and contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust.
- Provide strategic advice and guidance to the Trust Board and Ambassador Groups on governance matters, ensuring adherence to the Academy Trust Handbook and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Develop and implement governance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal obligations, including safeguarding, data protection, and financial regulations.
- Ensure that the Trust's governance framework supports its vision, values, and strategic goals.
- Manage the administration of Trust Board and Committee meetings, including preparing agenda, minute-taking, and following up on actions.
- Support the Chairs of the Trust Board, Committees, and Ambassador groups to ensure meetings are well-organised and decisions are documented and actioned effectively.
- Provide training, induction, and development support for Trustees and Ambassadors to strengthen governance capability.
- Ensure that the Trust complies with statutory and regulatory requirements, including governance reporting to the Department for Education (DfE)and other statutory bodies.
- Oversee the Trust's risk management framework, working with the Executive Team and Audit & Risk Committee to ensure that risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated.
- Lead on the completion and submission of statutory governance returns, including the annual accounts and financial statements, in collaboration with the Finance Team.
- Lead the recruitment and appointment process for new Trustees and support Headteachers with recruitment and onboarding of Ambassadors.
- Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to align governance with the Trust's overall strategy and operational objectives.
Head of Governance:
- Minimum of 3 years' experience within Governance.
- Degree or equivalent qualification.
- Proven record of 'outstanding' Governance practice.
- Willingness and commitment to 'thinking big, doing the right thing and showing team spirit'.
- Effective team leadership skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both verbally and in written communications.
- Proven line management experience.
- A track record working closely with C-Suite stakeholders is essential.
- Strong understanding and ability to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Show a willingness to embrace different ideas and ways of thinking to improve E-ACT.
- Effective handling of sensitive and confidential information.
- Experience of working within a Multi-Academy Trust or School setting is desirable.
Head of Governance:
- c£70,000 per annum.
- 31 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Hybrid working.
- Flexible working.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 24/7.
EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.
