Overview

Head of School Governance role at Guardian Jobs. Reports to the Director of Governance and Risk. Location: Birmingham region, with an expectation that at least two days per week will be spent in schools. Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week. Pattern: 0.75-1 FTE (standard hours 9am – 5.30pm). Closing date: 29/09/2025. Interviews: w/c 06/09/2025. Salary: £55,000 to £60,000 (depending on experience) + 11% non-contributory pension. Working pattern: 0.75 FTE or above with time distributed between term-time and out-of-term periods by mutual agreement. This role involves governance across Ark (Guardian Jobs is referenced as Guardian Jobs in the description) and focus on admissions, complaints handling, and permanent exclusions, with a strong emphasis on innovation, development and transparency in governance practices.

The Head of Governance will work closely with the Director of Governance and Risk and will lead the design and delivery of governance frameworks, ensuring operational rigour and compliance across the trust. The role also includes governance pilots and innovation initiatives, such as the introduction of community councils in selected schools during 2025/26. The successful candidate will be located within easy reach of Birmingham and will be expected to work from schools for at least two days per week in term-time to support visits and regional engagement.

1st round interviews will be via phone and 2nd round in person, starting the week commencing 6th September 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submissions are advised.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice to all schools regarding admissions, exclusions, and related governance matters.
• Fulfil all aspects of a governance officer role for Midlands schools, including servicing meetings, supporting recruitment and training, and advising school leaders and governors.
• Act as the lead for specialist governance areas, including permanent exclusions, admissions, and complaints handling, ensuring consistency and compliance across all academies.
• Design and deliver a comprehensive programme of governor development, with a focus on coaching, capacity-building, and succession planning.
• Provide line management to members of the governance team, as required by the structure and needs of school governance.
• Monitor and report on governance and compliance performance, contributing to trust-wide assurance and improvement processes.
• Act as a key point of contact between the central governance team and local governance bodies, with additional responsibilities for Birmingham schools.

Key Requirements

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong working knowledge of governance frameworks in education, including statutory and regulatory requirements for academy trusts.
• Understanding of school governance structures, including schemes of delegation, Articles of Association, and compliance obligations.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, including the Companies Act 2006, Academy Trust Handbook, and GDPR.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements with option to work fully remotely for up to 10 days per year (UK or abroad).
• Flexitime policy with core hours 10:00 – 16:00.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 3 years (pro rata for part-time).
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Pension: 11% employer contribution to The Pension Trust scheme; LGPS eligibility may apply depending on role.
• Access to professional learning and Ark Rewards scheme with discounts and benefits.

About Us

Ark is an education charity dedicated to ensuring all children have access to a great education. The network includes 39 schools across Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth with about 30,000 pupils and nearly 3,000 staff. Ark focuses on innovative ventures and partnerships to improve education. Safeguarding: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; enhanced DBS checks are required for all employees. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to inclusion.