Clerk to Governors

Function of the post:

Provide professional and effective support to an Academy’s Local Governing Body (LGB) to ensure they meet their obligations in accordance with the University of Chichester Academy Trust, Academy and statutory requirements.

This will involve working effectively with the Local Governing Body, Headteacher, Trust and other interested parties

Principal Accountabilities:

· Provide advice to the LGB on governance legislation and procedural matters, including statutory changes, acting as the first point of contact, liaising with appropriate third parties as necessary to ensure advice is accurate and current. This may include preparing briefing papers for the LGB (dependant on experience).

· Contributing to the effectiveness of the LGB, provide advice on best practice on governance, including committee structures and self-evaluation, ensuring statutory policies are in place and reviewed in accordance with Trust or statutory requirements;

· In accordance with procedure, manage the membership of the LGB, including maintaining a register of members and pecuniary interests, record of attendance and training, providing advice and support on the election and re-election of members, including the Chair, managing the procedure for outgoing Governors and advice on strengthening the LGB and succession planning to meet the needs of the Academy;

· Support the induction of new Governors, providing and updating the Welcome Pack and contribute to the induction of Governors undertaking new roles such as Chairing a Committee or acting as Chair of the LGB.

· Ensure the administration required to ensure an effective LGB is undertaken and robust processes are in place and compliant with Trust and regulatory requirements as necessary. This will include managing the annual meetings and tasks calendar, maintaining accurate records of Terms of Reference, register of Committees and Working Parties and LGB correspondence including signed and minuted approval of policies and other documents;

· Liaise with the Academy’s administration team to ensure the relevant Academy’s web pages are updated and contain information in line with statutory or Trust requirements;

· Undertake a full range of duties to ensure effective and efficient administration of all LGB and Committee meetings, including working with the Chair and Headteacher to prepare a focused agenda; preparing, collating and circulating papers on time and in line with procedural requirements, ensuring meetings are quorate and record, minute and prepare draft minutes for review and final approval, following up all agreed action points.

· Support the Chair in scheduling statutory appeal committees and panels, servicing and providing advice to the LGB and liaising with appropriate parties to ensure that such matters are dealt with promptly, rigorously and in line with procedure.

· Maintain and update a reference file of useful documents and guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), University of Chichester Academy Trust and other relevant bodies.