Clerk to Governors

We are seeking a dedicated and highly organised Governance Clerks to join our dynamic team. We value efficiency, confidentiality, and excellent communication and can provide flexible, homeworking aside from the essential in-person meetings.

This role is ideal for candidates who would like a position which sits alongside or in addition to their current employment. This is a flexible role which can fit around other commitments whilst allowing an interesting insight into the governance and running of our schools across the city.

Most meetings are scheduled on a yearly calendar so plenty of notice is provided. The administrative tasks can be flexibly worked around home life or other work commitments.

Full training and support will be provided by our experienced and successful Governance Professional.

We are a Trust of 8 schools which has a split governance model.

Due to the scheduling of these meetings, this example working pattern will be shared by a minimum of two Governance Clerks.

Local Governing Body meetings

Two of our schools currently run with a Local Governing body whose meeting are held in the evenings (6-8pm). For these schools you would be required to spend around 2-3 hours compiling the meeting pack - to be shared a week ahead of the meeting - attend the meeting in person and then spend around 8 hours completing and circulating the minutes. There are 6 of these in a year (one meeting per term).

Total annual commitment per LGB - Approx 72-78 hours.

School Improvement Board meetings

The remaining 6 schools run with a School Improvement Board whose meetings are held at different times within the school day and last around 2 hours. For these schools you would be expected to attend the meeting and produce the minutes which would take around 6 hours. There are held every other term. There are 3 of these in a year.

Total annual commitment per SiB - Approx 24 hours.

Each of these meetings is held on a different day so we are happy for you to pick up as many schools as you would like and for you to work around your existing commitments. Draft minutes are expected to be available one week after the meeting.

There will also be the opportunity to be involved in clerking meetings outside of the Governance model, which are arranged on an Ad-Hoc basis and notification of these is usually given 7 days ahead so some flexibility is required.

Travel expenses from your home to the school will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities:

Arrange and take notes for school governance (Local Governing Body, School Improvement Board, CPAG), permanent exclusion (PEX) hearings and staff panels (disciplinary, absence, grievance, redundancy)

Accurately take and process minutes from meetings.

Organise and prioritise tasks effectively to manage your workload independently.

Utilise technological tools and software to maintain records and facilitate communication.

Communicate clearly and professionally with a range of stakeholders.

Ensure all documentation and communication adhere to confidentiality requirements.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and handle multiple competing deadlines simultaneously.

Reliable access to transport and the ability to travel across Bristol. (Driving Licence preferred)