Clerk to Governors

As a clerk to governors, following training, you'll become a governance professional who provides accurate, comprehensive minutes that evidence effective governance. You'll also offer support and signpost development opportunities to governing boards - the strategic leaders of our schools. In return you'll be highly valued, meet some of the most interesting people from all walks of life, gain a deep understanding of our education system and know you play an important part in the education of children. You'll have responsibility for up to ten schools and clerk approximately 50 meetings per year. You'll need to be flexible and well organised because you'll be attending meetings on different days and times each week. You'll be based at home, with secure IT equipment provided, but will attend meetings in schools across the city. Most of the 530 hours per year occur in term time freeing clerks up for the school holidays. The role is integral to the Governor Support Service - a successful team that really makes a positive impact on the lives of children., To ensure that a professional clerking service is provided to a number of school governing boards, including the provision of professional and timely advice on procedural, legal and constitutional matters and duties and powers, working within the current legislative framework and that excellent customer service is,

• To work from home using IT equipment provided by the local authority, liaising with IT support as necessary (own internet access is required)
• Adhering to strict administrative protocols in order to meet the service's and data protection requirements.
• Produce and distribute the agenda and papers for meetings of the governing body in an efficient and timely manner to meet the stringent requirements of legislation and the service level agreement.
• Advise the governing body on governance legislation and procedural matters where necessary before, during and after meetings.
• Attend and take detailed notes of governing body meetings and prepare minutes that record all decisions accurately and objectively with timescales for actions together with evidence of governors fulfilling their strategic role.
• Maintain an up to date database of governing body memberships and terms of office
• Pre-empt vacancies and support governors with recruitment
• Ensure that the governing body complies with regulations regarding appointments and resignations to the governing body.
• Ensure that the governing body is aware of statutory policies and statutory responsibilities and give appropriate advice and guidance to enable the governing body to meet them.
• Support governor learning and development at meetings/sessions.
• Ensure the senior officer is aware of good practice or any issues that may affect the performance of the governing body
• Deputise for other clerks to governing bodies as required., Communicate effectively in both written( including word processing), email correspondence and spoken word
• Use databases, spreadsheets and templates
• Work to deadlines and balance conflicting priorities / needs
• Work on own initiative
• Organise, clerk meetings and record key information accurately
• Present information clearly and produce standard letters and minutes
• Work as a team member to ensure that services are effective and maintain good channels of communication
• Time management to ensure deadlines are met at all times, including hot spots throughout the year
• To develop good customer relations
• To motivate others
Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  As a clerk to governors, you will bring to the role:
• A keen interest in education
• Accurate minuting skills
• The ability to organise yourself and others
• An eye for detail and being a great listener
• Strong commitment and motivation, It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
• Have proven skills in clerking governance meetings
• Knowledge of governance procedures and regulations
• Knowledge of meeting procedures (notice, quorum, confidentiality etc)
• Geographical knowledge of Leeds and ability to travel between different school sites
• A basic knowledge and understanding of the context of the education system
• A full driving license.
  
  As a clerk to governors you'll thrive on supporting schools and governing boards to make a difference to the education of children in Leeds.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.


• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further