Job Description:

Are you a governance professional who thrives on influencing strategic decision‑making?

Do you enjoy shaping high-quality governance frameworks and advising senior leaders with confidence and independence?

Are you looking for a flexible, senior role where your expertise genuinely makes a difference to a Trust?

A respected and values‑driven Multi Academy Trust based in Cumbria is seeking to appoint an exceptional Governance Lead. The Trust is committed to delivering high‑quality education across its schools and ensuring strong, ethical, and compliant governance at every level. This is a professional role offering the opportunity to shape and strengthen governance across the organisation.

Your new role

As Governance Lead, you will provide strategic leadership of governance across the Trust, ensuring that all statutory, regulatory, and constitutional requirements are met. You will act as the principal governance adviser to the Board of Directors, the Chair, the CEO, and the Executive Team, offering authoritative guidance on compliance, assurance, and effective decision‑making.

This is a part-time, permanent position (20 hours per week) with flexibility to work from home, alongside attendance at Board meetings in Carlisle and occasional meetings within Trust schools.
Key responsibilities include

• Providing independent, expert advice on charity and company law, the Academy Trust Handbook, Articles of Association, funding agreements, and governance best practice
• Ensuring the Board operates effectively, reflects the Trust's mission and values, and maintains strong assurance and decision‑making discipline
• Leading the development and continuous improvement of the Trust's governance framework, systems, and processes
• Acting as Clerk to the Board: planning cycles, preparing agendas, coordinating papers, minuting meetings, and tracking actions
• Managing governance records, statutory publications, Companies House and GIAS compliance, and the Trust's governance information online
• Overseeing Board composition, appointments, induction, and annual effectiveness reviews
• Identifying governance risks, advising the Chair, and ensuring these are reflected in the Trust's risk register
• Line managing governance support staff and promoting high standards of professional practice across the Trust

What you'll need to succeed

You will be an experienced governance professional with the confidence and credibility to advise senior leaders and Directors. You will bring:

• Degree level education or equivalent professional experience
• A recognised governance qualification or active progress towards one
• Experience within a Multi Academy Trust, regulated public sector environment, or Catholic governance context is desirable.
• Significant experience clerking and advising Boards or senior governing bodies
• Strong working knowledge of charity and company law, academy trust governance, and assurance frameworks
• Excellent written communication and minute‑taking skills
• High levels of integrity, independence, and professional judgement
• The ability to influence, challenge constructively, and manage sensitive or complex issues
• A commitment to continuous professional development and inclusive governance

What you'll get in return

• A competitive salary of between £47,181 - £48,226 (pro‑rata salary based on 20 hours per week)
• Flexible hybrid working
• A supportive, values-driven environment committed to professional development

What you need to do now

If you're ready to take the next step in your governance career and make a meaningful impact across a Cumbrian Multi Academy Trust, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or contact us for an informal discussion about the role.

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