Governance and Exec Support Manager

Summary of the role

What are we looking for?

The Governance and Exec Support Manager will play a dual role:

1. Managing governance and compliance arrangements to ensure the effective operation of the Board of Trustees and its sub-committees.
2. Providing high-quality executive support to the Principal and senior leadership team, enabling them to operate efficiently and strategically.

This is a pivotal role requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage complex governance processes while also delivering proactive executive assistance.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Compliance Management:

• Support the Clerk (currently the Finance Director) with the day-to-day management of the work of the Board of Trustees and its committees, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Assist the Clerk with the preparation and management of agendas, papers, and minutes, ensuring they are delivered in a timely and accurate manner.
• Oversea and monitor the Board and Sub-committees' compliance on governance, regulatory matters, and best practice.
• Maintain up-to-date records of governance activity, membership, and statutory filings.
• Maintain a repository of previous policy versions to enable effective auditing.
• Support Board recruitment activities, including induction, training, and evaluation processes.
• Ensure effective communication is facilitated between the Board, sub-committees, and the executive leadership team.

Executive Support:

• Provide comprehensive administrative and executive support to the Principal and the Clerk, including diary management, correspondence, travel, and meeting arrangements.
• Support the senior leadership team with scheduling, coordination, and preparation of key documents and reports.
• Manage the flow of information to and from the Principal and leadership team, ensuring priorities are addressed promptly.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, and briefing papers.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion at all times.

Experience & Skills -

Essential:

• Proven experience in a governance or company secretarial department.
• Experience providing executive or senior administrative support at leadership level.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including minute-taking.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
• High level of IT proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, digital board portals, etc.).
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of governance in the education sector
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission, Companies House, DfE, OfS, ISI etc.).
• Formal governance or company secretarial training (e.g., ICSA/CGI qualification).

Key Attributes:

• Professional, calm, and resilient under pressure.
• Diplomatic and able to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Detail-oriented but able to see the bigger picture.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Discretion when dealing with sensitive institutional matters