Head of Governance

Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust is seeking an experienced and highly organised governance professional to lead and coordinate all aspects of governance across our growing family of schools.

This is an outstanding opportunity to play a key role in embedding robust, effective governance within a newly formed and expanding Catholic Academy Trust, ensuring that strong, transparent leadership underpins everything we do.

About the Trust

Launched in February 2025 with five founding schools, Sancta Familia CAT is a cross-phase family of Catholic schools built on the principles of love, service, humility and faith.

Rooted in our Catholic mission, we are committed to providing outstanding education where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to achieve their full potential. We are proud to serve a vibrant and inclusive community of schools, working together to share expertise, strengthen leadership, and create the best possible opportunities for our pupils. With ambitious plans for continued growth and development, the Trust places strong, transparent governance and leadership at the heart of its success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all governance functions across the Trust.
• Ensure governance systems uphold the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and accountability.
• Align governance activity with the Trust's mission, strategy, and Catholic ethos.
• Provide strategic advice and operational support to the Chief Executive and Trust Board.
• Oversee the day-to-day delivery of effective governance across all schools.

Governance Framework

• Develop, implement, and maintain a clear governance structure.
• Define roles, responsibilities, and accountability for Members, Directors, Committees, and Local Governance Committees.
• Ensure governance arrangements remain fit for purpose and support organisational growth.

Compliance Oversight

• Act as Company Secretary for the Trust.
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law, the Academy Trust Handbook, and ESFA requirements.
• Manage statutory registers, filings, and governance records.
• Ensure all governance processes meet regulatory and audit standards.

Board & Committee Management

• Provide professional clerking and governance support to the Board, Committees, and Members.
• Plan forward-looking agendas focused on strategic priorities.
• Prepare and distribute accurate, timely minutes and reports.
• Track and follow up actions to ensure decisions are implemented.
• Support the effective operation of meetings and governance workflows.

Governance Development

• Lead induction and ongoing training for Directors, Governors, and Clerks.
• Build governance knowledge, skills, and confidence across all levels.
• Develop and maintain training materials and guidance documents.
• Promote best practice and continuous learning in governance.

Policies & Procedures

• Draft, review, and update all governance-related policies.
• Maintain key documents including the Governance Handbook and Scheme of Delegation.
• Ensure governance documents are accurate, accessible, and regularly reviewed.
• Support consistent policy application across all schools.

Safeguarding & Integrity

• Embed safeguarding within all governance processes.
• Promote a culture of integrity, openness, and accountability.
• Ensure all activity reflects the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
• Uphold the Trust's Catholic values in all governance activity.

Communication

• Manage effective communication between the Board, Executive Team, and local governance.
• Ensure clear information flow and consistent understanding of the Trust's strategy.
• Build strong relationships across schools and governance layers.
• Support engagement with stakeholders, the Diocese, and external partners.

Evaluation & Improvement

• Lead governance reviews, skills audits, and self-evaluations.
• Measure governance effectiveness and report outcomes to the Board.
• Identify development needs and implement improvements.
• Drive a culture of reflection, accountability, and continuous improvement.

CEO Support and Administration

• Provide high-level administrative and organisational support to the Chief Executive.
• Manage diary coordination, scheduling, and correspondence.
• Prepare documentation, reports, and meeting packs.
• Coordinate communication between the CEO, Executive Team, and Board.
• Oversee the smooth and efficient operation of the CEO's office.
• Ensure alignment between executive and governance priorities.

Why Join Us?

At Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust, you'll be part of a growing and values-led organisation committed to excellence in education. This is an exciting time to join a newly formed Trust where your work will make a real difference across multiple schools, and your professional development will be supported every step of the way.

Benefits

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with employer contributions.
• Personal and professional development opportunities, including access to training.
• The opportunity to work collaboratively across a family of schools within a newly established and expanding Multi-Academy Trust.
• A supportive, driven community focused on collaboration, integrity, and growth.

Application Details:

To apply complete an application form on the TES Schrole Connect Portal. More details can be found on the Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust website.

Closing date: 23:59, Monday 3rd November 2025

Safeguarding

Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.