Trust Governance Professional and Executive Assistant

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Governance Advice

Provide independent, high‑quality governance advice to the Chair, CEO and Trustees,

ensuring adherence to the Academy Trust Handbook, statutory frameworks, Trust

policies and best practice guidance. Support the Chair in creating conditions for effective board

operation, constructive challenge, and balanced contribution from all trustees. Support the design, implementation and continuous improvement of

governance systems, processes and documentation, for the Trust Board and Local

Governing Bodies. Maintain and regularly review the Articles of Association,

Scheme of Delegation, committee Terms of Reference, governance handbook

ensuring full compliance and up‑to‑date publication. Ensure correct recording and publication of appointments,

registers of interest, GIAS entries, policy cycles, and statutory reports

(e.g., gender pay gap, modern slavery). Provide clerking to Trust Board meetings, including working

groups Plan agendas with Chairs and senior leaders to enable strategic,

forward‑looking discussion, and

ensure papers are high‑quality, succinct and circulated in good time Produce accurate minutes, action logs and maintain oversight of

meeting cycle planning. Support efficient management of panels and working groups,

identifying opportunities to streamline processes Coordinate the board’s self‑evaluation cycle, including skills audits, succession planning

and training needs analysis. Plan whole‑board and targeted training ensuring statutory training

completion. Ensure the recruitment of Trustees and Governors is undertaken

strategically and informed by skills audits and succession planning, ensuring

the Board and Local Governing Bodies benefit from a broad and relevant range of

expertise. Maintain induction programmes for trustees and local governors,

ensuring onboarding is comprehensive and timely. Act as a professional point of contact between the Executive

Team and key stakeholders including Trustees, school leaders, governors and

external partners. Support Local Governing Bodies and clerks with governance advice

and guidance, providing training and support when required. Line manage DCAT Clerks. Work closely with the Trust’s Marketing, Communications, Events

and PR Lead to ensure executive communications, announcements and strategic

messaging are accurate, timely and aligned with Trust priorities. Support the preparation and coordination of executive

communications including Board briefings, leadership updates, Trust

announcements and key strategic documents. Ensure communications arising from governance meetings,

Executive decisions and strategic initiatives are effectively shared with the

Marketing, Communications, Events and PR function for wider dissemination where

appropriate. Provide administrative and briefing support for Trust

communications including newsletters, strategic updates, events and leadership

messages. Coordin