Trust Governance Professional

About the role This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced governance professional to work closely with the Chair of Trustees, Board and CEO in a genuinely strategic governance role. The Trust Governance Lead will act as the principal adviser on governance, compliance and risk, helping to ensure that governance arrangements are effective, compliant and aligned to the Trust’s priorities and future growth. The role focuses on: Governance quality and effectiveness Board and committee support Governance development and compliance assurance Supporting strong local governance across the Trust Importantly, this is not a traditional clerking role . CPP operates a modern, distributed governance model where: Administrative and clerking support is supported through dedicated capacity and digital tools The Governance Lead focuses on strategic oversight, assurance and governance effectiveness Flexible and remote working is actively supported We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring strong professional judgement, constructive challenge and the ability to build trusted relationships with both trustees and senior leaders. What we're looking for We are looking for someone who: Has strong knowledge of academy trust governance and compliance Is confident advising boards, trustees and senior leaders Can support high-quality governance while remaining pragmatic and proportionate Has excellent organisational, communication and relationship-building skills Is comfortable working flexibly and independently within an annual-hours model Experience within an academy trust governance environment is desirable, although we welcome applications from candidates with relevant governance, legal, regulatory or company secretariat experience from other sectors. About Coppice Primary Partnership Coppice Primary Partnership (CPP) is a growing, primary-focused Multi Academy Trust currently comprising: Coxheath Primary School Loose Primary School St Katherine’s School & Nursery and soon Staplehurst School Our schools are rooted in their local communities and united by a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration and growth. As we continue to develop as a Trust, we are looking for a skilled governance professional to help shape and strengthen governance across CPP in a way that is proportionate, effective and future-focused. Why join us A genuinely strategic and flexible governance role Opportunity to help shape governance in a growing Trust Flexible remote/hybrid working arrangements A supportive and collaborative Board and executive team Access to ongoing professional development and governance networks Working Arrangements The role is based on an annual hours model, recognising that governance activity is cyclical and linked to meeting schedules rather than fixed weekly working patterns. Most meetings take place in the early evening, either virtually or at one of our schools in West Kent. We welco