Governance Professional

PolyMAT is looking to appoint a well organised, efficient and enthusiastic Governance Professional who will work closely with Trustees, Local Academy Committees and the Trust Executive in achieving our strategic and statutory responsibilities. Working alongside the Executive Director of Innovation & Systems, you will support us in providing an excellent service for governance across the Trust.

This is a newly-established role due to a re-organisation of Governance and the decision to bring clerking in-house. All of our board and committee meetings (with the exception of the Deep Dive Forum), are currently hosted virtually, and as such, this role is offered part-time, with significant flexibility around hours.

PolyMAT is a small and ambitious MAT with a unique family feel. Our vision is ‘Success for Everyone’ which places inclusion and well-being at its heart. We currently have two schools in our Trust: Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, a long-successful boys’ school, and Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls that opened in 2019 and will comprise Years 7 – 11 from September 2023. We also have our flourishing Sixth Form provision which is co-educational. Our Trust and our schools pride themselves on a culture of high standards delivered through our Values of Care and Unity. We provide a rewarding environment where students and staff feel valued and supported and everyone feels part of the larger family as our schools and departments work very closely together and are located adjacent to each other.

About the role:

This is a critical role for the Trust as it will support Trustees in delivering on their statutory responsibilities, including through its subcommittees and the Local Academy Committees (LACs). Alongside the Executive Director of Innovation & Systems, you will deliver an efficient and effective clerking service for the (at present) two LACs. You will work with the Local Academy Committees to ensure that each LAC is enabled to work within its Terms of Reference and the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, to deliver on its local responsibilities. You will be instrumental in providing professional guidance and advice to the LACs, supporting meetings and ensuring they receive comprehensive and effective administrative support in line with NGA standards.

Alongside the Executive Director of Innovation & Systems, you will also deliver an efficient and effective clerking service for the Trust Board and its committees. You will work with the Trust board and its committees to ensure they work within their Terms of Reference, Articles of Association and Scheme of Delegation to deliver on its wider responsibilities.  You will provide impartial advice to the Trust on governance, constitutional and procedural matters, whilst undertaking effective clerking and administrative support for the Trust Board and its Committees.

Our current practice is that Trust Board, subcommittee and Local Academy committee meetings are remote/ virtual, whilst the Deep Dive Forum and annual Training day will be face to face. You will be required to attend the Deep Dive Forum, annual Training day and any Disciplinary or other panels in-person. There are 3 Trust Board meetings, 6 LAC meetings per school, 3 Deep Dive Forums, and upto 12 Subcommittee meetings across the year, plus additional panels such as exclusions and hearings.

In addition to supporting board and committee meetings, you will provide support across the Trust to ensure compliance and effective operations, including filing, archiving and general administrative duties specific to the role.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate they can be exceptionally well organised with superb communication skills, be able to relate well to both adults and young people and demonstrate commitment to contributing to the achievement of the Trust’s mission statement. In return, we offer an exciting and challenging role within a very supportive team and the opportunity to develop your skills within this innovative and growing Trust.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, be confident in their approach and demonstrate high levels of attention to detail. Due to the remote nature of most board and committee meetings, the ideal candidate will also have strong IT skills, and specifically, experience of using Microsoft Teams would be advantageous. The role will require flexibility and use of initiative often within tight timescales, in a fast-paced environment.

Essential qualities/experience:

1.   To be able to work as a team member.

2.   Have previous experience in a similar role.

3.   To have a flexible and positive approach to all administrative duties undertaken.

4.   To have the ability to prioritise work, to act on your own initiative, to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.

5.   Willingness to attend training courses to enhance development and performance.

6.   Good interpersonal and organisational skills.

7.   Strong IT skills, and experience of clerking for virtual meetings.

8.   Ability to multi-task and assist with work.

As a member of the PolyMAT staff we can offer you:

•        Opportunities for career progression

•        A competitive salary

•        Excellent professional development

•        All associate staff at Polymat are enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme, a contributory pension scheme

•        An employee assistance programme

•        Season ticket loans

•        Finders fees for personal introductions of staff that we employ

•        Excellent catering facilities

•        Professional development bonus days

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Criminal Record Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service, along with other relevant employment checks, including overseas criminal background checks, where applicable. All new trustees, employees and volunteers will be required to undertake safeguarding training on induction, which will be regularly updated in line with statutory guidance.

An online search will be completed for information that is publicly available online. This will include social media accounts you may hold. This will only be carried out on shortlisted candidates and usually before interview

The school is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 January 2023. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.