Trust Governance Professional – Governance and Compliance Manager

The Mercian Trust was incorporated in January 2018 and governs six secondary schools, including selective grammar schools, large comprehensives, an alternative provision free school and a studio school. Four of the trust’s schools are located in central Walsall: Queen Mary’s High School, Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall Studio School and The Ladder School. The remaining two schools: Aldridge School, and Shire Oak Academy are in the Aldridge Central and Aldridge North districts respectively.  [We are in advanced discussions concerning possible expansion by merger with another trust in a neighbouring local authority].

The members of The Mercian Trust include The Vine Trust and the Queen Mary’s Foundation. Both are charitable organisations focussed on improving prospects for young people in Walsall and the surrounding areas.

The Trust Governance Professional (Governance and Compliance Manager) is a new role for our trust to provide specific capacity in the design, implementation and support the highest quality governance across the Trust.

This is a strategic leadership position responsible for maintaining and developing the culture and ethos of Mercian Trust through monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements, whilst consolidating local arrangements that provide robust challenge and support for our schools.

The postholder will lead the Trust in developing standards of governance including advising the Chair of the Board and CEO on governance process and practice.  They will oversee compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements and ensure the Board’s decisions are in accordance with our governance documents and are acted upon.

At subcommittee level (including LGBs) the postholder will be proactive and creative in identifying where governance is working well, where things could  be improved and where intervention may be required.  They will build strong relationships with LGB and committee chairs as well as the Chair of the board and the executive team.  


The closing date for applications is: Friday 6th August 2021, 12.00pm


We strongly recommend applying as early as you can to have the best possible chance of being considered as we may change the closing date if we have received sufficient applications.

The Mercian Trust School is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.  All post-holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Direct Barring Service disclosure