The Role

Do you have the enthusiasm, commitment, and skills to help support governing board business?

Would you like the opportunity to help shape and influence the governing boards on constitutional matters, duties, and powers?

Does a role where you can work flexibly and independently appeal to you?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

We are looking for a clerk to join our School Standards and Improvement Service team on a part-time (7.5 hours, 1 day per week), fixed term basis until 31 March 2022, with a possible extension.

About the service

Wandsworth Governor Services is a successful and well-regarded organisation offering professional support and advice, including clerking to school governing boards in Wandsworth and beyond. As a result of the continuing development of the service, we are recruiting additional clerks.

Governing Boards set the strategic direction, hold school leadership to account and oversee the school’s financial performance. Ofsted consider the quality of a school’s governance to be a key element in the Leadership & Management judgement. We offer a range of support packages to these school governing boards with a focus on clerking, governance advice and information, as well as links to training.

About the role

The clerk’s role is best suited to candidates with an interest in education, strong interpersonal, time management and administrative skills. It offers a part-time, flexible job, working both at home and in schools. The role requires you to work independently, but with support from the central Governor Services team.

Your key accountabilities will include the provision of professional advice to Chairs of Governors and Headteacher, as well as support to ensure that governing board meetings run effectively.  You will be expected to take high quality minutes; training will be provided.

To be shortlisted to interview for this position your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence:

• That you are organized and self-motivated
• Are able to work independently and remotely
• Have clear and concise note taking skills
• Have the ability to be diplomatic, persuasive and influence

Additional information

This is a part time position (7.5 hours per week). The weekly working pattern will vary considerably with no set pattern, according to the meeting schedule of the boards.  This is usually planned by schools ahead of each academic year.  Boards meet mainly mid-week evenings in term time, so the workload is focused then with school holiday periods clear.

Full clerking training will be provided.

For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Keith Revell (Governor Services Manager) on 07795 159 864.

Benefits

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

• Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 18^th April 2021
• Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 19^th April 2021
• Interview Date: Week commencing 26^th April 2021

Useful Information: The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

How to apply?

To be considered for interview your CV and supporting statement must highlight your knowledge, skills and experience listed in the Job Profile located at the bottom of the advert.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils