School Governance and Alliance Board Service Manager

Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

School Governance and Alliance Board Service Manager (Permanent)

Working closely with the Head of Education & Partnerships and the School Evaluation Officers, you will help promote the vision of the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance supporting our sector-led school improvement model, whereby the Local Authority works in partnership with a number of key stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert advice to Headteachers, CEOs, governors and senior leaders on governance, procedure and compliance.

• Produce high-quality reports, briefings and minutes for the Schools’ Alliance, Local Authority and governing body committees.

• Ensure robust governance and regulatory compliance arrangements across maintained schools.

• Oversee and strengthen the traded services including Clerking and Governor Development for maintained schools and academies.

• Line-manage a small team and lead a pool of clerks, providing termly briefings and ensuring consistent, high-quality support.

• Keep governors up to date with legislation and guidance so they can effectively support and challenge their schools.

• Review governance and regulatory requirements proactively; identify improvements; develop resources and deliver practical solutions.

• Support the Head of Service for Education & Partnerships with complex complaints (including those escalated via DfE and Ofsted) and advise maintained schools on managing parental complaints.

• Support Schools’ Forum by leading and supporting the agendas, attending meetings and advising the Chair on procedural and legislative requirements.

About you

• Strong working knowledge of school and academy governance, including the academisation process.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.

• Highly organised, proactive and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment; confident analysing and synthesising high volumes of information.

• Proven ability to produce clear, concise reports and minutes to support effective decision-making.

• Able to build effective working relationships at all levels and deliver a consistently high standard of customer-focused service.

• Production of resources to support the work of school governors

• Creative, flexible approach and commitment to continuous service improvement.

Hybrid working is available. We’re open to flexible working conversations throughout the application process.