Clerk to the Corporation

Job Introduction

Are you an experienced governance professional with exceptional organisational skills and a strong understanding of corporate governance? We are seeking an outstanding Clerk to the Corporation to support our Corporation Board and committees in delivering effective governance and strategic oversight at our College.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of the College’s governance framework. Reporting directly to the Chair of the Corporation on Board business, the Clerk acts as an independent adviser to the Corporation, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and supporting governors in maintaining the highest standards of governance.

About the Role

The Clerk to the Corporation is responsible for ensuring that Corporation and committee proceedings are conducted in accordance with the Instruments and Articles of Government and wider governance best practice.

You will work closely with the Chair, Principal and Corporation members to facilitate effective governance arrangements, provide procedural and constitutional advice, and ensure that meetings and decision-making processes operate efficiently and transparently.

The role requires excellent attention to detail, discretion, political awareness and the ability to build effective working relationships with governors and senior leaders alike.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Organise and clerk Corporation and committee meetings, including preparing agendas, reports and accurate minutes
• Provide independent advice on governance, constitutional and procedural matters
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, Instruments and Articles of Government, and governance regulations
• Maintain registers relating to membership, attendance and interests
• Support governor recruitment, appointments, induction and training
• Administer governance documentation, policies and confidential records
• Ensure the proper use and custody of the Corporation Seal
• Coordinate follow-up actions arising from Corporation meetings
• Facilitate effective communication between governors, the Chair, Principal and senior leaders
• Support the ongoing development and effectiveness of the Corporation Board

About You

We are looking for a highly professional individual who can demonstrate:

• Experience of clerking, governance or committee administration at senior level
• Strong knowledge of governance procedures and regulatory requirements
• Excellent organisational, communication and minute-taking skills
• The ability to provide independent and impartial advice
• High levels of integrity, confidentiality and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with senior stakeholders
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly around meeting schedules

A qualification relevant to governance, company secretarial practice or equivalent experience is essential.

Experience within the education or public sector would be advantageous, although not essential.

The benefits of working for us?

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure 
• Occupational sick pay
• Teachers or Local Authority Pension Fund
• Flexible working
• Family Friendly Policy
• Special Leave of Absence
• Paid leave for religious festivals
• Sabbaticals
• Comprehensive induction and on-going training
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health Service
• Onsite gym
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Onsite nursery
• Free onsite parking
• Option for first aid training and an annual allowance of £296 for first aid duties

Please note that new guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 requires us to carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This to enable us to identify any incidents or issues which have happened and are publicly available online which we might want to explore at interview. Once shortlisting has taken place, this search will be carried out for all candidates who will attend an interview.