Head of Governance LDBS
The LDBS (London Diocesan Board of Schools) aims to serve and support schools to be:
• Places where all can flourish: our diverse family of children and adults developing and thriving spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, morally and socially.
• Places which enable transformational futures: academically rigorous; pupils from all backgrounds achieving excellent outcomes to give them the best opportunities in life..
• Deeply Christian, committed to serving the common good with the invitation of Jesus to ‘life in all its fullness’ at their heart (John 10:10).
The London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS) is looking for a Head of Governance, so that governance and admissions arrangements promote education consistent with the faith and practice of the Church of England.
The successful applicant will have the experience and knowledge to lead and manage the governance service and will have experience of working in school governance services for a Local Authority, Diocesan Board of Education, Multi Academy Trust or similar institution.
We need someone who is an effective communicator and who has an up to date knowledge and understanding of current legislation in relation to governance and admissions along with an understanding of education in a culturally diverse city.
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone with a background in governance and an understanding of admissions, who is looking for a varied role in a changing organisation
The post is based in Pimlico conveniently close to main transport links and about 5 minutes walk from Pimlico tube station.
If you would like an informal chat to find out more please contact terri.patterson@london.anglican.org who will arrange a call.
. Governance:
• To support LDBS in its statutory responsibilities e.g. agreement of Instruments of Government; consideration of Academy conversion proposals; liaison with LAs and the DfE over schools in a category or causing concern.
• To provide clear, up-to-date guidance to schools in relation to governance.
• To act as the named Corporate Member for some Church school Academy Trusts.
• To coordinate Members for Church school Academy Trusts.
• To support the work of LDBS advisers in relation to school governance.
• To represent the LDBS at relevant professional networks and training events and disseminate information to professional colleagues and schools as appropriate.
Training:
• To oversee training for governors and trustees, including church school governance, school improvement and leadership and management issues, and admissions.
• To develop and promote models of good governance.
• To contribute to the development of individual boards through bespoke training and support, including governance reviews.
Recruitment:
• To ensure effective recruitment and appointment of school governors, academy trustees, SACRE members, and charity trustees where LDBS is a Trustee.
• To communicate with Bishops, Deans, Deaneries, clergy and other stakeholders, and to represent LDBS at meetings to ensure sufficient candidates and to minimise vacancies.
Admissions:
• To provide clear, up-to-date admissions advice and model policies for Church schools.
• To develop and maintain relationships with LA admissions managers.
• To attend LA admissions forums when appropriate.
• To attend diocesan network meetings of admissions managers.
• To oversee the checking of compliance, advice and LDBS response to consultations. You may be asked to undertake any other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the post. Some flexibility will be required e.g. attending occasional evening meetings. We expect all staff to act as ambassador for the LDBS in line with our staff code of conduct, and to support actively our policies including safeguarding, equalities and health and safety.
Commitment
You will share our LDBS commitment to:
• Supporting and promoting our vision for every young Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ.
• Education which is equitable and in which children and young people are safeguarded.
• Making a difference in education through good governance.
• Confidentiality and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
Experience and knowledge:
You will have the experience and knowledge to lead and manage the governance and admissions service. This is likely to include:
• Experience of working in school governance services for a Local Authority, Diocesan Board of Education, multi-academy trust, or other institution.
• Experience of supporting effective governance in Church of England Voluntary Aided schools and Academies.
• Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulation in relation to governance of Church of England Voluntary Aided schools and Academies.
• Understanding of education in a culturally diverse city.
Skills
You will have the skills to carry out the role, including:
• The ability to motivate and engage people to be advocates for school governance.
• The ability to process information from a variety of sources and to make it accessible to school governors and LDBS colleagues.
• The ability to communicate effectively with governors, clerks, school leaders and colleagues in writing and orally.
• The ability to understand and work within Church structures and practices.
• The emotional literacy to navigate sometimes complex relationships between school governors and school leaders.
• A problem-solving, can-do approach to improving school governance across the Diocese.
Our Schools serve more than 55,000 young Londoners.
More than half of the pupils in our schools have a Global Majority Heritage. One third have a White Heritage. They are from the Christian faith, other faith and no faith backgrounds. Our schools are inclusive: they have more primary children with a recognised special education need and/or Education Health Care Plan (ECHP) than the London and national averages. Our schools serve deprived communities: there are more primary children registered for free school meals in our schools than the London and national averages.