Clerk

The Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust (EFSPT) wishes to appoint a well-organised, efficient Clerk to provide support and guidance to our schools' Local Governing Committees. The EFSPT Clerking Team is briefed and supported by the Head of Governance.

Previous clerking experience is desirable, along with knowledge of the education sector, although training and support will be provided.

This flexible, part-time role is term-time only and primarily home-based with a requirement to travel to school for Governors’ meetings when required. The ability to work flexible hours is important, including attendance at evening meetings which may be held virtually or at our schools. There is the requirement to clerk approximately six Governing Body meetings per year per school. You may also be asked to clerk any ad hoc committees or panels the Governing Committee is required to convene.

You will be allocated to particular schools with whom you will have the opportunity to build a positive working relationship. You will be expected to attend all of their meetings throughout the year (dates provided well in advance) but may also be asked to cover sickness or clashes for colleagues across the Trust so flexibility would be an advantage. At this point we are looking for someone to clerk two of our schools, but there may be opportunities to take on additional schools in the future.

Your general responsibilities will include:

• Attending and minuting Governing Committee meetings

• Working effectively with the Chair and Headteacher before each meeting to adapt the Trust's template agenda

• Distributing papers within agreed timescales

• Advising the governing body on procedural matters

• Preparing accurate minutes of Governing Committee meetings

• Recording decisions accurately and objectively with timescales for action

• Attending termly briefings with the Clerking Team and Head of Governance

• Collating paperwork for the induction of new Governors

• Maintaining an accurate record of Governors' terms of office and business interests throughout the year

You will:

• Have experience of working in a school and/or governance role

• Have good communication, IT and literacy skills

• Be well organised and able to take comprehensive and accurate minutes

• Have the ability to work flexibly

• Be able to attend some daytime but mostly evening meetings

• Have the time to support the Local Governing Committee outside of the meetings

• Maintain confidentiality when required

Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust (EFSPT) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to a successful DBS check and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before an appointment is confirmed. Online searches are conducted on all shortlisted candidates. EFSPT is committed to equality, and to making fair and equitable treatment an integral part of everything we do.