School Governance Adviser

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC623567
Salary Range: £48,948 - £54,423 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Interview Date: 8 and 9 April 2026
Early applications are encouraged as we may close the advert ahead of the stated closing date.

The Role:

Joining our high-performing and professional School Governance Team in the pivotal role of School Governance Adviser, you’ll support governors and trustees to deliver great outcomes for children and young people across Hampshire. You’ll help shape, strengthen and develop governance practice across our education community.

What you’ll do:

• Manage and coordinate advice, support, recruitment, and training provided to governors and clerks to governance bodies.
• Provide high-level advice, support and training to governing boards, sometimes in complex and challenging situations.
• Design and deliver engaging training and development packages across various formats and audiences.
• Coach and mentor governing boards to drive rapid improvement in governance.
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
• Support the leadership and development of a team of administrative officers, clerks, and associate tutors, helping to build a strong and effective service.
• Apply and further develop your knowledge of the regulatory framework for both academies and maintained schools.

What we’re looking for:

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification, or substantial experience in a relevant professional role.
• A strong understanding of school governance and awareness of current educational issues, along with their potential impact.
• Substantial experience as a school governor.
• Strong background in creating and delivering training, including leading sessions requiring high-level facilitation skills.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Confidence and professionalism in handling complex or sensitive governance matters.
• Flexibility to work some evenings during term time.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the School Governance Adviser role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment where your expertise is valued and your development is encouraged.
• Play a meaningful role in improving governance, helping schools and academies achieve positive outcomes for young people.
• Be part of a respected and high performing team with a strong national reputation.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.   

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Governor Support and Training Officer, School Governance Training Lead, Clerk and Governor Development Adviser, Governance Services Officer, School Governance Consultant, Governance and Compliance Adviser, School Leadership and Governance Adviser

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Additional Information:

School Governance Adviser Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Maureen Bax, School Governance Team Manager on maureen.bax@hants.gov.uk