Clerk To Governing Board

About the role

We are delighted to be able to advertise an exciting job opportunity at a fantastic village school set in a beautiful part of rural Hertfordshire. Ashwell is an extremely friendly and welcoming school at the heart of a strong supportive village community.

Do you have strong administrative skills and a keen eye for detail?

Are you interested in learning about school governance?

Do you like supporting and advising others?

Are you seeking an ad hoc admin role which fits around other work or family commitments?

The Governing Body of Ashwell Primary School are seeking to appoint an organised, highly motivated and enthusiastic Clerk to the Governors to provide comprehensive support to the Governing Body to fulfil its remit.

The clerk’s role is a flexible role. It can be ideal and can fit around other work/family commitments. The role provides an opportunity to support schools from a governance perspective and will increase your skills and knowledge of education legislation.

The successful candidate will have a flexible approach to working hours, be a good communicator and an experienced administrator. They will provide advice to the governing body on governance, constitutional and procedural matters and be the official channel of communication to and from the governing body ensuring it functions smoothly and efficiently.

Key information

The clerk will provide administrative support to the Governing Body. Principally, preparing agendas in consultation with the Chair of Governors and the Headteacher, taking and writing up the minutes at all governors' meetings, distributing documentation and other information to the governing board, and maintain up-to-date membership of the governing board on the GovernorHub platform.

Pay Scale: H7

Part Time (Pro-rata)

Permanent Contract

• There are approximately 13 meetings per year (5 x Full Governors / 8 x committee)
• The meeting dates for an academic year are set in September where possible
• Our clerk is paid per meeting for all duties related to that meeting (approx. 5 hours per meeting)
• The post is for approximately 65 hours per annum + training/briefings
• Currently 9/13 meetings are held during the evening and 4/13 meetings are held during the afternoon
• Most of the administrative duties can be undertaken at home when it suits

A governance background is desirable for this role, however, we warmly welcome applicants with a secretarial or other administrative background who wish to move into governance.  Fully funded training will be provided. 

Previous experience of working in a school environment would be an advantage but is not essential.

We reserve the right to appoint before the application deadline, so early applications are encouraged.

This role offers an exciting opportunity and in return we offer:

• A caring and supportive team of governors to work with
• A place where everyone is valued
• Fully funded training and governance support
• Excellent continuing professional development.
• A rewarding experience.
• Excellent support in career development.
• A highly supportive and dedicated Governing Body.
• Parents and Carers who are supportive of our work as a school.

The school will provide membership to: 

• National Governance Association
• HfL Governance services via GovernorHub

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Tracy Bowen, the School Business Manager ( SBM@ashwell.herts.sch.uk ), who will be able arrange a mutually agreeable time with the Headteacher or Chair of Governors.

Closing date: Wednesday 7th May 2025

Interview date: Week commencing 19th May 2025

Start date: September 2025 or June/July for shadowing existing clerk if available.

Ashwell Primary School is committed to providing equality of opportunity and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

As part of our due diligence, we will be carrying out an online search at the point of shortlisting.

We are also committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.