Governance Professional and Compliance Lead

**About this Role**

WeST is a tight-knit family of schools based around natural geographical proximity in the south west. Initially formed as a small multi-academy trust of only two schools in 2011, the Trust as we know it today was launched in 2017 and now comprises 31 schools, of which 8 are secondary and 23 primary. We are ambitious and hold high expectations for the children in our care. We strive consistently to perform in the top 20% nationally.

WeST holds a firm belief in giving each child every opportunity to learn and succeed in all that they do. Whilst we are a family of schools who share common values and beliefs, all our schools are unique and hold their own identity. We believe that by working collectively, sharing what works well and jointly developing best practice, we are stronger together and can provide the very best education for our children in our geographical area.

Working closely with the Trust Board this role offers the opportunity to significantly impact on the education and lives of children within the Trust by leading, developing, monitoring and maintaining WeST's strategic and operational systems of governance and compliance, supporting our mission of empowering children to impact positively on society and upholding our trust values.

It is crucial to us that your values align with ours:

- **Compassion** - Recognising the needs of others and driven by a desire to improve student outcomes and staff well-being
- **Aspiration -** Bringing high expectations and resilience to continuously push for excellence and innovative solutions
- **Integrity -** Acting consistently in the best interests of young people, upholding strong ethical principles and communicating with respect and transparency
- **Collaboration -** Working inclusively and effectively across boundaries to engage with and lead teams in pursuit of a shared vision

Tasked with ensuring exemplary governance and compliance standards across the trust, the Governance Professional and Compliance Lead has a broad remit, including oversight of strategic and operational systems of governance, acting as professional advisor to the Board and leadership of the governance and compliance function with responsibility for overseeing the contracted DPO service, the Trust Policy Schedule and complaints.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Jocelyn Davis, Director of People on 01752 891754 extn. 3909.

**Additional Information**

**Employee Benefits**
- An opportunity to work flexibly
- A highly competitive salary
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Occupational Health Services
- Corporate Flu and eye care voucher schemes
- Staff discount schemes provided via Employee Benefits Choice, Discounts for Teachers and Blue Light

**Equal Opportunities**

In fulfilling its aims and objectives, Westcountry Schools Trust actively seeks to achieve equality of opportunity and treatment for all members of the trust community.

We will continuously strive to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Each person in our trust will be given fair and equal opportunities to develop their full potential regardless of their gender, ethnicity, cultural and religious background, sexuality, disability or special educational needs and ability. The trust works actively to promote equality and foster positive attitudes. WeST is committed to combatting all forms of discrimination by implementing positive policies and practices in compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

**Procedures**

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Policy is attached.

Your identity will be confirmed by sight of original, official documents such as a Birth Certificate, Passport etc. in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.

References will be used to check dates of employment and your relevant experience. A minimum of two written references will be taken up and these references will be requested before the interview.

References should cover the last 3-5 years’ work history, as a minimum.

The identity of referees and information relating to disclosures will be verified.

You will be required to provide details of any relevant unspent or spent convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be requested. Please note that it is an offence to apply, offer or accept to do any work with children (paid or unpaid) if disqualified from working with children. Applicants will be challenged where inconsistencies exist. Please be aware that a firm offer of appointment will only be made after receipt and verification of all satisfactory checks. Westcountry Schools Trust will carry out these checks and shou