Job Introduction
🌟 Deputy Head of Governance – Exciting opportunity to join a high-performing team 🌟
Location: Portsmouth or Kent We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our outstanding Governance & Compliance team as a Deputy Head of Governance, following a valued colleague’s upcoming emigration. This rare vacancy gives the right candidate the chance to step into a pivotal role within a team that is highly regarded both internally and externally. Our Governance & Compliance team has been celebrated for excellence, professionalism, and impact, recently scoring the highest ratings across the Trust in both a Wellbeing Survey and a Career Development and Aspirations Survey.
About the Role
As Deputy Head of Governance, you will play a key leadership role within a well-established and supportive team. Working closely with the Head of Governance and Compliance and other regional professionals, you will:
• Help deliver high-quality, customer-focused governor services to schools, governors, and clerks.
• Lead on local and regional governance improvement plans.
• Oversee and support governance meetings, recruitment, training, and clerking standards.
• Be the point of contact for governance professionals, leaders, and external partners.
• Support the delivery of our annual development plan and strategic goals.
This role also includes mentoring, building professional relationships across the Trust, and ensuring all services are compliant with statutory and Trust-level governance requirements. You can be based in either Portsmouth or Kent with regular travel required across Trust sites and schools.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a high-performing, highly respected team known for exceptional delivery and collaboration.
- Make a real impact across the Trust through strong leadership and meaningful governance support.
- Benefit from a well-structured induction and ongoing career development opportunities.
- Work within a culture where wellbeing, recognition, and aspirations are genuinely valued and supported.
This role also offers flexibility with 2-3 days working from home, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Ready to take your governance career to the next level with a team that’s making a difference? Apply now and become part of our journey.
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision.
We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people and are recognised as the Multi Academy Trust Association Employer of the Year for 2025/2026, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.
Learn more about our Vision and Values here
What our Trust will offer you:
- Competitive Pay Scales
- Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
- Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Annual Leave: A pro-rata annual leave entitlement of 27 days for support staff, increasing to 31 after 5 years of service.
- Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust.
- Training: Expanded your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses.
- Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Regular MAT meets alongside our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice.
- Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Store Discounts: Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers.
- Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
Next Steps:
If you are interested in working in our Governance team, benefiting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!
Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.
To arrange an informal conversation please contact: recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
