Governor Development Advisor
Southwark Council
Do you see yourself supporting strong governance in schools?
Can you use your experience to advise, develop, and empower governing boards?
Does the idea of joining a dedicated education service that makes a real difference excite you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Join Southwark Governor Services as a Governor Development Advisor
Our Governor Services Team, within the Education Service, is looking for a passionate and dedicated Governor Development Advisor to join our team and help strengthen governance across Southwark schools.
About the Role:
As a Governor Development Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the traded service delivered by the Southwark Governor Services Team. This is an outward‑facing role, working directly with schools, governors, and clerks to ensure high standards of governance and compliance.
The hours of work for this role are: 28.80 hours, 4 days per week, term time only.
About You:
We are seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented professional who combines strong governance knowledge with excellent interpersonal skills.
You will bring:
A solid understanding of governance frameworks, compliance, and best practice, along with excellent written/verbal communication skills, including minute‑taking and report writing.
Strong organisation and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities; and analytical skills to interpret regulations, assess risk, and offer practical advice.
High levels of accuracy, discretion, and integrity, along with confidence in building positive working relationships with stakeholders at all levels; and flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, customer‑focused environment.
Desirable:
- A professional qualification in governance, company secretarial practice, or a related field
- Experience supporting boards or committees in a complex organisation
- Familiarity with digital governance systems and tools
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced - Adults' and Children's (Barred) level.
About the Team:
The Governor Services Team sits within the Education Team and the wider Children’s and Families Directorate. We are committed to supporting strong, effective governance that improves outcomes for children and young people in Southwark.
You’ll join a supportive, knowledgeable team with a strong service ethos, offering opportunities to develop your governance expertise and make a meaningful impact across local schools.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Donna-Marie Muir at donna-marie.muir@southwark.gov.uk.
Additional Information:
- Flexible working with a mix of home, office, and school‑based working, depending on business needs.
- Governor meetings are often held outside normal working hours and may be concentrated at points during the school term.
- The role involves approximately 60 meetings per year.
- Hours of work, 28.80 hours, 4 days per week, term time only.
We will only consider applications from internal candidates, that are current employees or agency workers on an active assignment. We encourage any internal staff to gain agreement from their substantive line manager if considering this is as a secondment opportunity.
Benefits and more information:
https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment timetable
Recruitment Timeline:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 5th May 2026.
Shortlisting date: Wednesday 6th/ Thursday 7th May 2026.
Interview date: Tuesday 12th May 2026.
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
About Southwark:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do
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