Head of Governor Services
Southwark Council
Do you see yourself leading a high-performing team that makes a real difference to school governance and educational outcomes?
Can you use your experience to shape strategy, influence stakeholders, and deliver high-quality governance support across a diverse education landscape?
Does the idea of joining a forward-thinking service, where your leadership will drive innovation, compliance, and excellence, excite you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our School Support Services is looking for a passionate and dedicated Head of Governor Services to join our amazing team and help make a difference today!
About the Role:
As Head of Governor Services, you will provide strategic leadership to the Governor Services Team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused support to school governing bodies. You will lead on governance, risk, and compliance frameworks, ensuring robust and effective processes are in place across schools.
You will manage and develop a team of Governor Development Advisors and a Governor Services Coordinator, while working closely with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver a strong governance offer. The role includes overseeing statutory duties, supporting schools with Ofsted readiness, driving innovation, and ensuring services evolve to meet future needs.
About You:
We are looking for an inspiring and experienced leader who is passionate about governance and education:
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams
- Strong knowledge of school governance, statutory requirements, and compliance frameworks
- Experience designing and delivering strategic, business-focused services
- Ability to provide expert advice, coaching, and mentoring to a wide range of stakeholders
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships
- Experience supporting organisations through inspection or regulatory processes (e.g. Ofsted)
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan and deliver statutory services effectively
- A proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving and service development
About the Team:
You’ll be joining a dedicated and collaborative team within School Support Services, committed to delivering outstanding governance support to schools. We pride ourselves on our professional, supportive culture, where continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and development are at the heart of what we do.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of governance services, influence wider service development, and support the growth and success of schools. You’ll have the chance to develop both your team and your own leadership capability in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
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::
- Relevant degree or equivalent and/or business and/or
professional qualification and management qualification
or evidence of recent/continuing professional - Hours of work, 36 hours per week Monday - Friday
- This post is a maternity cover and would be offered as a fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity for 9 months
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced - Adults and Children (Barred) level
Benefits and more information:
https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment timetable
Recruitment Timeline:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 5th July 2026.
Shortlisting date: to be confirmed.
Interview date: to be confirmed.
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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