Haberdashers' Academies Trust South
We are seeking a dynamic, personable Principal to provide strategic and operational leadership at Haberdashers' Knights Academy, a school that sits at the heart of its community, with a clear commitment to excellence, inclusion and opportunity for every child. Role Purpose As Principal you are accountable and responsible for standards within the school and for the performance of it. You are critical to its' success and that of the Trust. You,. alongside the Local Governing Body, are responsible for implementing the vision and strategic direction of the school, within the context of the Trust ethos and values. You will provide strategic, and operational leadership for the school and across the trust. This includes striving to maintain high standards in all aspects, for all pupils and all staff. You will contribute to the collective success of Haberdashers' Academies Trust South by embodying its ethos and values, and by championing equity and excellence. You will seek to model 'Together Stronger' in all that you do as an Executive Leader. Key Responsibilities: 1. Build a strong and impactful Haberdashers' Experience, from three to forever Implement the key priorities of the trust to support pupils to flourish from three to forever. Implement a curriculum which supports the development of powerful knowledge, and which aligns with the Trust's principles, recognising this is the bedrock of the school. The curriculum will reflect our commitment to diversity, promote equality and equity, and actively challenge discrimination and bias. Prioritise the Haberdashers' Advantage programme within the school and across the Trust, recognising the value and importance of developing individuals with character by providing a broad range of opportunities within and outside of the classroom. Recognising the importance of consistency for pupils, secure high-quality teaching in all areas by implementing the Haberdashers' Principles to enable all pupils to make strong progress, regardless of their background. Use intelligent insight to inform ongoing review and improvement planning, intervention where needed, and resource allocation. Strive to implement our Success For All strategy to close gaps in progress and experience for disadvantaged pupils, those with SEND and those with protected characteristics, ensuring equity of access, opportunity, and outcomes for all learners. 2. Secure and maintain a Positive Culture for Learning Key Responsibilities Establish and maintain a culture of ambition, high expectation, and optimism for all, in every aspect of school life. Create and model an inclusive environment which reflects the trusts commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EEDI) where all pupils and staff feel a sense of belonging, regardless of their background or identity. Ensure pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and personal development are central to the life of the school and that all 'pastoral' and welfare structures provide excellent support, particularly for those with barriers to their learning. Ensure a strong, positive, and inclusive culture and behaviour for learning ethos, where all pupils can learn and all staff can teach, free from disruption. This ethos will go beyond compliance and support active engagement in learning. Policies will be implemented firmly, fairly, and consistently. Promote student voice and agency, ensuring pupils feel safe, valued, and heard. 3. Support and champion the development of Great People Key Responsibilities Create an environment where all staff believe they can do their best work. This includes adopting a starting point of assumed success, providing constructive development feedback when needed, carrying out ongoing review in line with the Trust's ethos and supporting staff to feel safe as they develop as professionals. In partnership with the Trust HR team and the Habs Institute, to take the lead on recruitment, development, progression, and retention of high-quality staff who are aligned with the Trust's values and vision. In doing so, promote and apply the Trust's EEDI strategy. Provide high-quality professional development and coaching to support continuous improvement, in partnership with the Habs Institute. Build leadership capacity at all levels, promoting and enabling strong and effective line management and securing succession planning. Conduct Appraisals in line with Trust policy providing clarity, fairness, and developmental intent. To manage the performance of staff and take the lead in addressing any issues as they arise, in line with the Trust ethos and associated policies and processes. Actively support flexible working, wellbeing, and inclusive practice, ensuring all staff can thrive and progress. 4. Build relationships with Stakeholders and the Community Key Responsibilities Develop strong and effective working relationships with stakeholders including families, the local community, Governors, Trustees, and the Haberdashers' Company. Ensure all communication and engagement strategies are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. Work collaboratively with other Trust leaders, Principals, and Trust teams to share best practice and drive collective improvement; setting strategic priorities and monitoring progress. Always represent the school positively, supporting its ethos and mission. Engage effectively and actively with the local authority, external agencies, partners, and regulators as required and appropriate, to support continued improvement. Advocate for the needs of all pupils and families, particularly those who may be marginalised or underrepresented. Organisational Management Key Responsibilities Ensure the efficient and effective use of financial, physical, and human resources; working closely with the Trust teams which oversee these areas. This includes budget setting and monitoring, within the confines of the finance structures. Monitor the impact of these areas to ensure organisational systems, policies, and practices are secure, support efficient and effective working practices which in turn support the wellbeing of staff. Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently and fairly, complying with equality legislation. Maintain robust systems for health and safety, safeguarding, compliance, and risk management, working with the relevant Trust teams to ensure best practice. Lead school improvement planning, accurate self-evaluation, and accountability processes within the school and contribute to those across the trust, ensuring clarity and consistency. This will include preparations for Ofsted when needed. Use all resources strategically to secure high standards, support inclusion, and reduce barriers to participation and achievement. 6. Being a 'Leader Who Cares' You are integral to the success of our Trust and achieving our mission for pupils. Your leadership behaviours matter. It is important you feel empowered with a sense of autonomy so that you can be you. We have an aligned Leaders Who Care framework and are committed to being brave, candid, and clear in our leadership. This is to provide clarity on what we think is important, but we encourage our leaders to bring themselves to their roles. In this way, they will excel and we will be stronger as a trust. Key Responsibilities Model the Trust ethos and values in all that you do, recognising that you are a critical role model for staff, pupils, their families, and the communities we serve. Model the leaders who care framework , modelling ethical leadership by being brave, candid, and clear. Uphold the Trust commitment to EEDI and inclusion through your leadership behaviours; being self-aware, and respecting difference. Engage actively in your own professional learning, coaching, and Trust-wide leadership development; committing to ongoing learning, including in EEDI, and using this to inform leadership practice and decision-making. Manage your workload and wellbeing effectively, asking for help and support if needed, and modelling healthy and sustainable leadership practices. Uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in everything you do. Uphold our commitment to safeguarding and report any concerns in accordance with Trust policy and KCSIE. We work hard as leaders within our Trust as we know what we do matters. Your wellbeing is important. You will be encouraged to take time away from work at weekend and holidays and to model that for others. Within the above you will be expected to follow Trust policies and statutory requirements. Any deviation from statutory guidance should be discussed with the CEO. Your support You are entitled to support in your development and in times of challenge. You will be directly line managed by the CEO who will maintain regular contact with you. You will also work closely with the LGB and the Chair in particular. The trust teams will support you in achieving your objectives . click apply for full job details
We are seeking a dynamic, personable Principal to provide strategic and operational leadership at Haberdashers' Knights Academy, a school that sits at the heart of its community, with a clear commitment to excellence, inclusion and opportunity for every child. Role Purpose As Principal you are accountable and responsible for standards within the school and for the performance of it. You are critical to its' success and that of the Trust. You,. alongside the Local Governing Body, are responsible for implementing the vision and strategic direction of the school, within the context of the Trust ethos and values. You will provide strategic, and operational leadership for the school and across the trust. This includes striving to maintain high standards in all aspects, for all pupils and all staff. You will contribute to the collective success of Haberdashers' Academies Trust South by embodying its ethos and values, and by championing equity and excellence. You will seek to model 'Together Stronger' in all that you do as an Executive Leader. Key Responsibilities: 1. Build a strong and impactful Haberdashers' Experience, from three to forever Implement the key priorities of the trust to support pupils to flourish from three to forever. Implement a curriculum which supports the development of powerful knowledge, and which aligns with the Trust's principles, recognising this is the bedrock of the school. The curriculum will reflect our commitment to diversity, promote equality and equity, and actively challenge discrimination and bias. Prioritise the Haberdashers' Advantage programme within the school and across the Trust, recognising the value and importance of developing individuals with character by providing a broad range of opportunities within and outside of the classroom. Recognising the importance of consistency for pupils, secure high-quality teaching in all areas by implementing the Haberdashers' Principles to enable all pupils to make strong progress, regardless of their background. Use intelligent insight to inform ongoing review and improvement planning, intervention where needed, and resource allocation. Strive to implement our Success For All strategy to close gaps in progress and experience for disadvantaged pupils, those with SEND and those with protected characteristics, ensuring equity of access, opportunity, and outcomes for all learners. 2. Secure and maintain a Positive Culture for Learning Key Responsibilities Establish and maintain a culture of ambition, high expectation, and optimism for all, in every aspect of school life. Create and model an inclusive environment which reflects the trusts commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EEDI) where all pupils and staff feel a sense of belonging, regardless of their background or identity. Ensure pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and personal development are central to the life of the school and that all 'pastoral' and welfare structures provide excellent support, particularly for those with barriers to their learning. Ensure a strong, positive, and inclusive culture and behaviour for learning ethos, where all pupils can learn and all staff can teach, free from disruption. This ethos will go beyond compliance and support active engagement in learning. Policies will be implemented firmly, fairly, and consistently. Promote student voice and agency, ensuring pupils feel safe, valued, and heard. 3. Support and champion the development of Great People Key Responsibilities Create an environment where all staff believe they can do their best work. This includes adopting a starting point of assumed success, providing constructive development feedback when needed, carrying out ongoing review in line with the Trust's ethos and supporting staff to feel safe as they develop as professionals. In partnership with the Trust HR team and the Habs Institute, to take the lead on recruitment, development, progression, and retention of high-quality staff who are aligned with the Trust's values and vision. In doing so, promote and apply the Trust's EEDI strategy. Provide high-quality professional development and coaching to support continuous improvement, in partnership with the Habs Institute. Build leadership capacity at all levels, promoting and enabling strong and effective line management and securing succession planning. Conduct Appraisals in line with Trust policy providing clarity, fairness, and developmental intent. To manage the performance of staff and take the lead in addressing any issues as they arise, in line with the Trust ethos and associated policies and processes. Actively support flexible working, wellbeing, and inclusive practice, ensuring all staff can thrive and progress. 4. Build relationships with Stakeholders and the Community Key Responsibilities Develop strong and effective working relationships with stakeholders including families, the local community, Governors, Trustees, and the Haberdashers' Company. Ensure all communication and engagement strategies are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. Work collaboratively with other Trust leaders, Principals, and Trust teams to share best practice and drive collective improvement; setting strategic priorities and monitoring progress. Always represent the school positively, supporting its ethos and mission. Engage effectively and actively with the local authority, external agencies, partners, and regulators as required and appropriate, to support continued improvement. Advocate for the needs of all pupils and families, particularly those who may be marginalised or underrepresented. Organisational Management Key Responsibilities Ensure the efficient and effective use of financial, physical, and human resources; working closely with the Trust teams which oversee these areas. This includes budget setting and monitoring, within the confines of the finance structures. Monitor the impact of these areas to ensure organisational systems, policies, and practices are secure, support efficient and effective working practices which in turn support the wellbeing of staff. Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently and fairly, complying with equality legislation. Maintain robust systems for health and safety, safeguarding, compliance, and risk management, working with the relevant Trust teams to ensure best practice. Lead school improvement planning, accurate self-evaluation, and accountability processes within the school and contribute to those across the trust, ensuring clarity and consistency. This will include preparations for Ofsted when needed. Use all resources strategically to secure high standards, support inclusion, and reduce barriers to participation and achievement. 6. Being a 'Leader Who Cares' You are integral to the success of our Trust and achieving our mission for pupils. Your leadership behaviours matter. It is important you feel empowered with a sense of autonomy so that you can be you. We have an aligned Leaders Who Care framework and are committed to being brave, candid, and clear in our leadership. This is to provide clarity on what we think is important, but we encourage our leaders to bring themselves to their roles. In this way, they will excel and we will be stronger as a trust. Key Responsibilities Model the Trust ethos and values in all that you do, recognising that you are a critical role model for staff, pupils, their families, and the communities we serve. Model the leaders who care framework , modelling ethical leadership by being brave, candid, and clear. Uphold the Trust commitment to EEDI and inclusion through your leadership behaviours; being self-aware, and respecting difference. Engage actively in your own professional learning, coaching, and Trust-wide leadership development; committing to ongoing learning, including in EEDI, and using this to inform leadership practice and decision-making. Manage your workload and wellbeing effectively, asking for help and support if needed, and modelling healthy and sustainable leadership practices. Uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in everything you do. Uphold our commitment to safeguarding and report any concerns in accordance with Trust policy and KCSIE. We work hard as leaders within our Trust as we know what we do matters. Your wellbeing is important. You will be encouraged to take time away from work at weekend and holidays and to model that for others. Within the above you will be expected to follow Trust policies and statutory requirements. Any deviation from statutory guidance should be discussed with the CEO. Your support You are entitled to support in your development and in times of challenge. You will be directly line managed by the CEO who will maintain regular contact with you. You will also work closely with the LGB and the Chair in particular. The trust teams will support you in achieving your objectives . click apply for full job details
Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
Governor - Finance, Audit & Risk The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is supporting North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) to appoint new Governors with finance, accountancy and audit expertise to join its Corporation. Nescot is a successful and ambitious further education college serving over 6,000 learners across Surrey, London and the wider region. Following the launch of its Strategic Plan, the college is entering a key phase of growth, investment and development, with robust financial governance at its core. We are particularly keen to hear from qualified finance professionals who can contribute strong insight into financial oversight, audit, risk, assurance and value for money. This is an excellent opportunity to gain or further develop board level experience, including membership of the Audit & Risk Committee. The role As a Governor, you will share collective responsibility for: Setting strategic direction and ensuring long term financial sustainability Oversight of financial performance, risk management and internal control Scrutiny of budgets, forecasts, financial reporting and assurance Supporting effective stewardship of public funds Governors work closely with the Chair, fellow Corporation members and the senior leadership team, providing independent challenge and constructive support. Skills and experience Qualified accountant or senior finance professional (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent welcome) Experience in audit, financial controls, risk or governance Ability to operate at a strategic level (previous board experience helpful but not essential) Commitment to public service, education and learner success Time commitment Approximately five days per year, including Corporation meetings, committee meetings and an annual strategy day. The role is unremunerated, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Full induction and ongoing development provided. How to apply Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to Closing date: 15 June 2026 Interviews: 21-22 July 2026 (in person at Nescot, Epsom) For a confidential discussion, please contact Cezanne Ritchie Hutchinson, Sector Governance Champion, at the above email address.
Governor - Finance, Audit & Risk The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is supporting North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) to appoint new Governors with finance, accountancy and audit expertise to join its Corporation. Nescot is a successful and ambitious further education college serving over 6,000 learners across Surrey, London and the wider region. Following the launch of its Strategic Plan, the college is entering a key phase of growth, investment and development, with robust financial governance at its core. We are particularly keen to hear from qualified finance professionals who can contribute strong insight into financial oversight, audit, risk, assurance and value for money. This is an excellent opportunity to gain or further develop board level experience, including membership of the Audit & Risk Committee. The role As a Governor, you will share collective responsibility for: Setting strategic direction and ensuring long term financial sustainability Oversight of financial performance, risk management and internal control Scrutiny of budgets, forecasts, financial reporting and assurance Supporting effective stewardship of public funds Governors work closely with the Chair, fellow Corporation members and the senior leadership team, providing independent challenge and constructive support. Skills and experience Qualified accountant or senior finance professional (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent welcome) Experience in audit, financial controls, risk or governance Ability to operate at a strategic level (previous board experience helpful but not essential) Commitment to public service, education and learner success Time commitment Approximately five days per year, including Corporation meetings, committee meetings and an annual strategy day. The role is unremunerated, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Full induction and ongoing development provided. How to apply Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to Closing date: 15 June 2026 Interviews: 21-22 July 2026 (in person at Nescot, Epsom) For a confidential discussion, please contact Cezanne Ritchie Hutchinson, Sector Governance Champion, at the above email address.
Millfield School
Street, Somerset
Millfield School is seeking an experienced, highly professional governance specialist to join us as Clerk to the Governors and Compliance Officer. This is a senior, assurance focused role that plays a critical part in enabling effective, compliant and high quality governance across the School. About the Role As the School's governance professional and Company Secretary, you will provide authoritative procedural advice and operational support to the Governing Body, its Committees and the Chair of Governors, while also working closely with the Finance Director. With a dual reporting line to both, you will ensure that governance, compliance, policy and risk frameworks are well structured, transparent and robust. Key responsibilities include: Advising the Governing Body on its statutory, regulatory, safeguarding and fiduciary duties, and ensuring governance arrangements comply with the Governing Instrument, charity and company law. Planning and servicing Governing Body and Committee meetings, including agenda planning, high quality papers, accurate minutes, decision records and statutory documentation. Acting as Company Secretary, maintaining statutory registers and ensuring all Charity Commission and Companies House submissions are completed accurately and on time. Providing oversight of compliance, policy review, risk and audit frameworks, giving assurance to Governors that arrangements remain effective, proportionate and current. Supporting Governor recruitment, induction, training and succession planning, including safeguarding and regulatory checks. Advising on and supporting complaints, appeals and other formal panels, providing procedural guidance and liaising with external advisers where required. Overseeing subject access requests, data protection matters, whistleblowing arrangements and governance aspects of legal and insurance enquiries. Horizon scanning for governance and regulatory developments and advising the Governing Body on potential impact. This role requires exceptional judgement, discretion and confidence in working with senior stakeholders, as well as the ability to manage complex information and deadlines with precision. About You You will bring proven experience in governance, compliance, company secretarial, legal administration or a closely related field. You will be highly organised, credible and confident in providing clear, proportionate advice, with excellent written communication and minute taking skills. Integrity, professionalism and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters are essential. A legal background is desirable but not essential. Working Hours & Salary: Hours of work: Full-time, year-round role working 37.5 hours per week, 9.00am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Salary: Competitive, based on skills and experience. Closing date: 24th May 2026. Please note that applications will be considered on receipt, and as a result the vacancy may close early should an appointment be made. As such we would recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. Millfield School is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all. We are a community that celebrates diversity, supporting our pupils and employees to be brilliant as individuals. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Specific safeguarding responsibilities for this position are outlined in the job description. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks including, but not limited to, Enhanced DBS clearance. All positions within the school are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Be kind, be individual, be brilliant. Millfield School, where being an individual is recognised as the key to brilliance.
Millfield School is seeking an experienced, highly professional governance specialist to join us as Clerk to the Governors and Compliance Officer. This is a senior, assurance focused role that plays a critical part in enabling effective, compliant and high quality governance across the School. About the Role As the School's governance professional and Company Secretary, you will provide authoritative procedural advice and operational support to the Governing Body, its Committees and the Chair of Governors, while also working closely with the Finance Director. With a dual reporting line to both, you will ensure that governance, compliance, policy and risk frameworks are well structured, transparent and robust. Key responsibilities include: Advising the Governing Body on its statutory, regulatory, safeguarding and fiduciary duties, and ensuring governance arrangements comply with the Governing Instrument, charity and company law. Planning and servicing Governing Body and Committee meetings, including agenda planning, high quality papers, accurate minutes, decision records and statutory documentation. Acting as Company Secretary, maintaining statutory registers and ensuring all Charity Commission and Companies House submissions are completed accurately and on time. Providing oversight of compliance, policy review, risk and audit frameworks, giving assurance to Governors that arrangements remain effective, proportionate and current. Supporting Governor recruitment, induction, training and succession planning, including safeguarding and regulatory checks. Advising on and supporting complaints, appeals and other formal panels, providing procedural guidance and liaising with external advisers where required. Overseeing subject access requests, data protection matters, whistleblowing arrangements and governance aspects of legal and insurance enquiries. Horizon scanning for governance and regulatory developments and advising the Governing Body on potential impact. This role requires exceptional judgement, discretion and confidence in working with senior stakeholders, as well as the ability to manage complex information and deadlines with precision. About You You will bring proven experience in governance, compliance, company secretarial, legal administration or a closely related field. You will be highly organised, credible and confident in providing clear, proportionate advice, with excellent written communication and minute taking skills. Integrity, professionalism and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters are essential. A legal background is desirable but not essential. Working Hours & Salary: Hours of work: Full-time, year-round role working 37.5 hours per week, 9.00am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Salary: Competitive, based on skills and experience. Closing date: 24th May 2026. Please note that applications will be considered on receipt, and as a result the vacancy may close early should an appointment be made. As such we would recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. Millfield School is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all. We are a community that celebrates diversity, supporting our pupils and employees to be brilliant as individuals. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Specific safeguarding responsibilities for this position are outlined in the job description. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks including, but not limited to, Enhanced DBS clearance. All positions within the school are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Be kind, be individual, be brilliant. Millfield School, where being an individual is recognised as the key to brilliance.
