School Governance Officer

Salary

GBP 34,434. per year

This post is open to secondment.

Contact:
Gwern ap Rhisiart, gwernaprhisiartw.cymru
Support Service, Gwynedd Council, Council Offices, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH

Tel:
E-Mail:
Swyddiw.cymru

04.03.2026

The Council will request a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service for the successful candidate.

If you are successful to be short listed for an interview you will be contacted by E‑MAIL using the address provided on your application form. You need to ensure that you check your email regularly.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, fair and impartial conduct, and the ability to gain the confidence and respect of Chairs, governors, headteachers and senior officers.
• Confidence to support and challenge constructively.
• A strategic approach, with a clear focus on accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.
• The ability to work independently and to take personal responsibility for prioritising work.
• Willingness to learn new skills.

Relevant Qualifications and Training

• Essential: A further or higher education qualification in a relevant field.
• Desirable:
  Specific qualifications or training in school governance, strategic leadership or public administration.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to governance, leadership or accountability.
• Training on dealing with complaints or resolving disputes.

Relevant Experience

• Essential:
  Experience of providing strategic, professional and impartial advice to stakeholders at a senior level.
• Professionally supporting and challenging leaders to improve effectiveness and performance.
• Undertaking research and presenting information both orally and in writing.
• Desirable:
  Experience of working with school governing bodies or similar governance structures.
• Experience of working within or in conjunction with a Local Authority or other public body.
• Experience of leading or facilitating professional forums or networks.
• Experience of dealing with complaints.
• Experience of contributing to the development or implementation of digital platforms or information systems.

Skills and Specialist Knowledge

• Essential:
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Welsh and English, with the ability to present complex information clearly and impartially.
• The ability to prepare high-quality reports, policies, procedures and presentations.
• Strong analytical skills to identify risks, patterns and areas to strengthen, and offer practical solutions.
• Facilitation and presentation skills, including experience of presenting to various groups.
• The ability to work effectively with other services and partners.
• The ability to work in a team and independently.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Robust computer skills.
• Desirable: A strong knowledge of the role, responsibilities and statutory duties of school Governing Bodies in Wales.
• Understanding of the principles of accountability, transparency and effective governance.
• Up-to-date information of legislation, national guidance and policies relating to school governance and education in Wales.
• Understanding of digital systems to support governance, record decisions and share information.

Language Requirements

• Essential Listening and Speaking - Higher Level: Able to follow a conversation or discussion through the medium of Welsh and English on a professional level.
• Ability to give a pre-prepared presentation and respond to any comments and questions on it in Welsh or English.
• Reading and Comprehension - Higher Level: Able to understand standard written Welsh and English; both formal and informal.
• Gather information from various sources such as letters, reports, articles through the medium of Welsh and English.
• Writing - Higher Level: Present written information confidently by letter, more detailed and technical report formats, and respond to written requests conveying information, ideas and opinion in Welsh and English.

• Ensure that the people of Gwynedd are at the centre of everything we do.
• Provide professional guidance, advice and support at Local Authority level to strengthen effective school governance, with a particular focus on supporting Chairs of governing bodies, governing body members and Headteachers.

The role will build on existing arrangements to ensure a robust, consistent and transparent accountability system between Governing Bodies and the Local Authority, ensuring consistent use of the most current guidance, policies, procedures and systems.

• Staff, budgets, equipment, e.g., computer.

• Advice and guidance on effective governance:
  Act as an effective governance specialist within the Local Authority, providing strategic, impartial and up-to-date advice to Chairs, governors and school leaders.
• Professionally support and challenge Chairs to strengthen the leadership of the Governing Body, promoting accountability, transparency and strategic focus.
• Advise Headteachers and…