Company Secretary & Governance Lead

Overview

The Company Secretary & Governance Lead will play a vital role in ensuring that our governance reflects the teachings of the Church, the expectations of our Diocese, and the distinctive nature of Catholic education. You will be the principal adviser on governance, compliance, and statutory responsibilities, ensuring that our Board, committees, Local Governing Bodies and Academies operate with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

You will work closely with the CEO, Chair of the Board, Directors, and the Diocese of Nottingham Education Service (NRCDES) to ensure that governance reflects both regulatory expectations and the Catholic character of the Trust.

• The opportunity to shape governance at a strategic level
• A supportive and ambitious Executive team and Trust Board
• Professional development, including support for ICSA/CGI qualifications
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements considered
• A values-driven organisation rooted in Catholic mission
• A culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement

We are seeking an experienced governance professional who brings expertise, confidence, and a commitment to excellence. You will be someone who can work at pace, communicate with clarity, and build strong relationships across a diverse organisation. Most importantly, you will be committed to the mission of Catholic education and the flourishing of our schools and communities.

St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Multi Academy Trust brings together 23 schools united by a shared commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the formation of young people in faith and virtue. Our Trust is rooted in the mission of the Catholic Church to make Christ known and loved. We are committed to forming young people in faith, virtue, and academic excellence.

We work closely with our Diocese (of Nottingham) to ensure that our governance, leadership, and educational provision reflect the distinctive nature of Catholic education. Our vision is that the Trust and our schools are beacons of excellence where everyone flourishes intellectually, spiritually, morally and personally; where our Catholic faith is evident in our actions and where each person is valued and enabled to live life to the full and become the person God has called them to be.

• Genuine opportunities for career progression - with 23 academies in our family, and 84 academies across the Diocese, opportunities for career progression are a reality.
• Pension - automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff, one of the most competitive on the market, with employer contributions of above 20% in most cases.
• Terms and Conditions - we have committed to following nationally agreed terms and conditions for pay for both teachers and support staff.
• 28 days holiday (excluding bank holidays) increasing with length of service
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Holiday purchase scheme

St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Multi-Academy Trust brings together the 23 Catholic Primary and Secondary schools in Leicester City, Rutland and Leicestershire. Our priority is to ensure the very best Catholic Education for all young people in our community, whatever their circumstances. We will achieve this together, through a strategic approach to sharing best practice, effective challenge and support from a central standards and performance team and opportunities for high quality Continuing Professional Development.

The Trust and all our schools within our Trust committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check, online check and other pre-employment checks are required for successful applicants. The Trust will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.

Our Trust strives to be a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We are committed to cultivating an equitable working environment where staff treat one another with dignity and respect and where every individual can fulfil their potential. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs. This includes those of all faiths, the Catholic faith and those without a faith who are supportive of the Trust's Catholic character and Christian ethos.

This diversity is fundamental to our values and enriches the lives of the students within our schools. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome applications from people with a disability or long-term health condition. Learn more about us on our socials:
Instagram: @St Thomas Aquinas CMAT, Facebook: @St Thomas Aquinas CMAT, Linked In: @st-thomas-aquinas-catholic-multi-academy-trust