What is a Governance Professional (Clerk)?

There are approximately 24,000 schools in England.  All of which have a governing board or academy committee, and all of which must have a Governance Professional (Clerk) for the governing board.  Strong governance support and clerking is a key component to ensuring that a governing board is efficient, effective and compliant.

Becoming a Governance Professional (Clerk) - a great career choice!

Being a clerk is a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. Here's why people choose a career path as a Clerk and Governance Professional.

Contribution to Education: Being a governance professional (clerk) provides an opportunity to contribute directly to the education sector. By supporting the governing board, you play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction and policies that impact students, teachers, and the wider school community.

Professional Development: The role of a governance professional (clerk) offers valuable opportunities for professional development. You can gain experience in governance, administration, and communication skills, which are transferable to other roles within the education sector and beyond.

Networking: Working closely with governors, school staff, and external stakeholders provides opportunities to expand your professional network. Building relationships with individuals in the education sector can open doors to future career opportunities and collaborations.

Personal Fulfillment: Many people find fulfilment in roles where they can make a meaningful difference. As a governance professional (clerk), you have the satisfaction of knowing that your work supports the effective governance of the school, ultimately contributing to the success and well-being of students.

Learning Opportunities: The role's diverse nature means there is always something new to learn. Whether it's staying updated on education policies and regulations or developing new administrative skills, being a governance professional (clerk) offers continuous learning opportunities.

Contribution to Community: Schools are at the heart of communities, and by serving as a governance professional (clerk) to a governing board, you are contributing to the smooth operation of the school, which plays a vital role in the local community. This sense of community involvement can be personally rewarding.

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: At Shaping Governance, all our governance professionals are self-employed and can choose the number of schools that they support. This offers flexibility in terms of working hours and location, which can be particularly appealing for individuals seeking a role that allows them to balance work with other commitments.

Sense of Achievement: Successfully managing the administrative aspects of the governing board, such as organising meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance, can provide a sense of achievement and pride in your work.

We provide induction, ongoing training and regular briefings to ensure that our clerks are supported in their roles.

Come and join our Team!

Interested in the role?

We are looking for dynamic, flexible individuals with the right skills and attributes to join our established team of Associate Governance Professionals (Clerks).  We have various face-to-face or virtual opportunities in primary and secondary settings and for Multi Academy Trust Boards.

The work is offered on a self-employed associate basis and is flexible and part-time, mainly during school term time. Hours are variable and dependent on the school’s needs, with above-industry rates starting at £18.75 per hour but may be as high as £25 per hour, depending on experience and school setting.  

If you are interested in talking about becoming an Associate Governance Professional at Shaping Governance, use the button below to view our current vacancies.