If you are interested in this role, please read the 'How to Apply' section
Thank you for your interest in the Executive Support and Governance Officer vacancy at the Rowan Learning Trust. We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who is ambitious and has an excellent work ethic to join our team from September 2026. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work within a supportive team environment and contribute to the success and stability of our Trust.
About us
The Rowan Learning Trust is a multi-academy trust based in the North-West of England. Our trust is currently made up of 12 schools based cross Wigan, Bury, Knowsley, Lancashire and Cheshire West & Chester. Our trust is built on the firm belief that everyone can reach their full potential wherever they are in our community.
We are an education charity. Our schools work collaboratively, as one entity, to improve and maintain high educational standards across the whole organisation. We are built on a foundation of strong values that underpin our philosophy: Kindness, Respect and Integrity.
The role: Executive Support and Governance Officer
Location: Goose Green, Wigan, Greater Manchester
Working hours: 37 hours per week, term time plus two additional weeks
Grade: Grade 5 (SCP 8-14)
Salary: £26,824 - £29,540 (pro-rata), actual salary £23,559 - £25,944
Overall purpose of post
Under thereasonable direction of the Directors of phase/COO & Director of Governance,
carry out the professional duties in line with the job profile and in particular to:
· Provide a comprehensive and confidential administrative and support service for the Executive Team.
· Deliver high quality governance support across the Trust by providing a professional clerking service.
Key Responsibilities:
Executive Support
- To provide administrative support to the Executive team, for example, typing, photocopying, filing, completing standard forms and responding to correspondence
- Be responsible for the diary management and arrangements for all meetings (including making travel, accommodation and conference arrangements).
- To prepare letters, documents, presentation and reports as required
- To take minutes of meetings as required
- Deal with, track and monitor incoming/outgoing mail
- To deal with and screen telephone calls from external callers
- Provide the Executive team with clear, concise and timed/dated summaries of messages
- To deal with and respond to enquiries for the Executive team from staff, students, parents and external agencies
- To adhere to strict confidential practices in relation to all forms of information
Governance
- Pre-meeting preparation including working with the Headteacher and Governance professional before the meetings to prepare the agenda.
- Ensure the preparation and dispatch to governors of the letter of invitation, agenda, minutes and supporting documentation for the termly meetings.
- Advising the Local Governing Committee about its powers, duties and responsibilities as defined in the RLT scheme of delegation.
- Attendance at, and the minuting of, the statutory termly Local Governing Committee and other Committee meetings throughout the year.
- Recording all decisions accurately and objectively with timescales for any agreed action.
- Sending draft minutes to the Chair and Headteacher for amendment and approval by the Chair.
- Ensure all minutes are circulated to all Governors within the timescales agreed by the Local Governing Committee.
- Ensure copies of current terms of reference and membership of committee and nominated Governors are maintained.
- Ensure Governors are advised of the expiry of a term of office before that term expires so elections or appointments can be organised in a timely manner.
- Ensure Governance meeting attendance records are maintained, and the Local Governing Committee are advised of non-attendance of Governors.
- Ensure that a register of Local Governing Committee pecuniary interests is maintained, reviewed annually, and published on the school websites.
- Attend termly Clerk to Governor meetings and participate in professional development opportunities.
- Guide the Local Governing Committee on governance legislation and procedural matters, where necessary, before during and after meetings.
- Support the on-boarding of new governors, provide induction materials and ensure they have access to appropriate documents, governance policies and access to training.
Other Duties
- Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.
- Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the Trust.
- Appreciate and support the role of other professionals
- Attend and participate in relevant meetings as may be reasonably directed
- Participate in training and other learning activities and performance management as may be reasonably directed.
- Other duties commensurate with the grade as specified by the CEO.
About You:
Essential skills and experience
- English & Maths GCSE Grade C or equivalent
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and electronic document management systems.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and competing demands effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, staff, parents, governors and external stakeholders.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce accurate reports, presentations, agendas and professional correspondence.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion, professionalism and integrity.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping and document management.
- Ability to work independently, exercise initiative and maintain a professional approach under pressure.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and supporting the values and ethos of the Trust.
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and attend meetings outside normal working hours where required.
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience providing high-level administrative and executive support, including diary management, correspondence, document preparation and meeting coordination.
- Experience of taking accurate minutes and maintaining clear records of meetings, actions and decisions.
- Knowledge and understanding of governance processes, committee administration and statutory meeting requirements, or the ability to acquire this knowledge quickly.
- Ability to advise and support governors on procedural matters, ensuring compliance with governance requirements and organisational policies.
- Experience of organising meetings, producing agendas and distributing papers within agreed timescales.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a Trust that is dedicated to making a difference for its students and staff
- This is an impactful role - you will play a vital part in supporting our schools and helping to make a difference in education
- Every day is different, with a range of challenges to keep you engaged
- Local government pension scheme with generous employer contribution rates
- Support for further qualifications and your CPD
- A network of staff for sharing best practices
- A growing organisation with plenty of future career development opportunities
How to apply
Due to safer recruitment practices, we can only accept applications from candidates who have completed our application form. The application form, job description and person specification can be found at The Rowan Learning Trust: VACANCIES. We will not accept applications from candidates who haven't completed this.
If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Worthington ([email protected]).
Please ensure that applications are submitted by 11.59pm on Sunday 19th July 2026. Interview date TBC, start date as soon as possible.
The Rowan Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. References will be taken up for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.90-£15.31 per hour
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Wigan, Greater Manchester: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
