Job Introduction
LESLIE MANSER PRIMARY SCHOOL
Kingsdown Road
Lincoln LN6 0FB
NOR 265
www.lesliemanser.lincs.sch.uk
Required for immediate start, or asap.
Grade 4
3 hours per week (to be worked flexibly)
We require an efficient and dedicated Clerk to the Governing Body to join our friendly and caring school, providing administrative support to our committed and enthusiastic team of Governors. You will be required to attend all meetings of the Governing Body to take minutes, prepare agendas and supporting documentation, provide information to Governors and deal with all correspondence to and from the Governing Body. The post is for 3 hours per week over 52 weeks (to be completed on a flexible basis), to include attendance at all meetings of the Governing Body, which usually take place early evening (10 meetings were held during the last academic year).
It is important that the successful applicant has excellent communication skills, both written and oral, playing a key role in ensuring the efficiency of our Governing Body. They will have a positive attitude to their role, with a willingness to adapt to situations as they arise.
We are seeking an individual who:
• Has excellent written and oral interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
• Has a good standard of literacy.
• Has the ability to research current legislation, procedures and points of law accurately, to provide up to date information to Governors.
• Is self-motivated and can work on their own initiative.
• Is understanding and can maintain confidentiality.
• Pays attention to detail.
• Is committed to helping us to promote the positive ethos of our school.
• Can multi-task and prioritise their workload to meet deadlines and the needs of the school.
• Has experience of using the full range of Microsoft Office applications
Whilst previous experience in a similar role would be desirable, it is not essential as training will be given.
At Leslie Manser Primary School we will offer:
- Ongoing support for Continuing Professional Development
- Children who are happy, well-motivated and enjoy school.
- A forward thinking staff team who work together to embrace new initiatives to drive school improvement.
- Staff and Governors who are enthusiastic and committed to providing stimulating learning experiences.
Main purpose
To provide a professional, efficient and comprehensive clerking service to the Board of Governors, ensuring full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including Lincolnshire County Council’s Scheme for Financing Schools and relevant education legislation. The postholder will support Governors and Senior Leadership in delivering effective governance, enabling robust strategic oversight and informed decision-making.
Working closely with Board of Governors that hold significant strategic responsibility, the Clerk will ensure the smooth running of all governance processes, including the accurate preparation of agendas, minutes and documentation, and the maintenance of statutory records. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to provide proactive governance advice.
The Clerk will demonstrate absolute commitment to confidentiality, integrity and impartiality, supporting the Board of Governors in upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency in line with expectations for academy governance.
Duties and responsibilities
Knowledge and understanding
The governance professional (clerk) will:
Know the features of effective governance, and the board’s governance structure and core functions
Understand their role as set out in the Board of Governors’ articles of association
Understand key national education policies and the local education context in which the board is operating
Know the board’s duties under legislation and statutory guidance
Understand the importance of the board adhering to and promoting the School’s internal procedures
Understand the School’s governance structure, including legal structure and constitution
Understand the principles of records management and have working knowledge of the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act
Understand the board’s accountability to and relationship with other bodies
Know the board’s code of conduct and strategic priorities
Understand the School’s culture, values and ethos
Know which information about student performance and financial management will be used by the board to hold leaders to account
Know the requirements of charity and company law
Know the trust’s funding agreement(s) and articles of association
Administration
Check that meetings are quorate, and if not, provide appropriate advice on how to proceed
Establish and maintain efficient procedures for meetings, sharing documents in a timely manner
Promote the use of project management tools (including risk registers) to support the chair
Make sure that board papers are clear and accurate, and that minutes capture discussion points and actions
Challenge the board if meetings are not conducted in a proper or orderly manner
Support the chair in identifying priorities and upcoming issues when planning meetings
Evaluate administrative procedures to ensure effectiveness, and adapting these where necessary
Prepare thoroughly for meetings and ensure that outstanding action points are acted on
Maintain or help maintain accurate registers (e.g. register of interests)
Establish and administer procedures for filling vacancies on the board
Keep a record of Governors’ attendance
Understand the principles of confidentiality and apply this to their own work and that of the board
Have an eye for detail and excellent proofreading skills
Use technology effectively to streamline the board’s processes
Communicate information clearly, logically and impartially by using a range of presentation methods as appropriate
Have a systematic approach to managing documentation and other records that meets legal requirements for records management
Have excellent time management skills
Remain calm and maintain a high standard of work under pressure
Advice and guidance
Provide appropriate information for the board and check the credibility of sources
Update the board on changes to legal or statutory requirements
Access third-party guidance on behalf of the board where necessary
Inform the board about training and development opportunities
Provide clear, logical and impartial advice to the board
Clearly explain difficult concepts, including information on the board’s legal duties
Understand the principles of conflicts of interest, and is able to advise the board on managing and avoiding these
Understand how and when to escalate concerns where there is non-compliance or suspected misconduct
Speak out where the board is overstepping its strategic role or is not following the code of conduct
People and relationships
Build effective professional relationships with the board, external contacts and others
Use appropriate influencing skills to gain the board’s confidence
Establish effective channels of communication with the board, the wider school and any external contacts and partners
Contribute to discussions about the design of governance committees and structures
Advise the board when Governors’ terms of office end, and assess the effect this will have on the board’s skills mix
Establish and facilitate transparent procedures to fill vacancies
Help the board to create a culture in which challenge is welcomed
Support the board when carrying out self-evaluation exercises
Remain committed to improving own performance and that of others involved in governance, taking advantage of opportunities to attend training and development
Notes:
Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or Chair of Governors.
This post requires an enhanced DBS check, in line with our commitment to Safeguarding Children.
Potential applicants are encouraged to ring and make an appointment to come and look around the school.
Application forms and further information are available from the school.
Website: www.lesliemanser.lincs.sch.uk or email enquiries@lesliemanser.lincs.sch.uk
Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 6th October 2026
Interview date: tbc
All applications are to be submitted on the application form found on the school website, with an accompanying letter emailed to enquiries@lesliemanser.lincs.sch.uk.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, medical clearance and verified references. Written references will be taken up at shortlisting stage, prior to interview. All shortlisted candidates will need to verify their eligibility to work in the UK at interview. All Pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education”.
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
The school advertising the vacancy will contact you directly regarding the outcome of your application and any interviews. When interviews are taking place schools will follow all Government and Public Health England Guidelines.
All shortlisted candidates will need to verify their eligibility to work in the UK at interview.
