Closing date: Midnight 12 July 2026

Interview date: 24 July 2026

How to apply: Please apply via Pathways by midnight on 12 July 2026.

Who to contact if you have a query: For an information conversation about the role please contact the Director of Education Lesley.hurst@chichester.anglican.org

The Diocese of Chichester supports Church of England schools across Sussex, working to ensure every child flourishes. Our vision for education is “Deeply Christian, serving the common good.”

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced governance professional to step into a strategic, system-wide role, influencing governance practice across the large and diverse family of 154 Church of England schools within the Diocese of Chichester.

Reporting to the Diocesan Director of Education, you will act as a trusted adviser and expert, supporting governing bodies, senior leaders and school trusts to deliver strong, effective and values-led governance.

About the role:

You will work alongside senior leaders and governance professionals as a respected expert in your field, helping to shape governance practice across the Diocese.

You will:

Advise governing bodies, headteachers and trust leaders on governance, compliance and admissions
Support Multi Academy Trusts in navigating governance and diocesan requirements
Lead and deliver high-quality training for governors and governance professionals
Contribute to governance reviews and improvement work in schools
Translate complex policy into clear, practical guidance
Build strong partnerships with schools, trusts and local authorities

This role would particularly suit:

Governance Professionals / Clerks looking to move into a strategic advisory role
Governance Leads within Multi Academy Trusts
Local Authority governance officers seeking wider system influence

You’ll bring:

Strong knowledge of governance frameworks and regulatory requirements
Experience working with boards, governing bodies or committees
The ability to build relationships and influence at senior levels
Confidence in interpreting legislation and applying it in practice

The post holder will be expected to support the Christian ethos of Church of England education.

Why join us?

A genuinely strategic governance role with system-wide impact
Opportunity to influence governance across 154 schools
A supportive and collaborative diocesan team
Generous pension (15.1% employer contribution)
A role combining professional challenge with strong social purpose

What we offer:

A salary of £30,970 per annum, (pro rata FTE £44,242)
Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week. You will be expected to work at the Church House, Hove office at least 50% of the week.
A pro-rata entitlement to 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support.
Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post will involve travelling around the Diocese, some evening work and occasional work at weekends.

As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

Chichester DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. Our full safeguarding policy can be found here

For more information about the Education Team at the Diocese of Chichester please visit https://schools.chichester.anglican.org/

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

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