Sapientia Education Trust
Director of Compliance
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Location: Wymondham
Salary: Competitive
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Sapientia Education Trust
Sapientia Education Trust is a successful and ambitious Multi-Academy Trust serving schools across Norfolk and Suffolk. Established in 2016, the Trust has grown to 23 schools, educating almost 9,000 pupils across primary, secondary, sixth form and boarding provision. With further schools expected to join in the coming years, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth, development and opportunity.
Our central teams provide expert support across education, finance, human resources, governance, estates, ICT, safeguarding and health and safety. Together, we work in partnership with school leaders to remove barriers, drive improvement and ensure our schools can focus on delivering exceptional educational outcomes for every pupil.
The Role
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced governance, compliance or education professional to join the Executive Team and play a key strategic role in shaping the future of a growing and highly regarded Trust.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will lead the Trust's compliance, governance and data protection functions, ensuring that statutory obligations are met and that robust systems of assurance, risk management and accountability are embedded across the organisation.
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As Director of Compliance, you will oversee Trust-wide governance arrangements, provide strategic advice to Trustees and senior leaders, maintain the Trust's assurance framework and risk registers, and lead on data protection and GDPR compliance. You will also play a pivotal role in supporting Trust growth, leading the compliance and governance requirements associated with academisation projects and new schools joining the Trust.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a confident and highly organised leader who can build strong professional relationships, provide credible advice to senior stakeholders and maintain the highest standards of governance and compliance.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
- Significant experience within education compliance, governance, school support operations or a similar professional environment.
- Strong knowledge of governance, statutory compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Knowledge and practical experience of UK GDPR and data protection requirements.
- Excellent communication, report-writing and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience of working strategically whilst also managing operational priorities.
- The ability to influence, advise and support Boards, Committees and senior leaders.
- A relevant Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience.
Person Specification
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- Experienced leader, with experience in operational and strategic planning and delivery;
- Hold a relevant level 5 qualification and extensive experience in school support operations or equivalent;
- Have knowledge of UK GDPR;
- Have demonstrable leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, be able to work with colleagues from different disciplines and partners from the wider community for the benefit of the schools and wider trust.
- Previous experience in the education sector essential;
- Competent knowledge of academy compliance regulation is strongly desirable;
- Be flexible and imaginative in developing new ideas and resources, as well as adapting to changes;
Why Join Us?
- Join a thriving and growing Multi-Academy Trust with an ambitious vision for the future.
- Work directly with the CEO and Board of Trustees in a high-profile strategic leadership role.
- Help shape governance and compliance arrangements across 23 schools.
- Play a key role in future Trust growth and academisation projects.
- Access excellent professional development opportunities and join a highly skilled and supportive central team.
- Local Government Pension Scheme and a competitive benefits package.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Sapientia Education Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
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