School Governance & Assurance Lead

You will have a strong understanding of statutory responsibilities relating to school governance, safeguarding, finance and accountability and will be comfortable working with senior stakeholders in situations that can sometimes be complex, sensitive or high risk.

You will

• Provide credible strategic advice, assurance and professional challenge.
• Analyse complex information and identify governance, compliance and assurance risks.
• Develop and implement effective governance frameworks, policies and standards.
• Lead reviews and investigations and make clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Communicate confidently and build effective relationships with senior leaders, headteachers, governing boards, elected members and external partners.
• Produce high-quality reports, policies and assurance documentation.
• Manage competing priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail.

You will be proactive and solution-focused, with excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to exercise sound professional judgement and discretion to ensure continuous improvement and strengthening governance across Newham.

For questions about the role or for an informal discussion, please contact Katherine Shieber at Katherine.Shieber@newham.gov.uk

Please view the JD here

https://www.newham.gov.uk/downloads/file/11369/school-governance-assurance-lead-jd-august-2026

Closing date: Friday 18 September 2026

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.

The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with, bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family. There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock. It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.