What skills and experience we're looking for
This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the governance framework, decision-making structures, and compliance processes for a forward-thinking Trust. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Finance Operating Officer and Chair of Trustees, you’ll provide governance support, lead on regulatory compliance, and act as Company Secretary to ensure TDMAT exemplifies best practice in charity and multi-academy trust governance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Act as Company Secretary and Clerk to the Trust Board, ensuring statutory compliance and governance excellence.
• Develop and implement the Trust’s governance framework, agenda planning, and reporting arrangements.
• Lead Trustee and Governor recruitment, induction, and training, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee risk management, policy compliance, and regulatory filings with bodies such as the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Support board and committee meetings, including preparing high-quality reports and taking accurate minutes.
• Provide administrative and executive support to the CEO, ensuring effective communication and alignment with Trust priorities.
• Line manage clerks to the Trust’s local governing bodies and foster governance best practice across the organisation.
• Act in the role of Data Protection Officer for the Trust
What We Are Looking For:
• Enthusiasm for TDMAT’s mission and values, with a strong commitment to governance and compliance.
• Proven experience in governance, company secretariat, or similar roles, ideally within an academy trust or charity setting.
• Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional and discreet approach to sensitive matters.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., NGA/CGI (previously ICSA) in academy governance are highly desirable.
• For further details please visit our website at:
Current Vacancies - James Brindley Academy James Brindley Academy
James Brindley Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Please be aware that this post is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance check and any offer of employment is made conditional of this. You will also be required to register and pay for the DBS update service and ensure that documentary evidence is produced to ensure annual compliance and updates. You will also be required to provide written consent for the employer to access this information at any time.
This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.
What the school offers its staff
This is an excellent time to join James Brindley as the Academy continues to implement a strategic vision developed by young people, staff, and other stakeholders. Join us to ‘Think Differently’ to inspire young people to overcome all barriers and achieve their dreams.
You’ll be joining pivotal time, as James Brindley Academy forms the Think Differently MAT, helping shape the governance and compliance landscape of a brand-new multi-academy trust with ambitious growth plans. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and Trustees, contributing to an exciting journey of innovation and excellence. We offer a collaborative environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.
Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now and help us achieve our ambitious vision.
James Brindley is a stand-alone Academy based in a wide variety of locations across the City of Birmingham. During a school year, we educate over 3,000 young people for periods ranging from a few days in hospital to several years in one of our teaching centres. Many of our young people have complex medical needs and many have been out of education for a significant period prior to joining us. We offer a
full-time curriculum to young people from EYFS to KS5 and our aim is always to enable them to ‘close the gap’ and to exceed expected progress during the time they are with us.
Further details about the role
Completed application forms are to be emailed to vacancies@jamesbrindley.org.uk
Please ensure the application form is signed if sending via email.
If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted via email within 2 to 3 weeks of the closing date. Please ensure you check your junk/spam inboxes.
Online Search
As part of our recruitment checks, an online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process and you will have the opportunity to discuss any issues of concern that may arise from this search at the interview.
Commitment to safeguarding
James Brindley Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this. Please be aware that this post is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance check and any offer of employment is made conditional of this. You will also be required to register and pay for the DBS update service and ensure that documentary evidence is produced to ensure annual compliance and updates. You will also be required to provide written consent for the employer to access this information at any time.