Director of Compliance

- Salary: Competitive - Permanent - Full Time - 37 hours per week - Required ASAP 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. 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. 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. If you would like to visit the Trust or would like an informal discussion, please contact Briony Ridgwell – Executive Assistant to the CEO by calling 01953 609012 or emailing ea@setrust.co.uk How to apply: A Recruitment Pack is available from ‘Attachments’. For this vacancy, if you click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button, you will be redirected to our Trust’s website to apply via the online application form. Please complete this and provide a supporting letter outlining of no more than 800 words, how your experience equips you for the role. Closing Date: Applications will be considered upon receipt; therefore early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview before the closing date should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Interview Date: TBC The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, therefore all applicants must be prepared to undergo a number of checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The Trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. In accordance with the Department of Education’s “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, references will be sought on all short-listed candidates before interview. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.