Head of Policy, Governance & Compliance - Wessex MAT

Job title: Head of Policy, Governance & Compliance

Location: Wessex House, Holmead Walk, Poundbury, DT1 3GE

Salary: G12, scp 33 – 39:  £44,075 - £50,269 (pro-rata £37,609 - £42,894)

Permanent, 35 hours; Working weeks: 40 weeks (minimum, can be discussed at interview)

Join a Trust Where Leadership Makes a Difference

Wessex Multi-Academy Trust is an ambitious, values-driven organisation committed to providing an outstanding education for every child. With a family of 12 schools across Dorset, we are proud of our inclusive ethos, strong community connections, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Each of our schools maintains its individual character while benefiting from the strength, collaboration, and shared vision of the Trust. At our core is a simple belief: education transforms lives, and every child — regardless of background or need — deserves the very best.

As we look to the future, we are seeking a new leader to take responsibility for policy, governance and compliance.

The Role

This newly created role is critical to ensuring that the Trust continues to operate with clarity, integrity, and compliance in a fast-evolving educational landscape.

Reporting directly to the COO and working closely with senior leaders across the Trust, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of Trust-wide policies
• Ensure policy is effectively translated into practice through robust governance systems
• Support and build the capacity of local governing bodies across our schools
• Oversee regulatory compliance and statutory obligations, including safeguarding, data protection, and key elements of risk and assurance
• Provide expert advice to school and Trust leaders on governance, compliance and policy interpretation
• Help create conditions where school leaders can focus on what matters most: teaching, learning, and pupil success

The Person

We are looking for a values-led, highly capable leader with:

• A proven track record of leadership and successful delivery, ideally within education or a similarly regulated, public service setting
• Excellent communication skills – able to distil complex information into clear advice
• A confident, solutions-focused approach and strong analytical thinking
• The ability to work collaboratively and independently, often at pace
• A genuine commitment to the values and mission of Wessex Multi-Academy Trust

While experience in education governance is advantageous, we also welcome applicants with relevant experience from other sectors.

What We Offer

• A strategic leadership role at the heart of a growing, forward-thinking Trust
• A collaborative, supportive and values-driven working environment
• High-quality professional development
• A generous benefits package including pension scheme, salary sacrifice options, wellbeing support, and more (subject to qualifying period)

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application process via:
👉 www.jobs.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact us at [email protected]

Safeguarding Statement

Wessex MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.  The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including a health check, an Enhanced DBS check Child Barred List check and satisfactory references.  We will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates.  This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children.  As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.  Applicants are advised that it is an offence to apply for the role if they are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

📅 Key Dates

Closing date: Midday, Monday 22nd September 2025
Interviews: Friday 3rd October 2025

This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.

The pro rata salary shown is based on the number of hours and weeks worked and paid annual leave entitlement for an employee under 5 years’ service.
The salary quoted is the annual salary for the position at the time of advert. The salary will be paid in equal monthly instalments and will be adjusted at the start of employment and again if leaving part way through the school year to ensure the correct salary is received for the work completed in an academic year.