<p><strong>Salary</strong><strong>: £34,434 to £35,412 per annum</strong></p> <p><strong>Hours: 37 hours per week</strong></p> <p><strong>Location: Cumbria House, Carlisle</strong></p> <p><strong>Contract: Permanent</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>About this opportunity</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>This is a key role dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people across Cumberland by strengthening the quality and effectiveness of school governance. As part of the Governor Support Team, you will provide professional advice, training, and guidance to governing boards and clerks, helping them navigate legislative requirements and fulfil their responsibilities with confidence.</p> <p> </p> <p>You’ll lead/support the delivery of an annual training programme, develop workshops, and coordinate local support networks, alongside offering bespoke support to individual schools and clusters where relevant. The role includes advising on statutory and policy matters, overseeing the administration of Instruments of Government, and supporting processes related to governor appointments and school interventions.</p> <p> </p> <p>Working closely with services across the Local Authority, you’ll contribute to wider learning improvement priorities, promote best practice in governance, and help enhance community awareness of the Council’s work. This is an opportunity to play a meaningful part in ensuring schools are well-governed and positioned to provide the best possible educational experiences for children and young people.</p> <p> </p> <p>This role is available on a permanent basis</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Why join us?</strong></p> <ul> <li>A lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere – Living and working in Cumbria offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding career while being surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the world-famous Lake District National Park to unspoilt coastlines and vibrant market towns. Whether you enjoy hiking, water sports, cycling, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Cumbria provides an outstanding quality of life.</li> <li>Supportive environment – You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, compassion, and innovation. We focus on potential over perfection, giving you opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career.</li> </ul> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Who we are looking for</strong><em><br /> <br /> </em></p> <p>We are looking for an individual who embodies our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.</p> <p> </p> <p>We are also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.</p> <p> </p> <p>Please view the post specification for the essential criteria required for this role.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Contact</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact the Senior Adviser for Learning Improvement Service. Jayne Williams by email at <a href="mailto:jayne.williams@cumbria.gov.uk">jayne.williams@cumbria.gov.uk</a></p> <p><strong><br /> Guaranteed Interviews</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants <strong>as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.</strong></p> <ul> <li>Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010</li> <li>Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under</li> <li>Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. <a href="https://careers.cumberland.gov.uk/our-recruitment-process">Find out more</a>.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments<br /> <br /> </strong></p> <p>We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we are a proud Disability Confident Leader and an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>If you need any reasonable adjustments</strong> to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing <a href="mailto:Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk"><strong>Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk</strong></a>. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Application and Interview information</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Closing date: 6th March 2026</strong></li> <li><strong>Interview date: Monday 16th March 2026 at Cumbria House, Carlisle</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Please read the supporting information:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://elibrary.cumbria.gov.uk/Content/Internet/541/789/5642/46065171947.pdf">Post Specification</a></li> </ul>