Advice Trainee

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Advice Team Graduate to join our team in Birmingham, with hybrid working (two days a week in our Birmingham office and three days working from home). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £24,400 per annum.

NGA is an independent, not-for-profit national membership organisation for state school governors, trustees and governance professionals in England. Our work aims to improve the educational standards and wellbeing of young people by increasing the effectiveness of governing boards and promoting high standards. As expert leaders in school and academy governance, we provide information, advice, guidance, professional development and e-learning.

About the role:

We are looking for a Graduate to join our Advice team, who provide our membership with information and advice relating to the complete range of functions carried out by governing boards of maintained schools and academy trusts. The ideal candidate will have excellent skills in teamwork, communication, problem solving and have a flexible approach to work. Candidates should also have an interest in the schools’ sector and show a commitment to improving the experiences of children and young people in England.

Benefits of working for NGA:

• Competitive starting salary of £24,400 per annum.
• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days (FTE) increasing to 27 with continuous service, 8 days bank holiday and 3 days Christmas closure, with the ability to buy and sell annual leave
• Employer contribution pension scheme at 7%
• Hybrid working (between our Birmingham office and home working) and other flexible working arrangements on request
• Wellbeing support through our employee assistance programme
• A healthy training and development budget (CPD) with a wide range of learning and development opportunities
• A commitment to environmental sustainability includes a cycle to work scheme and encouragement to use public transport, including railcards

Key responsibilities of our Advice Team Graduate will include:

• Developing knowledge and understanding of school governance law, procedures and practice
• Under supervision of the Senior Advice Officers/Head of Advice, providing written advice and guidance to members’ queries
• Undertaking legal and other research relevant to members’ queries
• Keeping up to date with the wider current education policy, relevant legislation and research as it affects schools in England and, in particular, the governance of schools
• Supporting NGA projects and priorities
• Contributing to the NGA Knowledge Centre by drafting new guidance and reviewing and updating existing NGA guidance
• Promoting equality of opportunity and a respect for diversity
• Maintaining strict confidentiality across all activities
• Contributing to internal meetings

What we’re looking for in our ideal Advice Team Graduate:

• Educated to degree level
• Excellent writing skills to communicate complex issues in a clear, concise, and accessible manner
• Good customer service skills, including listening skills and a professional telephone manner
• Ability to research, with excellent analytical skills and the ability to identify trends and emerging themes within research and data 
• Commitment to the aims of the NGA
• An interest in the education and schools’ sector and a commitment to improving the experiences of children and young people in England
• Willingness to undertake continued professional development to improve knowledge and expertise
• A flexible approach to work
• Willingness to work some unsocial hours (some evenings and weekends)

Closing Date: Monday 24th June at 9am

Interview Date: Thursday 18th July

If you feel that you are the right candidate for the role as our Advice Team Graduate or would like to find out more information about the role, then please click ‘apply’ now.  We’d love to hear from you.