Start Date: September 2026
Location: Diocesan Education Service, St Edward’s House, St Paul’s Wood Hill, Orpington BR5 2SR (With travel across South London, Kent and Medway)
Employer: Archdiocese of Southwark CIO, Bowen House, 58 Westminster Bridge Road, London
Contract: Full-time, 52 weeks per year
Salary: £60k FTE plus mileage
About Us
The Archdiocese of Southwark is a vibrant, inclusive and mission-driven community serving 159 schools across South London, Kent and Medway. With five established Catholic Academy Trusts (CATs), our Diocesan Education Service is committed to supporting schools, developing strong partnerships, and ensuring excellence in Catholic education.
We are dedicated to recruiting and developing staff who are passionate about making a meaningful impact through their work.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated, aspirational and relationship-focused Trust Relationship Officer to join our highly collaborative team of nine professionals.
This is a key role supporting the development of Catholic education by building and sustaining strong relationships with trusts and schools. You will work closely with two trusts and schools yet to convert, while collaborating with colleagues supporting other trusts to ensure consistency, excellence and alignment with the Archbishop’s vision.
Regular travel across the diocese is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Catholic Academy Trusts and their schools
- Support schools and CATs through the academy conversion process, liaising with the DfE as required
- Advise on reserved post recruitment, including attendance at preparation meetings and interview panels
- Act as a link between schools and diocesan departments, raising relevant issues (e.g. property matters)
- Identify and research opportunities for new CAT development and promote best practice at board level
- Support staff and governor training, including preparation for CSI and Ofsted inspections
- Advise schools on key areas such as admissions and place planning, engaging external partners where needed
- Work collaboratively with external organisations, including Local Authorities, the DfE and Ofsted
- Monitor performance, raise concerns where necessary, and intervene to prevent adverse outcomes
- Prepare reports for the CAT Oversight and Education Committee
- Ensure effective communication, reporting and strategic alignment with central diocesan teams
About You
We are looking for a candidate who:
- Has experience working within education systems and with organisations such as Trusts, LAs, DfE, CSI or Ofsted
- Demonstrates strong relationship-building and influencing skills
- Is highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Understands governance and leadership within schools or academy trusts
- Practising Catholic in full sacramental communion
- Is able to travel widely across the diocese.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to shape and support Catholic education across a large and diverse diocese
- Work within a supportive and mission-driven team
- Engage with senior leaders, governors and national organisations
- Make a tangible impact on school improvement and community outcomes
How to Apply
For further details on the post, contact Sam Gower or Colette Doran-Hannon. To request an application form contact Donna Gray
The panel reserve the right to close the advertised role when appropriate candidate is found.