Band 3 Apprentice Governance Officer

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and motivated individual to join us as at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust as a Governance Officer (Apprentice).

This is initially a 16-month fixed term role working full time as an Apprentice Governance Officer whilst undertaking the relevant apprenticeship programme. On successful completion of the probation period, and the apprenticeship, we would aim to move you into a substantive Governance Officer role.

This an exciting opportunity for someone looking to start a career in governance and public service. You will support the smooth running of governance processes across the Trust, including Board and Committee administration, Freedom of Information requests, and policy documentation. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while undertaking a Level 4 Governance Officer Apprenticeship.

We are looking for someone professional with good communication skills and a willingness to learn. If you re looking to develop your skills and gain insight into NHS governance in a high-profile and respected team then this is the role for you.

As a Governance Officer you will provide efficient and effective support to the Corporate Affairs Team while developing your knowledge and skills through structured learning and mentoring. The tasks will vary depending on the priorities of the Corporate Affairs Team throughout the year, but will include regular responsibilities linked to Freedom of Information deadlines and the Board and Committee meeting schedule.

You will be supported to manage your workload and meet key deadlines.

Key duties include:

• Supporting Freedom of Information administration
• Assisting with Board and Committee meeting preparation
• Helping maintain governance records and documentation
• Providing secretarial and administrative support
• Learning to take minutes and manage diaries
• Contributing to policy and intranet updates

As this is an apprentice position, you will be required to successfully complete a Governance Officer Apprenticeship whilst undertaking the requirements of the position.

Applicants will be required to have already obtained the required entry requirements (detailed in the JD) and able to provide evidence of any certification of relevant qualifications or Visa documents, to ensure they are eligible. This will need to be evidenced prior to an unconditional offer of employment can be made.

Please read the apprenticeship eligibility criteria detailed in the job description

We are a small but dedicated team that aims to be supportive, helpful and solution orientated. We recognise the value we bring to AWP and are proud of what we deliver whilst always striving to be the best that we can be.

We expect high standards from our team members but in exchange we offer an open, friendly and flexible environment with opportunity to learn and develop as an individual.

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.

We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.

Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.

At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.

As a member of the Corporate Affairs Team, you will:

Assist with Freedom of Information (FOI) administration within the Trust, supporting the FOI Manager to ensure compliance with statutory response deadlines. This includes logging and tracking FOI requests, helping to prepare draft responses, and maintaining accurate records.

The post holder will exercise judgement in identifying sensitive issues and escalating appropriately, and in prioritising administrative tasks to meet deadlines.

Help maintain accurate records and documentation that contribute to transparency and compliance across the Trust.

Provide a range of secretarial and administrative support within Corporate Affairs, and occasionally to the office of the Chair and Chief Executive. This may include diary support, meeting arrangements, and document preparation under supervision

Provide secretarial and administrative support to the Manager of…