Chief Governance Officer

Edge Hill University; Ormskirk; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Ormskirk is seeking an exceptional Chief Governance Officer to provide strategic leadership in governance, compliance, and risk management. The ideal candidate will have significant experience within complex, regulated environments, bringing a strong understanding of statutory responsibilities and a commitment to fostering equity and sustainability. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the institution with a values-led approach.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in governance, compliance and organisational resilience within complex, regulated environments.
• Deep understanding of statutory responsibilities and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to embed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and sustainability principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Ensure decision-making frameworks are robust, transparent, and aligned with statutory obligations.
• Foster innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Job description

Overview

Edge Hill University is a thriving and ambitious modern university, nationally recognised for the quality of its student experience, teaching excellence, and research impact. With over 14,000 students across the Faculties of Arts and Sciences, Education, and Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill continues to rise in national league tables and plays a vital role as an anchor institution for its region.

This is an exciting time to join the University, following the appointment of our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Young. With a clear vision for Edge Hill’s future and the development of its next Strategic Plan, the Chief Governance Officer (CGO) will play a pivotal role in shaping this journey, ensuring that Edge Hill operates with integrity, confidence, and purpose in a dynamic higher education environment.

Role and responsibilities

As a member of the Executive team, the Chief Governance Officer provides strategic leadership across governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, triangulation of institutional data, safeguarding, health and safety, Prevent duties, and institutional resilience. The postholder also holds executive responsibility for business continuity, the digital transformation of governance and compliance systems, student and programme administration (Registry), and the embedding of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and sustainability principles across the University.

Working in partnership with the Board of Governors, the Vice-Chancellor, and Executive colleagues, the Chief Governance Officer ensures that decision-making frameworks are robust, transparent, and aligned with statutory obligations and good governance practice. They will work with professional services colleagues, fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring the University is well positioned to anticipate and address emerging challenges.

Requirements and attributes

We are seeking an exceptional leader with senior-level experience in governance, compliance and organisational resilience within complex, regulated environments – ideally higher education. You will bring a deep understanding of statutory responsibilities, regulatory frameworks, risk management and digital transformation, with a proven ability to embed EDI and sustainability principles into culture. Equally, you will be a compassionate and collaborative leader: someone who inspires trust at Board level, empowers teams, and supports wellbeing and resilience through times of organisational change.

This is a values-led leadership role at the heart of the University. You will share Edge Hill’s commitment to equity, sustainability and excellence, and will be motivated by the opportunity to shape the next chapter of our ambitious and successful institution.

Application process

Edge Hill University has engaged the services of Perrett Laver to assist with the appointment process.

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please visit https://PLusPortal.PerrettLaver.com quoting reference 8031.

The closing date for applications is 09.00am GMT on Monday 27th October 2025.

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