Governance Advisor

Cardiff University; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Governance Advisor to support its Corporate Governance team. The role involves providing professional advice on governance procedures, developing the governance framework, and managing committee operations. Candidates should have experience in governance for regulated bodies and strong communication skills. A degree or equivalent experience is required.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a governance environment for a regulated body, including servicing formal committees.
• Professional knowledge of governance Codes of Practice, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support effective governance environment and develop the University's governance framework.
• Provide professional advice on governance Codes of Practice, processes, and procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of the governance requirements of key external regulators.

Skills

Communication skills

Integrity

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Degree/NVQ 4 or equivalent

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic team at the heart of University governance. The role of governance advisor is part of the Corporate Governance team which supports the University's Council and Executive Management team by enabling them to meet their corporate governance obligations. The team is currently supporting a programme of work to enhance and modernise the University governance framework and committee structure and you will have the opportunity to play a key role in taking forward this work.

You will be a highly motivated team‑player, capable of working under pressure in a professional environment. You will provide professional advice on governance processes and procedures and support the creation of a culture of effective governance in the institution. You will have strong communication skills and great integrity. Confident and articulate, you are someone who inspires trust and respect.

The role is blended home‑working with an expectation of a minimum of one day a week in the office on campus. You will also be expected to attend site for Council and committee meetings, some of which are held outside of normal working hours.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 12 months (maternity cover), available with immediate effect. Applications for internal secondment would be welcome.

Salary £40,497 - £45,413 per annum (Grade 6)

Closing date: Thursday, 30 October 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Support an effective governance environment, developing the University's governance framework, supporting the Council processes and manage the efficient and effective operation of the committee process.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice and guidance on governance Codes of Practice, processes and procedures, using judgement and creativity to suggest the most appropriate course of action, and ensuring complex and conceptual issues are understood.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of the governance requirements of the University's key external regulators in order to ensure the provision of professional advice and guidance that will have an institution‑wide impact.
• Develop, maintain and advise on the governance framework (including the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances), keeping under review the annual cycle of business, committee terms of reference and the scheme of delegation, ensuring they are consistent and fit for purpose, including researching best practice in this area.
• Write papers, advise on planning and conduct of meetings, and manage the production of agendas, papers and minutes; ensure actions are recorded and followed up accordingly.
• Manage members of the committee administrative support team; plan, organise and delegate work, monitor progress and intervene as required; manage team members' induction, performance and development.
• Ensure the delivery of the team's service level agreements, adapting these according to changes in workload and customer requirements.
• Take responsibility for resolving issues independently within the Governance function where they fall within set role objectives.
• Investigate and analyse specific issues, creating recommendation reports, supported by up‑to‑date information.
• Establish working relationships with key contacts and stakeholders (including Council and Committee members, the VCO and further networks of the wider governance community) and develop appropriate communication links with the University's Schools, Departments and outside bodies as required.
• Develop and arrange or deliver training to independent members to cover induction and professional development, enabling members to utilise up‑to‑date systems and processes.
• Create specific working groups from colleagues across the University to achieve departmental objectives.
• Plan and deliver specific small‑scale projects, co‑ordinating and supervising project teams created as needed.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to support the department.
• Instruct and guide other employees across the University as required.

General Duties

• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by all University policies on Health and Safety and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Undertake annual training as required.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.

Additional Information

The University Secretary's Office supports the University's governing body (Council) and Executive Management team by enabling them to meet their corporate governance obligations, ensuring we obtain specialist legal advice. It is also responsible for reviewing the external legal and regulatory context and developing policies and procedures. The department comprises three teams: Corporate Governance, Legal Services and Compliance and Risk.

The Corporate Governance team, through the Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, advises the governing body and its sub committees on the proper exercise of their powers, ensuring effective corporate governance. The team advises on the application of the internal and external regulatory requirements affecting corporate governance and provides the committee secretariat service for the University's governing body and its major committees.

Whilst there is a core set of committee related activities that are cyclic, the wider work of the Corporate Governance team is dynamic and varied throughout the year reflecting the evolving external regulatory environment and internal changes.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. Degree/NVQ 4 or equivalent Professional membership/relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. Substantial experience of working within a governance environment for a regulated body, including servicing formal committees and minute‑taking.
2. Able to demonstrate professional knowledge of governance Codes of Practice, process and procedures to give advice and guidance to internal and external customers.
3. Basic knowledge of the relationship between the University and its key regulators (Medr and the Charity Commission) in terms of the University's governance.

Customer Service, Communication and Team Working

1. Ability to communicate conceptually detailed and complex information effectively and professionally with a wide range of people.
2. Evidence of ability to explore customers' needs and adapt the service accordingly to ensure a quality service is delivered.
3. Proven ability to develop networks in order to contribute to long term developments.

Planning, Analysis and Problem solving

1. Evidence of ability to solve expansive problems using initiative and creativity, identify and propose both practical and innovative solutions.
2. Evidence of ability to plan the work of a team, over extended time periods, reacting to changes in workload and priority.
3. Evidence of ability to undertake and deliver specific projects whilst managing competing deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate/Professional qualification.
• Experience of working in Higher Education.
• Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.