Governance Manager

Keele University; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Job summary

Keele University is seeking an experienced governance professional to join the Governance Team in the Vice‑Chancellor's Office. The role supports Council, Senate and the University Executive Committee, coordinating committee business and providing guidance on governance matters to enable informed decision‑making.

You will work with the Director of Governance & Secretary to Council and senior colleagues, ensuring processes are compliant, well‑organised and aligned with sector expectations.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in committee servicing and governance support.
• Exceptional communication and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all aspects of committee business and provide authoritative governance advice.
• Oversee production of high‑quality governance documentation.
• Support continuous improvement of governance practices across the institution.

Skills

Committee servicing

Governance support

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder relations

Job description

This post represents an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated governance professional to join our Governance Team in the Vice‑Chancellor's Office, supporting the effective operation of the University's highest‑level decision‑making bodies, including Council, Senate and the University Executive Committee.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the University's governance arrangements operate with professionalism, transparency and integrity. You will coordinate all aspects of committee business, provide authoritative advice on governance matters, oversee the production of high‑quality documentation, and support the continuous improvement of governance practices across the institution.

You will work closely with the Director of Governance & Secretary to Council, senior leaders, lay members and colleagues across academic and professional services, ensuring that governance processes are well‑organised, compliant with internal and external requirements, and aligned with sector expectations of good governance. With a detailed understanding of constitutional, regulatory and statutory obligations, you will translate complex requirements into clear, effective processes, guidance and documentation that support informed and accountable decision‑making.

The role also provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to strategic projects and institutional developments, including the review and implementation of governance policies, regulatory frameworks and wider University initiatives. You will support Council member appointments, induction and annual reviews, and provide guidance to staff and committee members involved in governance activity.

We are seeking candidates with substantial experience in committee servicing and governance support in a complex organisation, exceptional communication and organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels. As a manager, you will demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a commitment to service excellence.

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

Keeles University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world‑class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keeles University values equity and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

Interviews 2nd September 2026