Governance Officer

St Mary's University, Twickenham; City Of London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in London is seeking a Governance Officer to manage the University's governance structures and provide advisory support. The role involves planning Board meetings, preparing documentation, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates should possess strong organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and a collaborative approach. This position offers a professional environment aligned with values of inclusiveness and excellence.

Qualifications

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge about governance, compliance, and regulation is advantageous.
• Ability to manage deadlines under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the annual cycle of Board and committee meetings.
• Prepare agendas, organize papers, and produce minutes.
• Provide governance advice during meetings.
• Maintain statutory records and governance webpages.
• Handle Freedom of Information and Data Protection requests.
• Coordinate governance training and induction.
• Liaise with senior leaders and external bodies.

Skills

Highly organised

Excellent written communication

Confident working with senior stakeholders

Knowledgeable about governance

Ability to manage deadlines

Job description

Our Governance team plays a vital role in ensuring that the University upholds the highest standards. We work collaboratively across the University, supporting senior leaders, the Board of Governors, and key committees to ensure effective, transparent, and compliant decision‑making.

The Governance Officer will help coordinate and manage the University's formal governance structures. You will serve as a reliable advisor, efficiently coordinate committee activities, and act as a vital connection among senior stakeholders throughout the University.

Responsibilities

• Planning and coordinating the annual cycle of Board and committee meetings.
• Preparing agendas, organising papers, and producing high‑quality minutes.
• Tracing actions and providing governance advice during meetings.
• Maintaining statutory records, the Register of Interests, and governance webpages.
• Coordinating Freedom of Information and Data Protection requests.
• Supporting governance training, induction, and process development.
• Liaising with senior leaders, Governors, and external bodies.

Qualifications

• Highly organised with excellent written communication skills.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders.
• Knowledgeable (or eager to learn) about governance, compliance and regulation.
• Able to manage deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure.

Overview

As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high‑quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

St Mary's is committed to providing our students with a transformational experience. The University's Vision 2030 outlines our approach and guides our supporting strategies, operating plans, and team and individual targets for achieving this. This includes extending our impact through growth to ensure future sustainability. We are focused on delivering outstanding teaching and pastoral support to our student population, as well as expanding and internationalising our academic portfolio of programmes. As we continue to expand our reach, our shared goals and values underpin a flourishing network of trusted partners, both at home and overseas, enabling us to promote our global profile and reach diverse communities.

St Mary's University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Learn more about our EDI initiatives and work as a Disability Confident employer. Please view our detailed access guide by following the link: St. Mary's University | AccessAble.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. St Mary's University is holding a work visa sponsorship licence however we will not always be able to guarantee a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you meet the requirements of the Points Based System before applying as we will not be able to provide advice on individual cases. Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK.

Closing Date: 7 January at 23:00

Interview Date: TBC

We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications early to avoid disappointment as we reserve the right to close vacancies and interview the candidates prior to the advertised closing date.