Governance Officer

North Yorkshire Council; Thirsk; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a Governance Officer to support decision-making, transparency and accountability. You will provide professional governance advice to committees, boards and decision-making bodies, ensuring compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements while contributing to continuous governance improvement.

The role involves planning and managing committee processes from agendas to minutes, working with elected Members, Assurance, Legal and

Qualifications

• Experience in governance, democratic services, committee administration.
• Ability to interpret procedures and legislation.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Provide governance advice and support to committees, boards and decision-making bodies.
• Help manage committee processes from planning through to implementation.
• Prepare agendas and minutes and contribute to governance arrangements development.
• Collaborate with senior officers and elected Members on governance and compliance.
• Build relationships with Members, officers and partner organisations to promote good governance.

Skills

Governance experience

Committee administration

Democratic services

Stakeholder liaison

Job description

Governance Officer Salary: 36,581 - 40,444 Hours: 37 Hours Contract: Permanent and Fixed Term available Location: York/Northallerton, Hybrid

The Organisation

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Governance Team at the heart of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, supporting effective decision-making, transparency and accountability across a rapidly evolving organisation. Working closely with elected Members, senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will provide professional governance advice and support to committees, boards and decision-making bodies, helping to ensure compliance with constitutional, statutory and governance requirements. As Governance Officer, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards of corporate governance while supporting the Combined Authority's ambitious agenda for economic growth, devolution and public service improvement. You will help manage committee processes from planning through to implementation, prepare agendas and minutes, provide procedural advice and contribute to the continuous development of governance arrangements that support organisational effectiveness, transparency and public trust and confidence.

You will also:

• Work within a professional Governance team at the centre of the Combined Authority.
• Work closely with Assurance, Legal and Finance to develop and embed governance arrangements that support a rapidly evolving Mayoral Combined Authority.
• Drive forward key projects to strengthen governance assurance, transparency and decision-making processes.
• Play an active role in constitutional development, governance review and organisational improvement.
• Work closely with senior officers, statutory officers and elected members on matters of governance and compliance.
• Contribute to the development of governance arrangements required to support future devolution opportunities and organisational growth.
• Ideal for candidates who enjoy problem solving, building effective governance frameworks and helping organisations navigate change.
• Support the delivery of committee and governance processes, helping ensure decisions are made effectively, transparently and in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Build strong relationships with Members, officers and partner organisations to promote good governance and continuous improvement.

What you will bring

You will bring experience in governance, democratic services, committee administration or a similar governance-focused environment, together with an understanding of how effective governance supports organisational success. You will be confident providing advice, interpreting procedures and legislation, coordinating complex governance processes and working with a wide range of stakeholders in a professional and politically aware environment. You will be highly organised, detail-focused and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Above all, you will be someone who enjoys working collaboratively, solving problems and helping shape governance arrangements that support an ambitious and growing and will also have:

• Knowledge of