Head of Governance

Ada, National College for Digital Skills; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Governance and Performance to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Governors. Key responsibilities include providing governance advice, administrative support, and implementing new software systems like Generative AI for improved efficiency. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative leadership team and have opportunities for personal growth within the organization.

Qualifications

• High level of attention to detail.
• Willingness to take initiative.
• Comfortable challenging senior executives and Board Members.

Responsibilities

• Provide procedural, regulatory, and governance advice to the Board of Governors.
• Coordinate the calendar of dates for governing body meetings and prepare agendas.
• Support the implementation and effective use of New Governance Software.

Skills

Attention to detail

Initiative

Ability to provide advice

Collaboration

Tools

Governance Software

Generative AI

Job description

We are excited to be recruiting, for the first time, a Head of Governance and Performance. This important new role is part of the College's wider leadership team and is of vital performance in ensuring the effective, efficient performance of the organisation. The right candidate will thrive in supporting the Board of Governors and College leadership team to work effectively by supporting them to ensure the accurate and efficient production and usage of all accountability reporting and communication throughout the organisation. Working closely with the Chair of Governors, as the College's Clerk (training to be provided if necessary) and reporting into the Director of Finance and Compliance, you will thrive on providing detailed organisation to teams and bringing energy to the important discipline and accountability required to ensure a high performing Board and leadership team. You do not need to be a qualified Clerk but must possess a high level of attention to detail, be willing to take initiative where needed and be comfortable working with, and when necessary providing challenge to, senior executives and Board Members. You will have the opportunity to learn from a wide range of experienced professionals and understand what is really required to support an organisation to achieve consistently high performance. Ada is growing steadily and consistently and the opportunities for this role to grow and expand with the organisation are significant.

Responsibilities

• Provide procedural, regulatory, and governance advice to the Board of Governors.
• Provide administrative support to the governing body, including coordinating the calendar of dates for governing body meetings, preparing agendas, taking notes at meetings, preparing minutes, and ensuring that all decisions are recorded accurately and objectively, including timescales for actions.
• Support the implementation and effective use of New Governance Software and lead the shift to using Generative AI for note taking at meetings. Update and maintain a database of Governance information, ensuring secure handling of confidential data and information in compliance with College Policy and the General Data Protection Regulations.
• Support the development and performance of governors in their role, for example: updating them on changes in legislation and policy, informing them of appropriate training, and helping them understand their duties.
• Offer advice to governors and the college on the correct governance procedures and how to improve governance.
• Work with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to ensure a high level of governor engagement by ensuring an up-to-date calendar of opportunities, appropriate communications, and effective tracking and gathering of feedback.
• Support the College's internal governance function, providing administrative support in scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and taking notes/minutes.
• Lead the shift to using Generative AI for note taking at meetings and in systems and processes to improve efficiency.
• Work with the Executive Leadership Team and wider leadership team to co‑coordinate regular strategy updates and report on progress against strategic goals and agreed KPIs.
• Provide input into, and support the co‑ordination of the College's Wider Leadership Forum and All‑Staff sessions.
• Update and maintain the College's Risk Register and Master Policy Schedule.
• Assist with coordinating internal audit reviews in accordance with the approved internal audit plan.
• Receive and co‑coordinate timely responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
• Be a collaborative, enthusiastic member of the College's wider leadership team, working closely with staff and governors to help deliver our ambitious strategy.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role as directed by the Chair or Director of Finance and Compliance.

DBS Check and References

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to the interview day.

Equal Opportunity

• Provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of work and activity.
• Recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within the community.
• Ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, without receiving unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio‑economic status or any other irrelevant distinction.
• Provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation.
• Applicants with a disability are encouraged to apply. If you would like to discuss any accommodations, please contact the HR team.