Head of Governance

Colchester Institute Corporation; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Colchester Institute is seeking a proactive Head of Governance to lead governance arrangements and provide expert guidance to the Chair, governors and Principal & CEO on governance, legislation and regulatory compliance. The role oversees meeting planning, minute-taking and information management, ensuring effective board support and accountability.

You will drive annual governance work plans, support board decision-making, and manage governor recruitment and training, with a strong focus on

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of corporate governance.
• Significant company secretarial experience in a complex environment.
• Experience advising boards and executives on governance matters.
• Familiarity with Standing Orders, Instruments and Articles of Government and related policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance arrangements and annual work plans; drive governance reviews.
• Provide independent advice to the Board, Chair, governors and CEO on governance and compliance.
• Maintain statutory policies and governance documentation in line with legislation.
• Coordinate Board/Committee meetings, agendas, papers, minutes and actions.
• Lead governor recruitment, induction, training and development.
• Maintain governance records and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Governance

Company secretarial

Regulatory compliance

Board liaison

Education

Chartered Governance Professional (CGI)

Job description

Join Colchester Institute - Where Your Career Makes a Difference

At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As one of the leading providers of education and training in the region, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking working environment.

We are seeking a Head of Governance to join our team. As a key strategic adviser to the Corporation, you will provide independent, expert guidance to the Chair, governors and Principal & CEO on all aspects of corporate governance, legislation, constitutional requirements, ethics and regulatory compliance.

You will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of governance arrangements, working closely with the Corporation Chair and Principal & CEO to ensure the highest standards of governance and accountability.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring Colchester Institute operates in accordance with its Instrument and Articles of Government, relevant legislation and statutory obligations. You will also ensure the Board and its committees are effectively supported and equipped to fulfil their responsibilities, overseeing meeting arrangements, the preparation and circulation of agendas and papers, accurate minute-taking, effective information management and compliance with requirements for the proper constitution and conduct of meetings.

Job title: Head of Governance

Part Time, 30 Hours a week, 52 weeks a year. Colchester Based, Hybrid.

FTE £60,000 - £65,000 per annum

Actual salary: £48,000 - £52,000 per annum

About the role

• Lead the planning, implementation and review of governance arrangements, including annual work plans, action plans and regular governance effectiveness reviews.
• Provide expert, independent advice to the Corporation Board, Chair, governors and Principal & CEO on governance, legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Ensure statutory policies, procedures and governance documentation are maintained, reviewed and updated in line with legislative requirements.
• Oversee the annual calendar of Board and Committee meetings, key governance activities and decision-making processes.
• Coordinate Board and Committee meetings, including preparing agendas, collating and circulating papers, ensuring quoracy, and producing accurate minutes and action records.
• Prepare governance reports and maintain records to meet internal and external audit and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the Chair, Principal & CEO, College Executive and staff to support effective governance and the implementation of Board decisions.
• Lead governor recruitment, induction, training and development, ensuring the Board has an appropriate balance of skills, knowledge and experience.
• Coordinate governor elections, appointments, terms of office, registers of interests and related party transaction records.
• Lead annual governance self-assessments and support the evaluation of the Board, its committees, the Chair and individual governors.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date governance records, including minutes, statutory documents, policies, the Board portal and the College website.
• Act as an independent contact under the College's Whistleblowing Procedure and support investigations where required.
• Coordinate the timely review, approval and publication of policies requiring Board approval.
• Provide governance support for statutory appeal panels and lead staff and student governor elections as required.
• Maintain relevant regulatory guidance and governance archives, ensuring compliance with College policies on safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and environmental sustainability.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development, effective prioritisation and the achievement of strategic and operational objectives.
• Undertake any other associated duties as required by the College.

Essential Experience

• Extensive and current knowledge of corporate governance.
• Significant company secretarial experience within a complex environment.
• Experience of providing authoritative advice and advocacy within the area of governance.
• Experience of taking responsibility for meeting Statutory, procedural, regulatory and policy requirements, e.g. Standing Orders, Instruments and Articles of Government, etc.

Essential Qualifications

• Chartered Governance Professional (CGI) or similar relevant specialist qualification(s)

Why join us?

At Colchester Institute, we value our staff and invest in their growth. Joining us means becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in education and training. If you are passionate about making a difference and inspiring the next generation, we would love to hear from you.

We do not engage with recruitment or search agencies unless they have been officially contracted in line with our PSL.