Head of Governance and Compliance

University of Suffolk; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 59,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent UK educational institution seeks a motivated Head of Governance & Compliance to oversee legal affairs and compliance programs. This role involves strategic leadership, governance framework development, and serving as the Secretary to multiple boards. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and experience in governance or regulatory compliance. A competitive salary and generous benefits are offered, along with flexibility in work arrangements.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Extra day of paid leave on your birthday

Flexible working policies

Competitive workplace pension scheme

Staff discounts at local amenities

Discounted membership at local leisure sites

Access to learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff recognition annual awards

Qualifications

• Experience in governance, legal, or regulatory compliance roles.
• Strong communication skills.
• A thorough understanding of corporate governance, data protection, and regulatory frameworks.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the development, implementation, and monitoring of governance framework, policies, and compliance programs across the University.
• Provide strategic advice and support to senior leadership and the Board to maintain high standards of governance and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as Secretary to the Board of University of Suffolk, the Dental CIC, and other committees as appropriate.
• Act as the University’s Data Protection Officer and oversee regulatory compliance across diverse activities.
• Collaborate across teams to foster a culture of accountability and deliver practical solutions to complex governance challenges.
• Provide leadership and management of staff within the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and the Data Governance team.

Job description

Overview

Permanent, part time, 30 hours per week (0.81 FTE, flexibility on how these hours are worked). Band 7 - £50,253 to £58,226 per annum, pro rata.

We are looking for a highly motivated and detail oriented person to join us as Head of Governance & Compliance, a key role with responsibility for governance, legal affairs, and regulatory compliance assurance across the University. You will be accountable to the Chief Operating and Transformation Officer (COTO) and the Chair of the Board of Directors, leading on the development, implementation, and monitoring of our governance framework, policies, and compliance programs. You will provide strategic advice and support to senior leadership and Board, ensuring that the University maintains the highest levels of governance, and consistently meets regulatory requirements, internal standards, and industry best practices. In addition, you will serve as Secretary to the Board of University of Suffolk, the Dental CIC, and other committees as appropriate. You will also, as the University’s Data Protection Officer, oversee regulatory compliance across a diverse range of activities, providing leadership and assurance in areas critical to the University’s reputation and performance. Working collaboratively across teams, you will foster a culture of accountability and compliance while delivering practical solutions to complex challenges. You will also provide leadership and management of staff within the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and the Data Governance team, ensuring excellence in service delivery and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the development, implementation, and monitoring of governance framework, policies, and compliance programs across the University.
• Provide strategic advice and support to senior leadership and the Board to maintain high standards of governance and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as Secretary to the Board of University of Suffolk, the Dental CIC, and other committees as appropriate.
• Act as the University’s Data Protection Officer and oversee regulatory compliance across diverse activities.
• Collaborate across teams to foster a culture of accountability and deliver practical solutions to complex governance challenges.
• Provide leadership and management of staff within the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and the Data Governance team.

About You

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Experience in governance, legal, or regulatory compliance roles.
• Strong communication skills.
• A thorough understanding of corporate governance, data protection, and regulatory frameworks.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days for Bands 1-4 and 30 days for Bands 5 and above, plus 8 bank holidays and any university closure days.
• Extra day of paid leave on your birthday (subject to qualifying/service conditions).
• Flexible working, including family friendly policies.
• Competitive workplace pension scheme (USS) with employer contribution of 14.5%, tax relief on contributions and life cover.
• Staff discounts at local amenities in Ipswich.
• Discounted membership at Ipswich Fit sites and Adastral Park Leisure and Sports.
• Access to high-quality learning and development opportunities.
• Discounted rates for staff approved to study a UoS undergraduate or postgraduate course, subject to criteria and conditions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Staff recognition annual awards.

Closing Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025, 5pm

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: [e-mail]

Please see the Job Application Guidance to support your application.

Please note: We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future. Applications may be reviewed before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications or high-quality applications demonstrating suitability. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer a position prior to the closing date.

We are a values driven organisation, committed to ensuring we remain a beacon for aspiration and achievement, while providing a great environment to work and study. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.