Senior Governance Officer

GEDU Services; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational governance organization in the UK is seeking a Governance Officer to manage corporate governance and provide high-quality secretariat support to senior boards and committees. The role requires excellent understanding of higher education governance, strong communication skills, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will also have governance-related qualifications or a willingness to work towards them. Commitment to organizational values and responsibilities is essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of higher education governance, both academic and corporate.
• Proven excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and coordination of the Governance calendar.
• Provide high-quality secretariat support to senior boards and committees.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Skills

Understanding of HE governance

Excellent written skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Governance related qualifications

Job description

Role Purpose

To manage the professional delivery of corporate governance across GEDU, providing high‑quality servicing for the Board of Directors, Executive Boards, and the Standing Committees of the Boards. To assist the Head of Governance in leading the ongoing development of governance processes and procedures, staying informed by relevant national and international directives, policy developments and good practice.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and co‑ordination of the Governance calendar.
• Ensure reporting deadlines are met in line with the Boards and Committee’s term of reference.
• Provide high quality and accurate advice and guidance on governance based on an up‑to‑date understanding of a broad range of issues, systems and processes, best practice and frameworks.
• Provide high quality secretariat support to senior boards and committees, assuring the quality and timeliness of agendas and minutes and their distribution, and following up on actions.
• With the Head of Governance, lead the elections to senior committees.
• Actively promote risk management best practice and embed risk management throughout the organisation.
• Take on any special projects or assist the Head of Governance as required.
• Provide high quality communication between the Governance Team and GEDU Institutions, Directors, and senior members of the organisation.
• Provide high quality secretariat support to Boards and Committees, including distribution of agendas, minutes and actions.
• Work closely with the Head of Governance and the senior leadership team to ensure regulatory compliance is met.
• Act as liaison between corporate and academic governance teams.
• Line manage and support the Governance Officer.
• Develop a network of influence with senior GEDU officers and external peers.
• Provide high quality written and oral reports, as required, to the Head of Governance, CEO and other senior staff at GEDU.
• Maintain governance registers, including policies, ensuring reviews and approvals are conducted where needed.

Liaison With GEDU Staff

Key relationships are with the Head of Governance, Provost, International Provost, Executive Boards, Academic Boards, Group Chief Finance Officer, Chief Operating Officer, CEO and Deputy CEO of GEDU and its partner organisations.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Excellent understanding of HE governance, including academic and corporate governance.
• Excellent written skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Willingness to travel to UK and European campuses.

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Governance related qualifications, or willingness to work towards qualifications in corporate governance.
• Knowledge or experience in risk management.

Other Information

• Commitment to GEDU values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy.
• Commitment to GEDU’s social, economic and environmental responsibilities, minimising environmental impact and contributing to the delivery of GEDU’s Environmental Policy.
• Commitment to health and safety responsibilities to ensure a safe and secure working environment for staff, students, and visitors to the campus.

Role Dimensions

• Direct Reports: Yes
• Travel: Yes
• Budget Responsibility: No