University Secretary

UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an experienced University Secretary to enhance governance and compliance. This role involves strategic leadership, independent advice to key stakeholders, and collaboration with the Executive Team. The ideal candidate should have a proven governance track record and be comfortable in a dynamic environment. Great benefits include 44 days annual leave and other perks.

Benefits

44 days annual leave

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven track record in governance and compliance.
• Ability to operate in a dynamic, agile environment.
• Knowledge of higher education regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Architect of the University’s governance framework.
• Lead governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Collaborate with Executive Team for institutional performance.

Skills

Governance leadership

Independent advisory skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Operational excellence

Job description

Overview

Vice-Chancellor's Office

University Secretary

Ref: ALC1604

Salary will be discussed on appointment.

We are seeking a high performing and experienced University Secretary to enhance UEA governance and regulatory compliance and contribute to the strategic leadership of the University.

Critical to our future success is sound governance, business assurance and a robust compliance structure. Reporting to the Chair of Council and Vice-Chancellor & President, you will build effective relationships and influence and guide high quality decision making, supporting and advising Council, the Executive Team and our wider community.

You will play a crucial role by being collaborative but visibly independent and confident in acting objectively in the University’s best interests in a dynamic and complex environment. You will provide independent advice to Council, Senate and the Vice-Chancellor, and ensure that the University acts with integrity in the conduct of its business and fulfils its statutory and regulatory responsibilities. Council is increasingly operating in an agile and action-focused way, moving quickly to assess the risks and opportunities UEA is facing, so you must be comfortable operating in a changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Be the principal architect of the University’s governance framework, advising on governance and board development for Council and its committees.


• Lead on Corporate and Academic Governance, Compliance, Risk, and Health and Safety, ensuring adherence to statutory, regulatory and policy requirements.


• Provide strategic direction and lead specific strategic projects at Executive Team level, contributing to institutional transformation and operational excellence.


• Collaborate with the Executive Team to drive institutional performance, safeguard reputational integrity, and promote an inclusive and forward-thinking university environment.


• Represent UEA externally with government departments and organisations (OfS, UKRI, UKVI, CMA, ICO, OIA) and professional bodies, and oversee activities governed by European/international legislation and contracts, as well as agreements with partner establishments and subsidiary companies.


• Report to the Chair of Council and to the Vice-Chancellor & President, building effective relationships and guiding high-quality decision making, supporting and advising Council, the Executive Team and our wider community.

Qualifications

• High performing and experienced University Secretary or governance leader with a proven track record in governance, compliance and regulatory matters.


• Ability to operate in a dynamic, agile environment; confident in acting objectively in the University’s best interests.


• Excellent independent advisory skills to Council, Senate and the Vice-Chancellor; ability to safeguard integrity and ensure statutory and regulatory compliance.


• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills; ability to engage with diverse groups and maintain reputational integrity.


• Knowledge of governance, risk management and safety governance; familiarity with higher education regulatory frameworks and relevant bodies.

Benefits

Great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days. Further information on our benefits page.

Role and application details

• Starting date: 1 January 2026 (full-time, indefinite)


• Closing date: 29 September 2025


• Salary: to be discussed on appointment

The University of East Anglia is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.