University Secretary

University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is seeking an exceptional University Secretary to enhance governance and compliance. This pivotal role involves leading effective governance across key committees, ensuring transparency in decision-making, and providing legal oversight. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in governance within a complex educational environment, excellent analytical skills, and strong stakeholder engagement ability. This unique opportunity supports the university's long-term vision and values.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in governance, legal, compliance, or assurance in a complex university or regulated organization.
• Strong understanding of UK higher education governance and statutory requirements.
• Confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate effective governance across Council, Senate, and key committees.
• Ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency in decision-making.
• Provide oversight of governance, legal, compliance, and assurance functions.

Skills

Governance leadership

Legal and compliance expertise

Analytical capability

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving skills

Job description

The University of Surrey is an ambitious, values driven institution, recognised for excellence in education, world leading research, and a vibrant, inclusive community. Guided by our bold Vision 2041, we are shaping a future defined by innovation, sustainability and global impact, while ensuring our students and staff thrive within a supportive, inspiring environment.

As we continue to strengthen our governance, assurance and regulatory frameworks, we are now seeking an exceptional University Secretary to play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the University. This is a significant opportunity to influence institutional strategy and ensure the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability across all decision making.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working in close partnership with the Vice Chancellor, Chair of Council and Executive Board, you will lead and coordinate effective governance across Council, Senate and key committees; protect and strengthen our constitutional and regulatory frameworks; and provide oversight of governance, legal, compliance and assurance functions. As a senior adviser, you will bring clarity and expert judgement to matters of governance, risk and regulation in a complex, fast moving environment.

We are seeking an accomplished, values driven governance leader with substantial experience in governance, legal, compliance or assurance in an appropriately complex university or other relevant regulated organisation. You will combine a deep understanding of UK higher education governance and statutory requirements with excellent judgement, strong analytical capability and the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders. Your ability to champion robust, solution oriented and future focused governance and uphold the highest standards of integrity will be essential to succeeding in this role.

This is a rare opportunity to make an enduring contribution to an ambitious global university, supporting Surrey’s mission, values and long term vision.

The closing date for applications is Monday 2 March 2026.

For further information and to apply, please visit: www.odgers.com/95256

The University of Surrey is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and would welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.