Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary, PERIDOT PARTNERS

Guardian Jobs; East London; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in East London is seeking a Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary. The successful candidate will advise the Board on governance matters, oversee policy development, and ensure compliance with best practices. This role requires significant governance experience and provides flexible working options. The ideal candidate will lead the Board’s development and support the College's commitment to transforming lives.

Qualifications

• Experienced governance professional with a background in further education or similar.
• Ability to manage Board business and develop strong governance systems.
• Familiarity with compliance and legislative matters.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Board and senior leadership.
• Provide secretariat and advisory support to the Governing Body.
• Lead the Board's development and ensure effective governance.

Skills

Governance experience

Strategic advisory skills

Relationship-building

Compliance knowledge

Effective communication

Education

Relevant degree or qualification

Job description

Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary

PERIDOT PARTNERS New City College is seeking a new Group Director of Governance and Company Secretary who will act as unbiased and impartial strategic advisor to the Board and senior leadership team on all matters related to governance and compliance.

Applications close : 9 a.m.

Wednesday 26th November

Location : East London and Essex

About New City College : New City College (NCC) is a sector‑leading college group with campuses spanning East London and south‑west Essex, as well as two language schools.

NCC is Ofsted‑rated 'Outstanding' in its most recent inspection in March

NCC boasts industry‑standard facilities and equipment, expert staff and partnerships with other high‑profile organisations, preparing students for higher education or successful careers.

About the Role :

The New City College corporation is governed by legislation and is collectively responsible for the quality of the service provided to students and stakeholders.

As Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary you will act as a trusted advisor and clerk to the Governing Body and its Committees, providing full secretariat and advisory support to the Chair, Rob Hull, and the Corporation Members.

You will advise the Board on constitutional, legislative, and governance matters, ensuring best practice and alignment with Codes of Good Governance.

You will work closely with the Principal & CEO, Gerry McDonald CBE, and the Chair to drive excellence in governance through strong communication, relationship‑building, and by developing effective systems, structures, and processes that support transparency, compliance, and robust decision‑making.

You will lead the Board's development, from induction to ongoing training, ensuring members have the skills, diversity, and understanding required to fulfil their duties effectively.

Acting as the College's 'conscience', you will provide independent and ethical guidance while overseeing policy development and governance improvements.

The role requires an experienced governance professional, ideally with a background in further education or a similar complex organisation, who can confidently manage Board business and support a forward‑thinking college group committed to transforming lives.

Flexible and hybrid working is available, with travel to campuses as needed.

New City College Corporation was formed on 1st April

Peridot Partners and New City College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.