Governance Professional

ABOUT THE ROLE

Please note this vacancy closes on Sunday 2nd of February, and interviews are being held on Tuesday 11th February.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for keeping the ‘conscience’ of WCG by providing independent, high quality guidance on statutory, constitutional, operational procedural and ethical issues as they affect the Corporation, its committees and its subsidiaries.

With a comprehensive understanding of statutory, constitutional, and ethical frameworks, as our new Governance Professional you will serve as the cornerstone of accountability within the organisation. Your expertise not only ensures compliance but also promotes transparency and integrity in decision-making processes. By fostering a culture of responsibility, you empower the Corporation and its committees to navigate challenges with confidence, ultimately safeguarding the institution's values and mission for future generations.

This post is accountable to the Corporation, through the Chair, on all matters relating to the duties as an officer of the Corporation and acts as Company Secretary to the College subsidiaries (where applicable).

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

● To promote sound standards of governance and act as a guardian of integrity
● Review legislative and regulatory developments and advise the Corporation and Committees accordingly
● Independently brief the Chair and Governors on current issues and support liaison between the Chair, the Principal and Governor
● Giving advice and support to the Chair, Vice Chair, Committee Chairs and Senior Team in their respective roles
● Draft all statutory documentation on behalf of the board
● Liaise competently with external counterparts and relevant statutory bodies
● Membership of project groups on structure or financing reorganisation, acquisitions and disposals
● Manage the administrative aspects of Board meetings (including preparation of agendas and minutes and circulation of papers), and ensure meetings proceed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant constitutional documents.
● Lead on and facilitate the recruitment of Governors to ensure the membership of the Board comprises the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge and experience
● Lead on the training and development of the Board
● Support the production of key corporate publications including the Annual Report and Accounts
● Work with senior leaders to ensure clear and timely papers which meet Board requirements and support effective decision making

The list of duties is not exhaustive but outlines the main features of the post at appointment and may vary as the job evolves without affecting the nature of the duties or the responsibility level.

PLACE OF WORK

This position offers a hybrid working arrangement. The successful candidate will be expected to attend Executive meetings, full Board meetings (usually early evening four times per year), Board Strategy day/s, meetings involving the Chair, CEO, and Principal, as well as any meetings mandated by Ofsted, the Department for Education, and similar entities in person.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Relevant degree and/or professional qualification, e.g. The Chartered Governance Institute (formerly ICSA), Law, Accountancy, Audit, Business Management
  Post qualification experience.
• Experience of working in a Company Secretarial or similar senior capacity with exposure to board level interaction
• Corporate governance experience.
• Management experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organisational skills and personal resilience.

Applicants should apply by sending a copy of their CV to [email protected]

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS (THE CHILDREN’S ACT 1989)

Any offers of appointment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly CRB), a certificate of good conduct if applicable, plus receipt of satisfactory references, Occupational Health clearance, an understanding of safeguarding and qualifications verification. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position as you will be working within 'Regulated Activity' within a specific place (i.e. the College).

For the successful candidate a conditional offer of work will be made. Our offer of work will be conditional upon a number of mandatory pre-employment checks, to include but not limited to: DBS, Barred List check, right to work check, internet search, TRA check (academic posts)