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- Tasks: Lead governance and legal services, ensuring effective structures and compliance.
- Company: Join a vibrant university in Brighton, dedicated to academic excellence and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping university governance and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in governance, legal services, and team management required.
- Other info: This role reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Board of Governors.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and the Chair of the Board of Governors, the Director of Legal & Governance Services is the primary liaison between the governing body and the university's executive board. They are the independent advisor to the members of the Board to ensure that they fulfil their responsibilities and duties.
The postholder is accountable for ensuring the provision of clear, resilient, and effective governance structures and processes. The role oversees the operational management of the Vice-Chancellor's office, including the executive support team and corporate legal, data compliance, governance, and internal audit functions, as well as serving as the University Secretary and Clerk to the Board of Governors.
They oversee the development and maintenance of regulatory and governance policies, including areas such as whistle-blowing and free speech, and serve as the University lead for data integrity and compliance. They are responsible for providing leadership, overarching guidance, and support to the staff within the Vice-Chancellor's Office and for ensuring a high-quality support service is provided to University Executive Board members, the Chair of the Board, and Governors.
As University Secretary and Clerk, they ensure compliance with the Board's legal and regulatory obligations, ensuring that Board decisions are well-informed and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, and provide operational and legal advice regarding the University's Instruments and Articles.
The role is integral to the smooth operation of the university, ensuring that governance structures and processes are robust, transparent, and effective. The role is directly accountable to the Board of Governors, and they will attend the University Executive Board. As a key senior leader, the Director of Legal & Governance Services will have a successful track record in managing a high-performance team in support of an executive or equivalent and extensive experience as a company secretary.
Director of Governance and Legal Services (University Secretary & Clerk to the Board) employer: University of Brighton
Contact Detail:
University of Brighton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Governance and Legal Services (University Secretary & Clerk to the Board)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in governance and legal services. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in university governance.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific governance structures and legal frameworks that apply to universities in the UK. Understanding these nuances will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and providing strategic guidance. Highlight any previous roles where you successfully led governance initiatives or improved compliance processes, as this will be crucial for the Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific university's mission, values, and recent developments. Tailoring your insights and questions to align with their goals will show your genuine interest and commitment to contributing to their governance and legal services.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Governance and Legal Services (University Secretary & Clerk to the Board)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Governance and Legal Services. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications needed for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in governance, legal services, and team management. Emphasise any previous roles that align with the responsibilities of the position, particularly those involving compliance and advisory functions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your motivation for applying and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Address specific aspects of the job description and demonstrate your understanding of the university's governance needs.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is presented clearly and professionally. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Brighton
✨Understand the Governance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current governance structures and legal frameworks relevant to universities. Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance these processes and ensure compliance with regulations.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles, especially in managing high-performance teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams through complex governance challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate legal or governance issues and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As a liaison between various stakeholders, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you would facilitate effective communication within the Board.
