Director of Governance (Governance Professional) in Bath

Permanent contract, 22.5 hours per week (0.6), 52 weeks per year. Posted salary is full time equivalent. Interview date: 22 June.

Purpose of the Job: The Director of Governance is a specially empowered officer of the Board who is appointed by and reports directly to the Board. The Director of Governance supports the work of both the College Board, advising them with regard to the conduct of business, procedural matters, operation of powers and matters of governance practice, in accordance with the Instrument & Articles, the funding bodies’ Financial Memorandum, Charity law and other legal and statutory obligations, and the AoC’s Code of Good Governance adopted by the Corporation. The Director of Governance can intervene when s/he considers that the Board is acting inappropriately or beyond its powers to ensure compliance with legal and statutory obligations and regulations. A key purpose of the role is to establish and maintain efficient and effective working relationships, crucially between the Director of Governance, the Chair and the CEO, but also with all Board Members and members of the Executive team.

A senior postholder, reporting to the Chair of the Board, with a central role in promoting effective governance. Provide support for Governors in their role and ensure the Board is accountable to internal and external stakeholders and partners. Provide leadership, advice and support in all governance activities, statutory and regulatory compliance and external governance relations. Oversee audit arrangements for the Board and its committees from a governance perspective. Facilitate discussions with Board members to evaluate their effectiveness and identify and undertake relevant training and development activities. Support the production of key corporate publications, including the Annual Report and Accounts and all Terms of Reference and Policies. Inform and advise the Board on developments within the sector and relevant information from outside the sector. Be proactive in keeping updated on current and emerging guidance and legislation and advising Governors accordingly.

Bath College is an inclusive education and training community, providing learning for people with a wide range of abilities from a far-reaching area, from entry level to Level 5 programmes. We are committed to meeting the needs of all our students. This is a very exciting time to join the College. If you feel you can make a positive contribution, please complete the application form, making sure you detail how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. The job posting can close as soon as sufficient applications have been received.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support for the work of the Strategic Board. The Director of Governance co-ordinates the administrative support for the work of the Board by:
• Ensuring that the Board operates within appropriate structures that are regularly reviewed to ensure fitness for purpose.
• In liaison with the Chair of the Corporation and the CEO, preparing the annual calendar of meetings and cycle of business for Board approval, summoning meetings, preparing agendas, reports and minutes of meetings and arranging timely distribution of documents to Members and others as required.
• Ensuring that the College Executive are advising the Board appropriately and intervening if this is not the case.
• Ensuring that the Board is kept properly informed by preparing reports and briefings on governance and other issues as required. Maintaining the Board Portal system, ensuring that relevant information is uploaded and kept up to date.
• Supporting the appointment, suspension or dismissal of designated Senior Post-Holders and setting up a selection panel or special committee as appropriate.
• Maintaining the personal files of Senior Post-Holders and Executive team members.
• Setting up an appeal panel as required; managing the process and providing support and advice to the panel.
• Seeking nominations for and co-ordinating the appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:

• Minimum GCSE level English and Maths.
• ICSA qualification.
• Evidence of relevant CPD.
• Previous experience as a Clerk or Company Secretary.
• Significant experience of working in a regulatory environment, with good understanding of legal and governance frameworks.
• Knowledge of the legal responsibilities of Governing Bodies in FE, or a similar environment, or the ability to quickly assimilate knowledge of such.

Staff Benefits:

• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 35 days, exclusive of College closure days and public holidays. Pro rata for part time roles.
• One Selfie Day per year.
• Contributory salary pension scheme (Local Government).
• Continuing Professional Development for all staff.
• Laptop Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Private Healthcare Scheme.
• £500 Refer a friend and earn a reward.
• Subsidised cafes - at both campuses.
• Employee Assistance Programme – Staff have access to this programme. It is a free and strictly confidential short-term counselling and support service (up to six meetings after an initial assessment session with a qualified counselor).
• The College offers an eye sight test for anyone who meets the criteria as described within the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.
• Progressive family friendly policies (exceeding statutory requirements) that supports a health work/life balance, all staff are entitled to request flexible working.
• Discounted treatments at the Academy, Bath Campus.
• Free parking at the Somer Valley Campus in Radstock.