Director of Governance (Governance Professional) in England

Application Deadline: 18 June 2026

Department: GOV - Governance Team

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Dual Campus

Reporting To: Kevin Hamblin

Compensation: £63,184 - £72,962 / year

Job Overview: 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Ensure 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, prepare the annual calendar of meetings and cycle of business for Board approval, summon meetings, prepare agendas, reports and minutes, and arrange timely distribution of documents to Members and others.
• Ensure that the College Executive are advising the Board appropriately and intervene if this is not the case.
• Ensure that the Board is kept properly informed by preparing reports and briefings on governance and other issues as required; maintain the Board Portal system, ensuring that relevant information is uploaded and kept up to date.
• Support the appointment, suspension or dismissal of designated Senior Post-Holders and set up a selection panel or special committee as appropriate.
• Maintain the personal files of Senior Post-Holders and Executive team members.
• Set up an appeal panel as required, manage the process and provide support and advice to the panel.
• Seek nominations for and coordinate 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 reward for referring a friend.
• Subsidised cafes at both campuses.
• Employee Assistance Programme – free and strictly confidential short‑term counselling and support service (up to six meetings after an initial assessment session with a qualified counselor).
• Eye sight test for anyone who meets the criteria described within the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.
• Progressive family‑friendly policies exceeding statutory requirements; all staff are entitled to request flexible working.
• Discounted treatments at the Academy, Bath Campus.
• Free parking at the Somer Valley Campus in Radstock.