At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance processes and provide advice to senior stakeholders at Birmingham Newman University.
- Company: Join a growing university with a strong focus on student satisfaction and innovative strategies.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for evening meetings and events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education governance while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate governance and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Birmingham Newman University is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Governance Manager and Assistant Secretary to Council.
Reporting directly to the University Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, this role is key to institutional governance effectiveness and involves providing advice and assurance to the University’s senior stakeholders – including independent members of the University’s governing body, the Council, as well as the executive.
It’s an exciting time to join Birmingham Newman, with the University recently launching its new Vision and Strategy and achieving many recent accolades such as #1 for undergraduate full-time student satisfaction in the National Student Satisfaction Survey.
The University’s last external corporate governance effectiveness review deemed governance as strong and we are very well placed to benchmark ourselves against the new CUC Code of Higher Education Governance.
We want to hear from you if you
- Want to join a growing and successful University with an ambitious strategy (See BE MORE: Our Future, Our Birmingham Newman)
- Wish to have the opportunity for professional development in higher education governance, including access to governance related training and development opportunities and taking part in sector networks
And if you have
- Experience of directly supporting corporate governance boards and committees within a complex organisation, ideally within Higher Education.
- Strong understanding of governance best practice, regulatory compliance, and the legislative and policy environment affecting universities.
- Proven ability to manage effectively governance processes, including committee servicing, agenda planning, minute-taking, action tracking and statutory reporting.
- Excellent written communication skills, with experience drafting reports, briefings, papers, policies, and high-level correspondence for varied audiences, including regulators and auditors.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to build effective relationships with Council members, senior executives, staff, students, and external bodies, exercising sound judgement and understanding when it is appropriate to refer to the University Secretary.
- Experience providing high-quality governance advice and politically sensitive support to senior leaders and governors.
- Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and horizon scan to support the longer-term governance cycle.
- Advanced digital skills, including Microsoft 365, Teams / Share Point for document management and collaborative working as well as meetings.
- A collaborative, proactive, resilient, and detail-oriented approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Flexibility to occasionally support evening meetings and governance events outside normal working hours.
- Graduate-level qualification or equivalent professional experience, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Governance, company secretarial, or legal qualifications, and experience in Higher Education governance, are desirable.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop a wide understanding of University higher education and the key knowledge and skills to further a career in governance or professional services administration.
- Closing date for applications: 25 September 2026
- Interviews will take place on: 16 October 2026
- Birmingham Newman University offers a wide range of staff benefits including:
- 35 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts)
- pension scheme
- chaplaincy and spiritual care
- library services
- free on-site parking
- discounted travel scheme
- cycle to work scheme
- employee assistance programme
- occupational health and counselling services
- staff development opportunities
- Birmingham Newman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Birmingham Newman University is located on Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B32 3NT.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Governance Manager and Assistant Secretary to Council in Birmingham employer: Birmingham Newman University
Birmingham Newman University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Director of Finance & Strategic Transformation, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides unique advantages such as access to diverse resources and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Birmingham Newman University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Manager and Assistant Secretary to Council in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Birmingham Newman University, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Birmingham Newman University and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Manager and Assistant Secretary to Council in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Birmingham Newman University and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Newman University
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Birmingham Newman University, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Birmingham Newman University.
