At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and policy initiatives to drive impactful change across the organisation.
- Company: Join Education Partnership North East, a leader in transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while empowering individuals and tackling inequalities.
- Qualifications: Degree in business, law, or governance; experience in corporate governance essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 54713 - 59775 £ per year.
Location: Any Campus
Salary: £54,713 to £59,775
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Friday 13 February 2026
Reference: 0084-26
About Education Partnership North East (EPNE): At EPNE our value is to unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training. Our culture is grounded in empowering individuals, personal accountability and growth, with a focus on tackling inequalities and improving life chances.
Our Journey & Values: We prioritise a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, investing in professional development and wellbeing. Our staff are our greatest asset.
The Candidate: We are seeking a purpose‑driven governance leader who brings strategic clarity, courageous communication, and the confidence to influence change across a dynamic organisation. You will combine political acumen with integrity, building trusted relationships and offering constructive challenge that strengthens our purpose. Adaptable, collaborative, and solutions‑focused, you will help shape culture as well as policy, translating complexity into clarity and championing governance that enables bold, impactful transformation.
The Role: This role reports directly to the Board, through the Chair, with a dotted line to the Chief Executive. You will work closely with the senior management team to provide the Board with concise and appropriate reports to enable them to act effectively and efficiently.
Role Responsibilities:
- Governance: Devises the Corporation cycle of business to ensure that statutory and best practice requirements are met and that the Board supports the College in the successful delivery of its vision, mission and values. Ensures that at all times the governance structure, membership and schemes of delegation within the College's instrument and articles remain fit for purpose. Provides independent professional advice and guidance to the Corporation and its individual Members on statutory and constitutional matters.
- Policy: Is responsible for a robust organisational policy register ensuring timeliness of policy renewals that include privacy impact assessments. Ensures best practice, statutory compliance, consistency and standards in policy presentation and approval through appropriate Boards. Works with departmental experts across the College to ensure systems and controls are in place to protect compliance with GDPR regulations and any other relevant legal requirements.
Qualifications: A degree in a relevant field such as business administration, law, or corporate governance.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Knowledge of GDPR, information governance and Freedom of Information legislation
- Governance in the context of collaborations, mergers, acquisitions and/or federated arrangements with success
- Developing and implementing policies
- Extensive experience of managing Board level Committees
- Detailed knowledge of corporate governance and legislation best practice
What’s in it for you? Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (Excluding Term Time Only contracts). Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role). LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme (dependent on role, 15.7% - 28.68%). Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more. Dental, eye care & health cash plans. Wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub offering support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Free parking on most campuses. Free Gym access available at Bede Campus.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact Naomi.Robson@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
Head of Corporate Governance and Policy in North East employer: Education Partnership North East
Contact Detail:
Education Partnership North East Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Governance and Policy in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at EPNE or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching EPNE's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to unlock potential and create opportunities. Tailor your answers to reflect their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a governance leader, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at EPNE and contributing to their impactful transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Governance and Policy in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Corporate Governance and Policy role. Highlight your governance expertise and how it connects to EPNE's mission and values.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style shine through in your written application. Share examples of how you've influenced change and built trusted relationships in previous roles, as this is key for the position.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will demonstrate your ability to translate complexity into clarity, a vital skill for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Partnership North East
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate governance, especially in the context of educational institutions. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation like GDPR and Freedom of Information. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to devise and implement effective governance strategies. Think about times when you've influenced change or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you can bring strategic clarity to the role and support the Board in achieving its vision.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Courageous communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and assertively. During the interview, don’t shy away from discussing complex issues; instead, focus on how you can translate these into actionable insights for the Board.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, this role involves building trusted relationships. Use the interview as an opportunity to connect with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their governance challenges and express genuine interest in their organisational culture. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team.