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- Tasks: Lead governance, compliance, and risk functions for a prestigious aviation society.
- Company: Join the Royal Aeronautical Society, the oldest professional body in aviation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, life insurance, healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while working with senior leaders and experts.
- Qualifications: Strong governance expertise and experience supporting Boards and committees required.
- Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career development opportunities in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 63000 £ per year.
Salary: £55k-60k
Location: London, with some hybrid working.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, with occasional evening commitments.
Holiday: 33 days (including Bank Holidays).
Other benefits: Life insurance, 8% pension (increased to 10% if the employee also contributes 2%), healthcare cash plan, training and development, staff socials, birthday day-off.
The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world's oldest professional body dedicated to aviation, aerospace and space. From our headquarters in London, we support a global community of specialists, promote professional standards and champion the advancement of aeronautical engineering.
We are seeking an experienced Governance Manager to lead the Society's governance, compliance and risk functions. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working closely with the CEO, you will ensure the Board of Trustees, Council and Committees operate effectively and in line with our Royal Charter, By‑laws, Regulations and all relevant charity and legal requirements.
In this role, you will oversee meeting cycles, provide high‑quality secretariat support, administer AGMs and ballots, manage key constitutional processes, coordinate risk and assurance activities, and support the Data Protection Officer. You will also provide authoritative advice to senior volunteers and executives, ensure transparent member communications, and line‑manage the Governance Executive. The role includes hybrid working, with attendance at our London office required on a weekly basis.
About you
You bring strong governance expertise, clear communication and meticulous organisation. You are confident supporting Boards and senior volunteers, experienced in managing complex governance cycles, and comfortable providing proportionate, practical advice. You work with integrity, discretion and sound judgement, and you take a proactive, collaborative approach to applying and strengthening governance across an organisation.
Essential experience
- Delivering governance and secretariat support to Boards and committees including agendas, papers, minutes and action tracking.
- Administering AGMs, elections and member communications.
- Coordinating risk management, internal audit and business continuity activities.
- Understanding charity governance and regulatory expectations.
- Strong verbal and written communication, organisation and IT proficiency (including Microsoft Teams and SharePoint).
- Demonstrated ability to work at a level equivalent to graduate‑level (Level 6), gained through relevant professional experience and/or qualifications.
- Interest in using AI tools to support minute‑taking and productivity.
Desirable
- Chartered Governance Institute or similar professional qualification.
- Governance experience in a charity or membership body.
- Familiarity with Privy Council and Charity Commission processes.
About the Royal Aeronautical Society
The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is the world's oldest professional body for aviation, aerospace and space. Based at 4 Hamilton Place in London, we have spent more than 160 years advancing aeronautical engineering, supporting professional development and connecting a global community of specialists and innovators. As a registered charity, we inspire, educate and influence - championing excellence across the sector and supporting the next generation. We are proud of our heritage and independent voice, but we are equally focused on the future: exploring new frontiers in flight, adapting to a rapidly changing sector and shaping a Society that meets the needs and expectations of generations to come.
Governance Manager employer: HR Dept
Contact Detail:
HR Dept Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation and aerospace sectors, especially those connected to governance roles. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of charity governance and regulatory expectations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Governance Manager at the Royal Aeronautical Society.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, demonstrate how you can provide clear, practical advice to Boards and senior volunteers. Use examples from your past experiences to highlight your expertise.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the Royal Aeronautical Society team.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your governance expertise and experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Governance Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We love a good presentation, so make it easy for us to read!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention your experience with Boards, AGMs, and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so be specific about your past roles and responsibilities that relate to governance and compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at HR Dept
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your governance knowledge, especially around charity regulations and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the Royal Aeronautical Society's structure and its By-laws, as this will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the context you'll be working in.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific governance challenges or scenarios. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex governance cycles or provided support to Boards. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since strong verbal and written communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to explain how you would communicate important governance changes to members, so think about how you can convey complex information in a straightforward way.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Technology Use
With an interest in using AI tools for minute-taking and productivity, be prepared to discuss any relevant technology you've used in previous roles. Highlight how these tools have improved your efficiency and effectiveness in governance tasks, as this aligns well with the Society's forward-thinking approach.
