At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to provide strategic direction and oversight for UK Graduate College.
- Company: UK Graduate College, a leader in higher education and pathways.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration per meeting and opportunities for impactful governance.
- Other info: Engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to inclusive, high-quality learning.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while shaping financial sustainability and student outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial leadership and understanding of education sector governance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Independent Governor (Finance & Risk Specialist) role at UK Graduate College.
UK Graduate College (UKGC) deliver higher education, pathways and further education provision.
The role of Independent Governor is to contribute to the effective governance of UK Graduate College by offering independent judgement, strategic direction, and informed oversight. These roles will support the institution to achieve its educational aims, ensure financial sustainability, maintain academic standards & student outcomes, and fulfil its responsibilities under relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks, including the requirements of the Office for Students.
Main duties and responsibilities
- To act as an independent governor on the Board of Governors
- To contribute to the robust governance of UKGC, acting in accordance with the instruments of governance of the College.
- To provide constructive challenge to the Executive in a spirit of openness, accountability and mutual respect, making rational and constructive contributions to debate and to make their knowledge and expertise available to the Governing Body as opportunity arises.
- To accept collective responsibility for the decisions reached by the Board of Governors.
- To ensure the governing body conducts itself in accordance with standards behaviours in public life, embracing integrity, objectivity, accountability, selflessness, openness, honesty and leadership.
- To have regard to the interests of learners, staff, stakeholders and the wider community in considering the work of UKGC at a strategic level.
- To attend board meetings and chair some of these.
- To undertake induction training on appointment to the role
- Provide fair, impartial, strategic guidance in board discussions, committees, and decision-making forums
- Uphold the organisation’s educational character and support delivery of inclusive, high-quality learning
- Oversee financial planning, risk management, and long-term sustainability
- Ensure compliance with legal, statutory, and regulatory frameworks (including OfS conditions for initial and ongoing registration, ESFA, and awarding bodies)
- Advocate for student voice, social mobility, and outcomes-driven progression
- Scrutinise performance metrics including quality assurance, learner data, and institutional KPIs
- Contribute to board diversity, equity in leadership, and transparency in governance
- Support the strategic development of programmes, partnerships and new opportunities to grow UKGC
- To make full and timely disclosure of personal interests to the Secretary, maintaining the integrity of the business of the governing body.
- To be available and contactable at short notice if a situation requires attention
- To attend and participate in meetings of the following boards: Board of Governors; Audit Committee; Remuneration Committee; Finance Board (6 Meetings a year)
- To hold responsibility for UKGC meeting the OfS D and G conditions
- To liaise with the Finance Manager on all finance and risk matters
Statutory requirements
- Eligibility to live and work in UK
Qualifications
Experience and knowledge
- Proven ability to offer independent judgement and challenge constructively in board-level contexts
- A strong foundation in education, preferably with experience in financial leadership roles in education settings.
- Understanding of education sector governance and regulatory requirements particularly across HE/FE settings including Office for Students
- Commitment to inclusion, widening participation, and learner-focused transformation
- Familiarity with finance, audit, risk, or compliance principles in non-executive roles
Skills and abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Can communicate effectively to a range of audiences
- Credibility to meet the requirements of the role
- Analytical mindset
- The ability to challenge and offer suggestions/solutions
- A positive, supportive approach to help UKGC grow and meet challenges ahead
- Minimum 3 years
Competitive remuneration per meeting
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining:
- Your interest in this specific role
- How your skills and experience make you a strong fit for our organisation
Please ensure your cover letter is tailored to this position and addresses the key points above.
Interviews
Interviews will take place on the 18th & 19th September
Seniority level
- Executive
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Business Development and Sales
Industries
- Higher Education
Note: All information is based on the original job description content provided.
Independent Governor (Finance & Risk Specialist) employer: UK Graduate College
UK Graduate College is an exceptional employer that values independent governance and strategic oversight, particularly in the realms of finance and risk management. With a commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity, employees are encouraged to contribute meaningfully to the institution's mission while enjoying a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Located in the UK, UKGC offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders and make a significant impact on student outcomes and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Governor (Finance & Risk Specialist)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in governance. They might have insights or even leads on opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of governance and financial oversight in education. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to board-level decision-making.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! During interviews, be ready to discuss how your background in finance and risk can contribute to UKGC's goals. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Governor (Finance & Risk Specialist)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter is specifically tailored to the Independent Governor role. Highlight how your skills and experience align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your CV, focus on showcasing your relevant experience in finance and risk management within educational settings. We want to see how your background can contribute to our governance and strategic direction at UKGC.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Graduate College
✨Know Your Governance
Familiarise yourself with the governance structure of UK Graduate College. Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Governors, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also in contributing effectively.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience in financial leadership within educational settings. Be specific about how you've managed financial planning and risk management in the past. Use examples that highlight your analytical mindset and ability to challenge constructively.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Student Focus
Demonstrate your commitment to inclusion and learner-focused transformation. Think of examples where you've advocated for student voice or contributed to widening participation. This will resonate well with the college's mission and values.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as you'll need to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. Prepare to answer questions in a way that reflects your understanding of the educational landscape and governance principles, ensuring you come across as credible and approachable.
