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- Tasks: Lead the Remuneration & People Sub Committee, overseeing HR policies and governance.
- Company: St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge - a diverse and values-driven community.
- Benefits: Voluntary position with reasonable expenses reimbursed and flexible commitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on governance and organisational culture in a prestigious college.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience and strong understanding of HR practices required.
- Other info: Opportunity to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in a supportive environment.
St Edmund’s College is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub Committee, providing independent, strategic leadership in the governance of the College’s people, remuneration, and HR related policies. This is a vital governance role at the heart of a diverse, values driven Cambridge college community. The Chair will help ensure that the College’s approach to people, reward, and organisational culture reflects its charitable purpose, aligns with the Charity Governance Code, and upholds the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
About the Role
The Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub Committee leads the Committee in overseeing the College’s people strategy, remuneration frameworks, and HR governance. Working closely with the Bursar, HR Manager, and Governance, Risk & Compliance Manager, the Chair ensures that discussions are evidence based, inclusive, and aligned with the College’s values. This role is primarily carried out online, with occasional visits to the College’s buildings in Cambridge.
Time Commitment
- Minimum of three meetings per academic year (typically 1–2 hours each), plus preparation and follow up.
- Occasional ad hoc or extraordinary meetings.
- Approximate annual commitment: 5 days.
Key Responsibilities
- Chair the Remuneration & People Sub Committee in line with its Terms of Reference.
- Ensure meetings are well structured, transparent, and conducted within delegated authority.
- Set agendas collaboratively with senior officers.
- Foster constructive, inclusive, and well informed discussion.
- Ensure timely approval of accurate minutes and records.
- Uphold the Charity Governance Code, particularly integrity, accountability, and openness.
- Manage conflicts of interest and safeguard the independence of Committee decisions.
- Promote continuous improvement in governance and Committee effectiveness.
Oversight
- Lead the review and recommendation of people related policies, ensuring they reflect best practice and support equality, diversity, inclusion, freedom of speech, and a positive working environment.
- Oversee decisions on the creation of new permanent staff roles within delegated authority.
- Ensure remuneration decisions are proportionate, justifiable, and aligned with Charity Commission guidance.
- Support transparent remuneration reporting in statutory accounts and the annual report.
- Champion staff welfare, wellbeing, and inclusion.
- Act as a trusted advisor on sensitive or complex matters.
Risk & Compliance
- Oversee risks relating to HR, remuneration, and people strategy.
- Review relevant sections of the College’s risk register and monitor mitigation actions.
- Escalate issues to senior leadership and Council where appropriate.
- Maintain awareness of developments in employment law, charity regulation, and remuneration governance.
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant leadership experience at board or committee level, ideally in a complex organisation, charity, higher education, or public sector setting.
- Strong understanding of HR practice, employment legislation, and regulatory compliance in a charitable context.
- Proven ability to exercise independent judgement and maintain confidentiality.
- Commitment to the College’s charitable objectives, values, and academic mission.
- Excellent chairing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Integrity, impartiality, and strong strategic awareness.
Desirable
- Experience as a charity trustee, HR committee chair, or similar governance role.
- Familiarity with the Charity Governance Code for Larger Charities and good remuneration practice (e.g., Senior Staff Remuneration Code, HE governance standards).
- Understanding of the University of Cambridge’s collegiate environment.
Application Materials
- Your CV
- A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the person specification and outlines your motivation for applying. The statement should be no longer than 2 pages of A4.
Any offer of employment is subject to evidence of your right to work in the UK and the receipt of satisfactory references.
To Apply for this Position, Please Contact: St Edmunds College, University Of Cambridge
Preferred Start Date: January 20 2026
Location: England
Remuneration: Voluntary position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub Committee in Cambridge employer: Universitychairs
Contact Detail:
Universitychairs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub Committee in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity and higher education sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities like the Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub Committee. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the College’s values and recent initiatives. Think about how your leadership experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! During discussions, highlight your understanding of HR practices and governance. Bring examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively and uphold transparency. This is your chance to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help with the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub Committee in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: When writing your application, keep in mind who will be reading it. We want to see your passion for the role and how your experience aligns with our values at St Edmund’s College. Tailor your CV and supporting statement to highlight relevant skills and experiences that resonate with our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your supporting statement is well-structured and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, you have a maximum of 2 pages, so every word counts!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As the Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub Committee, strong leadership is key. In your application, share specific examples of your leadership experience, especially in governance or committee roles. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universitychairs
✨Know Your Governance Codes
Familiarise yourself with the Charity Governance Code and the specific guidelines related to remuneration and HR practices. This will not only show your commitment to best practices but also help you articulate how you can uphold these standards in your role.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Insights
Gather data and examples that demonstrate your understanding of effective people strategies and remuneration frameworks. Be ready to discuss how these insights can be applied to enhance the College’s governance and culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership experience and how it aligns with the role. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've fostered inclusive discussions and made strategic decisions in previous roles, especially in complex organisations.
✨Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement should clearly address the criteria in the person specification. Highlight your motivation for applying and how your values align with those of St Edmund’s College. Keep it concise but impactful, sticking to the 2-page limit.
