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- Tasks: Guide governance decisions and transform board meetings into strategic sessions.
- Company: Wigan & Leigh College, a leading educational institution in the North-West.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role, generous holiday, healthcare scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape governance that drives innovation while safeguarding our integrity.
- Qualifications: Significant governance experience, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team impacting over 10,000 students across multiple campuses.
The predicted salary is between 55473 - 60604 £ per year.
Part time (0.5FTE) Permanent £55,473 - £60,604 (Pt 42 - Pt45)
As Director of Governance at Wigan & Leigh College, you will be the trusted advisor who ensures every decision we make is lawful, ethical and impactful. You will work at the heart of our college, guiding our board through complex choices shaping the future of education in the North-West. You will partner with governors and senior leaders to build governance that is more than compliance. Your expertise will transform board meetings into strategic sessions, turn regulatory requirements into opportunities for excellence, and ensure our governance sets the standard for the sector.
What you will do:
- Advise on powers, responsibilities, and lawful decision-making
- Plan and deliver board and committee meetings driving real progress
- Build relationships between governors, executives and stakeholders
- Guide succession planning and governor development programmes
- Maintain governance records, registers and statutory documentation
- Monitor regulatory compliance and spot opportunities for improvement
- Translate complex governance issues into clear guidance for diverse audiences
- Champion transparency and accountability in everything we do
- Ensure our governance reflects our values of fairness and inclusion
- Be the trusted voice protecting our integrity and reputation
What you bring:
- Significant governance experience, ideally in education or public sector
- Deep understanding of governance frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Track record of working with boards or governing bodies
- Strong knowledge of further and higher education regulatory landscape
- Natural ability to build trust and influence at all levels
- Excellent communication skills with attention to detail
- High levels of integrity, discretion and professional judgement
- Strategic thinking balanced with operational precision
Why join us?
Good governance protects organisations. Great governance drives them forward. At Wigan & Leigh College, you will build the kind of governance that does both – safeguarding our integrity while accelerating our ambitions. Our board governs a multi-million-pound operation serving over 10,000 students across multiple campuses, with Ofsted, OfS, and ESFA requirements to navigate. Balancing financial sustainability with ambitious growth plans, so this isn’t staid governance. It’s active, strategic, and genuinely influential, and we know we need exceptional governance to deliver our vision.
This is part-time at 0.5 FTE, giving you the flexibility to balance this strategic role with other commitments. And we invest in our people, so you can expect generous holiday entitlement, access to our benefits platform, Medicash healthcare scheme, regular development opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme including occupational health support and counselling, plus membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
If you want to shape governance, driving innovation and protecting our integrity, then this is the role for you. Apply today. Applications close: 20th February 2026, Interview Date: 5th March 2026.
Director of Governance in Wigan employer: Wigan & Leigh College
Contact Detail:
Wigan & Leigh College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Governance in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a governance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the college's governance structure and recent decisions. Show us that you understand their challenges and how your expertise can help them navigate complex choices. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic thinking and operational precision.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, don’t wait – get your application in today!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Governance in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Governance. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your governance experience! We want to see how you've transformed board meetings and navigated regulatory requirements in your previous roles. Be specific about your achievements.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love detail, clarity is key. Make your application easy to read by using bullet points and clear headings. This will help us quickly see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wigan & Leigh College
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on governance frameworks and regulatory requirements specific to the education sector. Familiarise yourself with Wigan & Leigh College's mission and values, as well as any recent developments in their governance practices. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in the college's future.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves transforming board meetings into strategic sessions, think about how you can contribute to that. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully guided boards through complex decisions or improved governance processes. Be ready to discuss how you can turn regulatory requirements into opportunities for excellence.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Networking is key! If possible, reach out to current or former governors and executives at Wigan & Leigh College. Understanding their perspectives and challenges can give you valuable insights to bring to the interview. Plus, it shows initiative and a genuine interest in building relationships within the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Director of Governance, you'll need to translate complex issues into clear guidance. During the interview, demonstrate your communication skills by articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples that highlight your ability to engage diverse audiences and champion transparency and accountability in governance.
