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- Tasks: Support governance processes and ensure compliance in a dynamic educational environment.
- Company: Winchester College, a prestigious institution with a focus on growth and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and the chance to shape governance standards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a newly created role during an exciting period of institutional growth.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and strong knowledge of data protection law required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and to work closely with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Winchester College is seeking an organized, tactful, and analytical Governance Officer to join our professional services team. This is a newly created role designed to support the Legal Counsel and the Bursar during an exciting period of institutional growth. Following our recent merger with The Pilgrims’ School and our expansion to a 900-pupil body, you will have the unique opportunity to review, strengthen, and embed robust governance processes that support the College’s long-term mission.
The Role
Reporting to the Legal Counsel and Bursar, you will serve as a key adviser on compliance, data protection, and risk. You will balance technical legal rigour with a practical understanding of school life, ensuring that our administrative frameworks are as excellent as our academic ones. Your key responsibilities include:
- Data Protection & Compliance
- GDPR Lead: Acting as the primary day-to-day contact for all data protection matters, ensuring full compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act.
- Process Management: Overseeing Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), managing Subject Access Requests (SARs), and handling any data breaches with the ICO.
- Culture & Training: Organizing the GDPR Committee and delivering staff training to foster a proactive culture of data awareness across the College and The Pilgrims’ School.
- System Administration: Supporting the Bursar in implementing a new risk management software solution and serving as its senior administrator.
- Risk Mitigation: Monitoring and escalating mitigation actions to ensure the College and its subsidiaries remain resilient.
- Central Repository: Establishing a central online repository for all policies, managing review schedules, and ensuring strict version control.
- Company Secretarial: Providing support for the School’s trading subsidiaries, including board paper preparation and Companies House filings.
- Complaint Oversight: Managing the internal formal complaints process, ensuring all cases are logged and tracked in line with ISI requirements.
- Governance Records: Taking minutes for Governing Body Committees and other formal proceedings (disciplinary, grievance, or investigatory) as required.
About You
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker who isn’t afraid to be "hands-on." You should be comfortable navigating complex legal frameworks while maintaining the empathy and discretion required in a close-knit educational community.
- Academic Background: Educated to degree level (or equivalent).
- Framework Expertise: Experience interpreting and applying legal or regulatory frameworks, ideally within the education or charity sectors.
- Information Governance: Strong knowledge of data protection law and best practices in information governance.
- Communication: Excellent written English and the ability to influence senior stakeholders with clarity and impartiality.
- Discretion: The ability to handle sensitive and complex issues with absolute fairness and confidentiality.
- Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding policy version control and minute-taking. Experience with risk management software or formal policy review cycles. Legal or paralegal qualifications.
What We Offer
- Start Date: Flexible, with a preference for the successful candidate to commence as soon as possible.
- Salary: A competitive salary between £30,000 and £35,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
- Hours of Work: This is primarily a full-time role (37.5 hours per week); however, part-time working may be considered for the right candidate.
- Professional Impact: The chance to shape a new role and establish governance standards for a globally recognized institution.
HOW TO APPLY
Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application. Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes. Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 1st April 2026. For the full job description and to apply please see here. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.
Governance Officer in Winchester employer: Winchester College
Contact Detail:
Winchester College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Officer in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the College's values and mission. When you walk into that interview, show us how your skills align with what Winchester College stands for. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the governance processes at the College. This shows us you're genuinely interested and ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around compliance and data protection. We want to see your analytical side shine through, so be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way we’ll accept your application, and it ensures you’re in the running for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Officer in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Governance Officer role. Highlight your experience with data protection, compliance, and any relevant legal frameworks. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent written English. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can communicate effectively.
Be Detail-Oriented: Pay attention to the details in your application. Ensure there are no typos or formatting issues, as this reflects your meticulous nature. Remember, we value precision, especially when it comes to governance!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the only way we'll accept applications. Make sure to submit your full CV and get your application in before the deadline. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winchester College
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of data protection laws, especially UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Be ready to discuss how these regulations apply in an educational context, as this will show that you understand the role's requirements.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Since this role involves a lot of process management and oversight, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex tasks or projects. Highlight your attention to detail, especially when it comes to policy version control and minute-taking.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
You’ll need to influence senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you’ve had to communicate complex legal information in an understandable way, showcasing your ability to connect with others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about potential data breaches or compliance issues you might face in this role and how you would handle them. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.