At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance processes and coordinate activities for ZSL’s Council and committees.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting wildlife.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging diverse applicants and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while developing your governance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or governance, with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 35200 £ per year.
As Governance Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Head of Legal, Governance and Risk Management to ensure the smooth and effective operation of ZSL’s Council (Board of Trustees), committees, including the Executive Committee, and wider governance processes. This is a varied and central role, coordinating governance activity and helping to ensure that the right information reaches the right people at the right time. You’ll support the preparation and flow of high-quality information, maintain accurate records, coordinate actions and follow-ups, and help ensure governance processes run efficiently and effectively.
This role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, with two to three days a week based at our Regent’s Park offices and the remaining days available to work from home or onsite, depending on your preference. Your office days may be subject to change if your attendance is required on‑site for key meetings.
Please note: Depending on the number of applicants, the selection process may involve two stages. The first stage will be an online interview via Microsoft Teams, followed by a second-stage interview held in person at our Regent’s Park site.
Key responsibilities
- Board & Committee Support: Support the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee by preparing meeting packs, attending meetings and taking minutes.
- Governance Administration: Provide day‑to‑day administrative support for trustee appointments, Charity Commission filings and wider governance activities.
- Governance Support: Support the review and improvement of ZSL’s governance standards and processes, including benchmarking against the Charity Governance Code.
About You
- Experience in an administrative, governance, legal, company secretarial or similar support role.
- Experience organising meetings and committees, including coordinating papers, agendas and follow-up actions.
- Experience taking accurate minutes and maintaining clear and well‑organised records.
- Experience handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.
About Us
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What We Offer?
Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Up to 12% contributory pension
- Flexible working options
- 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Access to our staff Equality Networks
- Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
- Cycle2Work scheme and interest‑free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)
You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide. We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
Governance Coordinator employer: Zoological Society of London
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of conservation while supporting vital systems that enhance visitor experiences. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, ZSL fosters professional growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in wildlife conservation.
Contact Details:
Zoological Society of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Coordinator
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Zoological Society of London, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Zoological Society of London and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Zoological Society of London and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Zoological Society of London, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Zoological Society of London.
