Governance Manager

ROLE PURPOSE

To manage the professional delivery of corporate and academic governance across GEDU by providing high-quality governance and board services to the Board of Directors, Executive Boards, Academic Boards, and Standing Committees. The role is responsible for ensuring effective board administration, governance assurance, committee management, and corporate secretariat support while contributing to the continuous enhancement of governance frameworks, board effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with the Head of Governance, the role will support strategic business planning, embed governance best practices, and ensure governance arrangements remain aligned with national and international higher education regulations, policies, and evolving governance standards.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of the annual governance and committee calendar, ensuring effective scheduling of Board, Executive Board, Academic Board, and Committee meetings.

Deliver comprehensive board administration and corporate secretariat services, including preparation of agendas, board papers, minutes, action trackers, resolutions, and governance documentation.

Ensure governance reporting deadlines and statutory requirements are met in accordance with Board and Committee Terms of Reference and delegated authorities.

Provide expert governance advice and guidance to senior leadership, Board members, and committees on corporate governance, higher education governance, governance frameworks, regulatory obligations, and sector best practices.

Support the continuous enhancement of governance frameworks, governance assurance processes, and Board effectiveness through regular reviews, governance evaluations, and implementation of best practices.

Coordinate committee management activities, ensuring timely circulation of papers, accurate record keeping, action tracking, and effective follow-up of Board decisions.

Promote and embed effective enterprise risk management practices by ensuring governance decisions appropriately consider strategic, operational, academic, and regulatory risks.

Support strategic business planning activities by ensuring governance processes enable effective decision-making and organisational accountability.

Work closely with the Head of Governance and senior leadership to maintain compliance with UK higher education regulations, corporate governance requirements, and internal governance policies.

Foster strong collaboration between corporate governance and academic governance functions to ensure consistency and alignment across GEDU institutions.

Lead or support governance improvement initiatives, policy development, governance reviews, and special projects as directed by the Head of Governance.

Build effective relationships with senior executives, Board members, academic leaders, external regulators, and partner institutions to strengthen governance delivery.

Prepare high-quality governance reports, briefing papers, presentations, and governance updates for the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board, and Committees.

Line manage, coach, and develop the Governance Officer while promoting continuous improvement within the Governance function.

LIAISON WITH GEDU STAFF

Key relationships include the Head of Governance, Provost, International Provost, Executive Boards, Academic Boards, Board Chairs, Standing Committees, Group Chief Finance Officer, Chief Operating Officer, CEO, Deputy CEO, senior academic leaders, and partner organisations across the GEDU network.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Extensive experience supporting Boards, Executive Committees, and senior leadership within corporate governance, higher education governance, or regulated environments.

Strong understanding of higher education governance, including academic governance, corporate governance, committee structures, and regulatory compliance.

Demonstrated experience in board administration, committee management, governance assurance, corporate secretariat, and Board services.

Experience developing, implementing, and enhancing governance frameworks, governance policies, and Board effectiveness initiatives.

Sound understanding of enterprise risk management principles and governance controls.

Experience supporting strategic business planning and organisational decision-making through effective governance processes.

Excellent report writing, minute taking, and presentation skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and Board members.

Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to demanding governance deadlines.

Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, international higher education environment.

Willingness to travel across the UK and European campuses as required.