Head of Governance

£55,825 to £59,302 per annum starting salary

Dependent on experience, skills and knowledge, with further pay progression related to performance, the salary may increase up to £69,528.

An opportunity has arisen for an outstanding corporate leader to join the independent national agency for quality and standards in higher education.

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) safeguards quality and standards in UK universities and colleges, ensuring that students have the best possible learning experience. At a time when students' expectations are increasing, new providers are entering the market, and the global reach of UK higher education is expanding, good governance has never been more important. We are seeking to appoint a talented individual with a proven track record in strategic leadership to oversee and manage our corporate governance.

An outstanding manager and leader, you will have extensive experience of supporting and advising boards and senior committees and be accomplished at resolving complex issues including complaints, and commissioning legal advice. Your strong interpersonal and influencing skills will quickly enable you to build up credibility. You will be adept at managing the varied demands that this role entails.

The Head of Governance is responsible for keeping the 'conscience' of QAA by monitoring compliance with the regulatory and legislative requirements and ensuring that the Board's decisions are acted upon and continue to provide public benefit.

Key duties include:

• supporting the Chair of the Board, and acting as Company Secretary of QAA (and its subsidiaries)
• maintaining the register of subscribing institutions
• ensuring effective management of the processes of appeals against our judgements
• managing the provision of legal services and overseeing the corporate risk register
• managing a team of staff providing administrative support across the organisation.

A thorough understanding of good practices in corporate governance and the relationship between a Board and executive directors is essential.

We offer a competitive benefits package including contributory pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement, benenden healthcare and a tailored induction programme.

This is a full-time permanent role based in our Gloucester head office and will involve some travel throughout the UK, especially to our London office.

For more information about the post, including details of how to apply, please visit our website via the APPLY button or email:vacancies@qaa.ac.uk.

Closing date for all applications: Monday 14 July 2014 (midday)

First stage interviews will be held on: Monday 4 August 2014
Second stage interviews will be held on: Friday 8 August 2014

No agencies, no CVs

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Southgate House, Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1UB
Registered charity numbers 1062746 and SC037786