Job Title: Governance Support Officer
Reports to: Academic Dean (with dotted-line to CEO / Chair of Board of Governors)
Location: London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT) – multi-campus
Hours: Full-time; Permanent
Important Note:
This is a professional support role focused on the coordination and administration of governance processes. It is not a senior, strategic, or leadership-level role. This position is suitable for someone building or developing their governance career, or for an experienced administrator seeking to specialise in governance.
1. Role Purpose
To provide dedicated support for LAAT’s governance framework, ensuring that Board and committee structures operate effectively and compliantly.
The post holder will:
* Coordinate governance cycles, meetings and documentation.
* Maintain key governance records, policies and registers.
* Support the Academic Dean and senior leaders in delivering robust, transparent and student-centred governance aligned with OfS and partner-university expectations.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Governance Framework & Compliance
* Support the Academic Dean in maintaining LAAT’s governance framework, including:
o Scheme of Delegation and decision-making maps
o Terms of Reference (ToR) for Board, Academic Board and sub-committees
o Annual cycles of business and forward planners
* Maintain and periodically review governance documents to ensure:
o Alignment with OfS expectations and regulatory requirements
o Alignment with partner-university governance and quality frameworks
* Maintain a central governance manual / handbook and ensure controlled access.
* Support evidence-gathering for external reviews, inspections and due-diligence exercises.
2.2 Board, Academic Board & Committee Support
* Plan and coordinate meeting schedules for:
o Board of Governors and its sub-committees
o Academic Board and its sub-committees / panels
* Prepare and quality-check:
o Agendas and cover sheets
o Committee papers and reports (formatting, completeness, clarity of recommendations)
* Manage meeting logistics:
o Scheduling and calendar invites
o Room and/or online meeting arrangements
o Timely circulation of papers and supporting documents
* Produce accurate minutes and action logs for designated meetings.
* Track and chase completion of actions; report on outstanding items.
2.3 Governor & Committee Member Administration
* Maintain up-to-date records of:
o Membership of Board, Academic Board and sub-committees
o Governor and committee attendance
o Declarations of interest and confidentiality agreements
* Support governor and member lifecycle processes:
o Recruitment, appointment and re-appointment
o Term-of-office monitoring and renewal reminders
* Coordinate induction programmes for new governors and committee members.
2.4 Policies, Risk & Assurance
* Maintain the institutional policy register and review schedule.
* Coordinate policy review activity with policy owners (e.g. Dean, Registrar, Quality, HR).
* Support the maintenance of key risk registers related to:
o Governance and compliance
o Academic quality and standards (in liaison with Quality / Academic leads)
* Assist in preparing documentation and evidence for:
o Internal audits and mock reviews
o Partner-university audits and OfS readiness work
2.5 Records, Systems & Information Management
* Develop and maintain structured electronic filing systems for governance (e.g. SharePoint, Teams).
* Ensure version control and secure storage of:
o Agendas, papers and minutes
o Policies and governance manuals
* Handle sensitive and confidential information in line with data protection and LAAT policies.
2.6 Support to the Academic Dean
* Provide governance-related support to the Academic Dean, including:
o Drafting governance reports and summary papers
o Preparing dashboards on attendance, actions, policy updates and risk items
o Coordinating responses to external information requests relating to governance
* Help ensure effective linkage between:
o Corporate governance (Board)
o Academic governance (Academic Board and quality committees)
2.7 General
* Contribute to cross-institutional projects with a governance or compliance component.
* Identify and suggest improvements to governance processes and templates.
* Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post.
Requirements
3. Person Specification
* Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
* Experience supporting boards/committees, preparing papers, and taking accurate minutes.
* Ability to work with senior staff and handle confidential information.
* Understanding of core governance principles and willingness to develop HE governance knowledge.
* Strong organisational skills; able to manage multiple deadlines.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* High attention to detail and accuracy.
* Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).
* Professional, discreet and able to build effective working relationships.
* Commitment to LAAT’s mission, values and widening participation.
* Adaptable, proactive and focused on continuous improvement.
* (Desirable) Governance-related training or qualification.
* (Desirable) Experience in higher education, regulation or governance improvement projects.