Governance Officer
Location: London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT) – multi‑campus
Hours: Full‑time; Permanent
Reports to: Academic Dean (dotted‑line to CEO / Chair of Board of Governors)
Role Purpose
The Governance Officer will 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, maintain key records and support senior leaders in delivering robust, transparent and student‑centred governance aligned with OfS and partner‑university expectations.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Academic Dean in maintaining LAAT’s governance framework, including scheme of delegation, terms of reference, annual business cycles and forward planners.
* Maintain and review governance documents, ensuring alignment with OfS expectations, regulatory requirements and partner‑university quality frameworks.
* Maintain a central governance manual/handbook and control access.
* Support evidence‑gathering for external reviews, inspections and due‑diligence exercises.
* Plan and coordinate meeting schedules for Board of Governors, its sub‑committees, Academic Board and its sub‑committees/panels.
* Prepare and quality‑check agendas, cover sheets, committee papers and reports.
* Manage meeting logistics: schedule invites, arrange rooms or online meetings, circulate papers and produce accurate minutes and action logs.
* Track and chase completion of actions and report on outstanding items.
* Maintain up‑to‑date records of board membership, attendance, declarations of interest and confidentiality agreements.
* Support governor and member lifecyle processes: recruitment, appointment, re‑appointment, term‑of‑office monitoring and renewal reminders.
* Coordinate induction programmes for new governors and committee members.
* Maintain the institutional policy register, coordinate policy review activity with policy owners, and support the maintenance of key risk registers related to governance and compliance, academic quality and standards.
* Assist in preparing documentation and evidence for internal audits, mock reviews, partner‑university audits and OfS readiness work.
* Develop and maintain structured electronic filing systems for governance (e.g., SharePoint, Teams). Ensure version control and secure storage of agendas, papers, minutes, policies and governance manuals.
* Provide governance‑related support to the Academic Dean, including drafting governance reports, preparing dashboards on attendance, actions, policy updates and risk items, and coordinating responses to external information requests.
* 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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Essential: Degree‑level education or equivalent experience.
* Desirable: Governance‑related qualification (e.g. ICSA/CGI) or willingness to pursue one; training in higher education governance, risk management or related areas.
Experience
* Essential: Experience supporting boards, committees or formal decision‑making groups; drafting agendas, collating papers and taking accurate minutes; working with senior staff and handling confidential information.
* Desirable: Experience in higher or further education, a regulator, professional body or similar; experience in governance improvement projects.
Knowledge
* Essential: Understanding of core governance principles; awareness of UK higher education as a regulated environment.
* Desirable: Knowledge of academic governance structures and awareness of OfS and partner‑university expectations.
Skills & Competencies
* Strong organisational and planning skills; able to manage multiple deadlines.
* Excellent written skills, including clear and concise minute‑taking.
* Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
* High attention to detail and accuracy.
* Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, building positive relationships at all levels.
* High levels of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
Values & Behaviours
* Commitment to LAAT’s mission, vision and values.
* Commitment to widening participation and supporting diverse student communities.
* Student‑centred approach to governance and decision‑making.
* Willingness to adapt in a fast‑growing organisation and contribute to continuous improvement.
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