Description
🏛️ Director of Governance
📍 Hugh Baird College, Liverpool
🕓 Full-Time, Permanent
💷 Circa £58,000
🌴 40 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
💼 Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
🎁 Access to Medicash and a wide range of staff benefits
Shape the Future of Governance in Further Education
Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for integrity, accountability, and public service? Hugh Baird College is seeking a Director of Governance to support our Corporation Board and senior leadership team in delivering outstanding governance and compliance.
This is a pivotal role at the heart of the College’s leadership, offering a unique opportunity to influence decision-making, uphold the highest standards of governance, and ensure the College continues to thrive in a complex and evolving educational landscape.
Why Join Hugh Baird College?
We are a vibrant, inclusive, and ambitious college with a strong reputation for transforming lives through education. As Director of Governance, you will:
* Work closely with the Chair of the Corporation and Principal as part of a strategic leadership triumvirate.
* Provide impartial, expert advice on governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
* Lead the planning and delivery of Corporation and Committee business.
* Support the recruitment, development, and effectiveness of Governors.
* Champion transparency, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.
📢 Apply Now
If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a college that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 For an informal conversation, contact: humanresources@hughbaird.ac.uk
Key Responsibilities
Provision of Advice and Support
* Provide impartial advice and guidance on corporate governance matters.
* Ensure compliance with statutory and procedural frameworks.
* Support the Chair, Committees, and Principal with governance processes.
* Coordinate Governor engagement and development.
Meetings of the Corporation and Committees
* Develop and maintain effective governance structures.
* Ensure smooth and compliant conduct of Corporation business.
* Maintain high standards of public office and governance ethics.
Agendas, Reports and Minutes
* Prepare and distribute agendas and papers.
* Attend and advise at meetings.
* Draft and finalise minutes and follow up on actions.
* Facilitate communication between governance and executive teams.
Membership of the Corporation
* Manage membership records and succession planning.
* Coordinate recruitment and induction of new Governors.
* Monitor attendance and report annually.
Governance
* Maintain registers of interests and compliance documentation.
* Review and update governance policies and procedures.
* Ensure legal compliance and risk management.
Training, Induction and Self-Assessment
* Deliver Governor training and induction.
* Support self-assessment and continuous improvement.
* Maintain professional development and sector engagement.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a candidate who:
* Has significant experience in governance, legal, or compliance roles—ideally within education or the public sector.
* Possesses a deep understanding of statutory frameworks, regulatory compliance, and board-level operations.
* Is confident, diplomatic, and highly organised, with excellent communication and influencing skills.
* Can work independently while building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
* A relevant governance qualification (e.g. ICSA) and experience working with senior postholders or Boards is desirable.
For the full person specification please refer to the attached job description for further details
Rewards and Benefits at Hugh Baird College
Why Join Hugh Baird College?
When you join us, you become part of a caring and supportive community that prioritises employee wellbeing, development, and recognition. Here are some of the benefits available to you:
Generous holiday allowance
Up to 50 days annual holiday allowance, excluding bank holidays.
Flexible Working
We offer flexible working options depending on the business need, which can provide a better work-life balance for our employees.
Medicash
Access to Medicash’s health plans are designed to look after you and your family by boosting your access to treatment and support.
Pension Scheme
You will have access to two of the best pension schemes in the country, the Teachers' or the Local Government Pension schemes, depending on your role with us.
Professional Development
We are committed to providing continual professional development, with both formal and informal opportunities designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and career growth.
Industrial Commercial Updates
Our teachers receive 35 hours per year to choose a commercial operation to visit with a view to bringing new innovative ideas back to the College.
Reward and Recognition
Our 'Get Recognised' employee reward scheme enables continuous acknowledgement of employee contributions, and our annual staff celebration event highlights colleagues who consistently embody our values.
Lifestyle Fitness Gym
You will have discounted access to our fully-equipped and modern on-campus Lifestyle Fitness gym.
Health and Wellbeing
You will have opportunities to take part in staff groups such as yoga, walking and meditation. You will also have access to Mental Health support and a Cycle to Work scheme.
Travel
You can take advantage of discounted rail travel or bus travel, interest-free season ticket loans for public transport services and free on-campus parking.
Retail Discounts
You will have access to offers to cashback and discounts at well-known retailers.
Blue Light Card
You may be eligible to apply for a Blue Light card, giving you access to exclusive discounts.
Who We Are
Hugh Baird College and University Centre is one of the top further education providers in the UK and one of only three colleges in the North West to hold an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
Serving the Liverpool City Region, the College includes Sefton Sixth Form College in Litherland and offers a wide range of opportunities, including vocational training for school leavers and adults, apprenticeships, A-levels, and university-level courses.
As a Mindful Employer, we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture around mental health. By signing the Charter for Employers Positive about Mental Health, we ensure our colleagues feel confident discussing mental health and accessing the support they need.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Across our campuses, provisions, and the entire organisation, we are united by a shared vision, mission, strategic priorities, and values. These define who we are, shape our behaviour, and guide our work every day. Find out more
Safeguarding Our Students
Hugh Baird College is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect all staff to uphold this commitment. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, and applicants must disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or final warnings in accordance with current guidelines.
Are you ready to make your mark?
This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking team, shape the future of education, and leave a legacy of impact. Start your application today.