Overview
We are seeking a high performing and experienced University Secretary to enhance UEA governance and regulatory compliance and contribute to the strategic leadership of the University.
Critical to our future success is sound governance, business assurance and a robust compliance structure. Reporting to the Chair of Council and Vice-Chancellor & President, you will build effective relationships and influence and guide high quality decision making, supporting and advising Council, the Executive Team and our wider community.
You will play a crucial role by being collaborative but visibly independent and confident in acting objectively in the University's best interests in a dynamic and complex environment. You will provide independent advice to Council, Senate and the Vice-Chancellor, and ensure that the University acts with integrity in the conduct of its business and fulfils its statutory and regulatory responsibilities. Council is increasingly operating in an agile and action-focused way, moving quickly to assess the risks and opportunities UEA is facing, so you must be comfortable operating in a changing environment.
This is a University Senior Management Team (the Executive Team) position, and as a key member of the leadership team, you will lead on Corporate and Academic Governance, Compliance, Risk, and Health and Safety. You will be the principal architect of the governing bodies, responsible for advising on governance and board development. You will provide strategic direction and ensure compliance across all statutory, regulatory and policy requirements and play a pivotal role in creating strategic value and ensuring institutional sustainability. The University Secretary will also lead specific strategic projects at Executive Team level, as agreed with the Vice-Chancellor, contributing to institutional transformation and operational excellence. Working collaboratively with fellow Executive Team members, the University Secretary will help drive institutional performance, safeguard reputational integrity, and promote an inclusive and forward-thinking university environment.
Externally, at both local and national level, you will be accountable for UEA's relationships with relevant government departments and organisations, including OfS, UKRI, UKVI, CMA, ICO and OIA, professional agencies and local community groups. Globally, you will oversee relevant activities governed by European/international legislation and contracts as well as specific agreements with partner establishments and subsidiary companies.
This is your opportunity to make an enduring and strategic contribution to a University with global presence, a strong social mission, and a foundation of academic excellence. UEA has consistently led the way in adapting to the evolving higher education landscape. You'll collaborate with ambitious colleagues in a supportive and forward-thinking environment, where your leadership and vision will help shape the future of the University and the communities we serve.
This full-time post is available from 1 January 2026 on an indefinite basis. Salary will be discussed on appointment.
Responsibilities
* Lead on Corporate and Academic Governance, Compliance, Risk, and Health and Safety as a key member of the Executive Team.
* Be the principal architect of the governing bodies, advising on governance and board development.
* Provide strategic direction and ensure compliance across statutory, regulatory and policy requirements.
* Lead specific strategic projects at Executive Team level, contributing to institutional transformation and operational excellence.
* Collaborate with Executive Team members to drive institutional performance, safeguard reputational integrity, and promote an inclusive and forward-thinking university environment.
* Maintain external relationships with government departments and organisations (e.g., OfS, UKRI, UKVI, CMA, ICO, OIA), professional agencies, and local community groups.
* Oversee activities governed by European/international legislation and contracts and manage agreements with partner establishments and subsidiary companies.
Qualifications / Experience
* Experience as a University Secretary or in a senior governance, compliance, or regulatory role equivalent to lead governance at a university or comparable organisation.
* Ability to provide independent advice to Council, Senate and the Vice-Chancellor and act in the University's best interests.
* Strong track record of leading governance, risk management, compliance, and related strategic projects.
* Experience building effective relationships with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies at local, national and international levels.
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