Clerk to the Governing Body
Are you passionate about education and the difference it can make to people’s lives? We are one of only seven institutes of adult learning nationally, with a focus on the learning needs of adults.
Our mission is to enable adults and communities thrive through education helping to open new doors, provide opportunities and improve wellbeing. We are proud to be different, taking pride in our unique character and our inclusive approach to learning.
About the role:
The Clerk to the Governors is an officer of the Corporation who has a central role in promoting the effective governance of the Governing Body and the proper conduct of its business.
Person Specification:
Commitment to Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding and Health and Safety
Good working knowledge of Microsoft office systems
Able to interpret and advise appropriately in matters related to governance
Have experience of advising governors and senior staff in areas of expertise
Have experience of the operation of boards/committees in either the public or private sector and have an appreciation of the principles of governance
Be willing to work flexible hours in response to the requirements of the service and be prepared to attend evening meetings
Be able to acquire rapidly expert knowledge related to governance
An ability and willingness to use own initiative
Able to establish relationships based on trust with governors, senior managers and outside agencies
Able to communicate with government and outside agencies both in writing and verbally
Able to use diplomacy
Understand the requirements for discretion to maintain confidentiality on sensitive information
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with people at all levels internally and externally
Excellent administrative and organisational skills and to be able to produce documents in good written English
Be educated to degree standard
Role Profile:
Provide independent advice on the role, function and constitution of the Governing Body and its committees in relation to:
The instrument and articles of government
The financial memorandum
The audit code of practice
The standing orders of the Governing Body
The terms of reference and standing orders of the committees of the Governing Body
The financial regulations and financial procedures of the College
The code of conduct
The Code of Governance
Senior post holder recruitment and employment matters
Any other relevant legislation and regulations and governance development and to make available professional advice to the Corporation and to individual College Members as required.
To provide briefings for members of the Governing Body, non-governor members and, in particular, the Chair of the Governing Body and the Chairs of committees and working groups on current issues in the sector and on governance issues generally.
To liaise with all relevant parties in order to prepare agendas for meetings, obtain required reports and to arrange the distribution of documents to members and other relevant parties, to prepare reports on governance and other issues falling within the terms of reference of the Board.
To prepare minutes of meetings and consult the Chair (and others) on the accuracy of the draft, to advise the Governing Body on expected and actual vacancies, to liaise with individuals and bodies on membership in line with the wishes of the Search and Governance Committee and the Governing Body.
To prepare and issue letters of appointment on behalf of the Governing Body and arrange the induction programme for new members of the Governing Body, to monitor the attendance of members, having regard to the instrument of government and the standing orders and to advise the Governing Body accordingly, and draft and keep under review the standing orders and to suggest to the Governing Body possible improvements and amendments to meet changed circumstances.
In liaison with the Chair and Principal, keep under constant review the terms of reference of the committees and working groups to suggest to the Governing Body possible improvements and amendments to meet changed circumstances and to maintain the register of members’ interests and to make this available for review by interested parties.
To conduct correspondence on behalf of the Chair and the Governing Body, be responsible for the proper use of the College seal
To support the Board in the identification of individual and Board training needs and participate in the provision and organisation of the training, to support the Governing Body in evaluating their own effectiveness, including:
a. Arranging the process of annual self–assessment.
b. Supporting the Corporation during external inspection.
c. Arranging for independent evaluation of the work of the Corporation where appropriate.

(To see the full job description, please visit the application page on the link given).