Role purpose

Reporting to the University Secretary, the Deputy University Secretary/Director of Governance is responsible for the overall management and performance of the Governance unit and the provision of robust governance and policy support services to the University, the University Council, Academic Board and their committees. You will ensure the University has the structures and systems of governance in place to enable it to respond and compete efficiently and effectively in a modern and fast changing environment, whilst ensuring the securing of appropriate standards of conduct and accountability. Under the direction of the Deputy University Secretary, the Governance team manages the governance frameworks of the University which cover legislation, policy, compliance and delegations of authority. The Governance team also provides administrative and secretariat support and services to the University’s governing body, the Council, and to their committees, and logistical support to events hosted by the Chair of Council. As Professional Head of Service, providing strategic leadership for the cohesive and efficient operation of the Governance team, across the full range of its activities and functions, and effective working with other services in support of delivery of the University Strategy including: • Advising the University Senior Executive Team on regulatory, policy and compliance issues; • Managing the University’s response to policy and regulatory change, advising on and coordinating action across the University as necessary; • Ensuring the University meets its statutory and related responsibilities; • Providing advice and guidance on the application and interpretation of the University’s governing documents and related governance processes and procedures; • Responsible for the effective leadership and management of all staff within the Governance team including the management of performance objectives, taking appropriate action to address issues and recognise achievement; • Ensuring the skills and capabilities exist across the team and there is appropriate innovation, succession planning and talent management in place. The Deputy Secretary will also deputise for the University Secretary where required on key committees and other strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and implement good governance practices and provide advice and support to the Chair, Council and its committees, Vice-Chancellor, University Secretary and senior management in the good governance of the University. • Oversee and undertake regular reviews of the University’s governance framework and structure and propose amendments to the Council in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chancellor and University Secretary. • Oversee the effective discharge of the University’s statutory and legislative obligations and provide advice on obligations and compliance requirements with regards to the University Charter, Statutes, Ordinances, external legislation, etc. • Manage the University’s delegations and compliance frameworks and associated databases/registers, and review, maintain and manage amendments as required. • Conduct periodic reviews or audits of external legislation and internal processes and procedures to ensure best practice and compliance with the delegations and compliance frameworks and advise the Council and senior management accordingly. • Act as the University’s Policy Custodian and maintain the University’s policy framework and database, including policies, procedures and guidelines. • Review, maintain and manage amendments to the University Statutes and Rules and governance policy documents. • Ensure the smooth operation of the Council, Academic Board and their committees and coordinate the provision of quality governance and secretariat support, including the preparation of agendas, meeting papers, minutes and annual plans in a timely and accurate manner. • Prepare briefing papers and submissions on matters requiring approval by the Chair, Council, Academic Board and their committees and exercise discretion and strict confidentiality. • Coordinate the internal and external assessments of Council and committee performance (in consultation with the University Secretary and the Chair) and make recommendations for addressing the required balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the Council and its committees. • Conduct the election and appointment processes for the Council, Academic Board and their committees, as well as other University bodies, in accordance with relevant statutory requirements, and act as the Returning Officer. • Maintain appropriate University registers including conflicts of interest, and ensure all necessary statutory, regulatory and authority filings for the University. • Act as the first point of contact, together with the University Secretary, for the Chair, Vice-Chancellor and members of the Council in relation to Council, committee and University matters. • Ensure the appropriate University records are maintained in accordance with legislative and University recordkeeping requirements. • Manage the official party proceedings for graduation ceremonies, including coordination of regalia, speeches stage planning and requirements of VIP guests. • Undertake other tasks as reasonably required by the Chair, Council and University Secretary.