Governor

Job Description

Company: William College

Address: Bridge House, 320 High Street, London, E15 1EP

Role: Governor

Location: Virtual with some face-to-face meetings

Start date: Immediate start and will serve for a term of up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for additional term of up to two years, subject to review.

Number of meetings a year: At least four meetings per year, with additional meetings scheduled as required to respond.

Remuneration: While this role is considered voluntary, we recognise the regulatory and strategic responsibilities it entails. As such, remuneration is attached to these roles to reflect the commitment required.

Role Purpose

As a Governor on the Board, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction and governance of William College. Governors are responsible for ensuring the College meets regulatory requirements, delivers high-quality education, offers an excellent student learning experience, is effective in its operations and partnership relations, and is financially viable and resilient. Governors provide oversight and support to the senior leaders, ensuring that the College’s vision and mission are fulfilled, and students’ interests are central to decision-making.

This Governor role at William College is a strategic governance position that contributes to the College's long-term success and sustainability, distinct from day-to-day operational management.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Scenario Planning:

• Contribute to the development, review, and approval of the College’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with its mission, vision, and long-term goals.
• Support the Board of Governors in setting strategic priorities and monitor the effective implementation of these goals.
• Assist in aligning the College’s activities with its strategic plan and the regulatory framework set by the Office for Students (OfS).
• Support the Board in accessing relevant data and information to inform decision-making and improve institutional performance.

Governance and Compliance:

• Assist the Board of Governors in ensuring compliance with best governance practices, regulatory requirements, and the College’s governing documents and policies.
• Support the development and implementation of robust governance frameworks and policies to maintain high standards of accountability and transparency.
• Help ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and educational standards, and monitor adherence to OfS conditions.
• Keep the Board informed of any regulatory changes, new policies, or sector-wide developments that may impact the College.

Board Management:

• Attend Board meetings and participate in discussions, adopting an open and inclusive culture.
• Contribute to effective and timely decision-making by ensuring clear action points are set, tracked, and implemented.
• Facilitate productive and respectful discussions that encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas among Board members.
• Assist in ensuring that Board decisions are implemented efficiently and in line with agreed actions.

Stakeholder engagement:

• Act as an ambassador for William College, promoting its values and enhancing its reputation among key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the senior leadership, staff, students, alumni, and other external groups, such as the local community.
• Meet regularly with the senior leadership to provide support and ensure that the team’s workload and wellbeing are considered and managed effectively.
• Represent the College at events, meetings, and other forums where governance and strategic direction are discussed.

Support and development:

• Provide guidance and support to the senior leadership, including the College’s CEO, assisting with strategic decision-making and institutional priorities.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, both within the Board and across the wider William College community.
• Engage in professional development opportunities to remain effective in governance and understand emerging challenges in higher education.
• Promote a culture of learning and development to support the growth of the Board and the institution’s leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in a senior leadership, governance, or non-executive role, ideally within higher education, the arts, or creative industries.
• A good understanding of governance practices, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning in higher education.
• Experience in areas such as finance, audit, risk management, Human Resources, organisational development, education quality, and/or student services is highly desirable.
• A passion for law and business education and a commitment to ensuring the success of students and the institution.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with a focus on long-term institutional success.
• Ability to engage in strategic discussions and provide constructive challenge to senior leadership.
• Knowledge of financial management, with the ability to interpret financial documents and budgets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse Board environment.
• A commitment to transparent governance, ethical leadership, EDI, and high standards of accountability.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a focus on sustainable growth and innovation.
• A strong advocate for student success, institutional excellence, and educational access.
• Collaborative and inclusive, with a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion in higher education.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional growth.

Benefits

• Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Company Sick Policy.
• Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
• Career development opportunities
• Training and self-development opportunities.
• Gym membership discounts
• Retail discount schemes
• Cinema discounts
• Grocery discounts
• Cycle to work
• Investing and savings opportunities
• Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
• Financial wellbeing education
• My Mind Pal (mental fitness)

Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

William College is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for all staff and students. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Governance Principles

Members of the Board are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct in line with the Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles) and the Committee of University Chairs (CUC) Higher Education Code of Governance. These principles underpin the Board’s approach to leadership, accountability, transparency, and decision-making, ensuring that all governors act in the best interests of the institution and its stakeholders at all times.