Who we are:
Weymouth & Kingston Maurward College (WKMC) is a General Further Education College with two campuses - one situated on the stunning Jurassic coastline in Dorset and the other on a beautiful 17th Century Estate near the market town of Dorchester. We are ambitious for the future and seek to continually improve and respond with agility to the considerable challenges facing the sector at the current time. Our students are at the heart of everything we do and we are proud to provide learning opportunities for all, striving to help our learners become the best that they can be.
If you share this ethos and have the talent and drive to join our team on our agenda for positive change, then this exciting post could be for you.
About the role:
We are seeking a new Director of Governance to support our Board of Governors and senior leadership team, and play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards across our College.
Our Board of Governors, which oversees the College, comprises volunteers from local industry, community and public bodies, staff and students. The Board determine the College’s direction in terms of its strategy, mission and finances, and members also serve on various specialist Committees.
As Director of Governance, you will be the trusted advisor, support and Governance professional to the Governing Body and its Committees, providing full and comprehensive support and advice to our Chair, Chris Evans, and the Corporation Members (Governors). You will be responsible for advising the Board on constitutional matters, duties, and powers within the current legislative framework and undertake research and development activities to ensure the approach to governance is based on sector best practice and that Governors have the information they need to carry out their duties.
In line with this, we need you to support us in developing and implementing appropriate processes for self-evaluation and ensure practices are aligned to relevant Codes of Good Governance and best practice.
The hours for this post will be 30 hours per week all year round with some evening work required, so flexibility is a must, particularly over busy periods. When additional hours are worked, these may be taken back at a quieter time, or paid where pre-agreed. Flexible working, including some working from home, will be possible in this role.
In addition, there will be a requirement to travel between our campuses for both Board and Committee meetings.
Who we are looking for:
You will be a strong networker and communicator who is comfortable with presenting to the Board and working with other governance professionals to drive best practice across the sector. You will work closely with the Chair of the Board, Chris Evans, to ensure that governance and associated matters are developed and driven to the very highest standard. This will be achieved by not only being an outstanding governance professional but also by building trusted relationships with all board members and the senior leadership team and in particular by working closely with the Chair and the Principal & CEO, Kate Wills.
You will apply your experience to confidently lead the development of improvements to the governance structures, systems, and processes, and an ability to develop the Board’s strategic oversight of risk and compliance and constructive challenge will be required.
To ensure the Board is enabled to make the best decisions based on the information provided by the senior leadership team, your feedback on the SLT’s reporting style and approach to the Board will be welcomed to ensure transparency and consistency.
To succeed in this role, you will provide independent, high-quality guidance on statutory, constitutional, operational, procedural and ethical issues as they affect the Board, its committees, and its subsidiaries.
You will also lead all aspects of Board induction and ongoing development to ensure our Governors are supported and developed throughout their terms of office, to enable them to fully understand and carry out the public duties expected of them. Through an ongoing review of the Board’s membership, you will ensure the skills and experience of the Board complement the College’s strategic ambitions, and the Governors reflect the diversity of our communities.
Working closely with the Chair and the Chairs of Committees, in close collaboration with our Principal & CEO, and wider senior leadership team, you will plan and manage the business of the Board and ensure people are briefed and papers are timely and appropriate for the audience.
Ideally, we would like candidates to have a Governance qualification and experience in supporting a further education governing body, or the governing body of another regulated organisation. However, we will consider candidates who do not already have a relevant Governance qualification provided you are prepared to undertake the required training to achieve the qualification within the first one to two years. It is also important to us that on appointment you have the ability to quickly grasp the legislative requirements expected of our Board and the regulatory environment in which our College operates. It is vital that you have a strong desire to work for a forward-thinking education and skills provider which enhances the life chances of thousands of people each year.
As a senior postholder, you will be appointed by, and accountable to, the governing body.
Why join us?
- Competitive Salary: Up to £60k for an exceptional candidate, depending on skills and experience.
- Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards across our College.
- Supportive Environment: Join a collaborative work dynamic dedicated to supporting each other and driving success.
- Professional Growth: Opportunity to enhance your own skills and career while contributing to the growth of others.
- Employee Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement, competitive salary pension scheme, dedicated Health & Wellbeing days and much more!
If you display the qualities that we are looking for and have the commitment and desire to make a difference, we would love to hear from you! For an informal discussion about the role, the qualifications needed or your suitability, please email [email protected] in the first instance.