Clerk to The Governors

**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.

The post holder is responsible to the Corporation for ensuring that their proceedings are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Instrument and Articles of Government, and rules and regulations made under the Articles, the Education Acts (as modified or replaced from time to time) education, charity and the general law.

The post holder is accountable to the Governing Body, through the Chair, on all matters relating to his or her duties and supports the Corporation and its members in evaluating their effectiveness and gives advice on governance development within the sector and beyond.

**Person Specification**:
1 Commitment to Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding and Health and Safety

2 Good working knowledge of Microsoft office systems

3 Able to interpret and advise appropriately in matters related to governance

4 Have experience of advising governors and senior staff in areas of expertise

5 Have experience of the operation of boards/committees in either the public or private sector and have an appreciation of the principles of governance.

6 Be willing to work flexible hours in response to the requirements of the service and be prepared to attend evening meetings

7 Be able to acquire rapidly expert knowledge related to governance

8 An ability and willingness to use own initiative

9 Able to establish relationships based on trust with governors, senior managers and outside agencies.

10 Able to communicate with government and outside agencies both in writing and verbally

11 Able to use diplomacy

12 Understand the requirements for discretion to maintain confidentiality on sensitive information

13 Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with people at all levels internally and externally

14 Excellent administrative and organisational skills and to be able to produce documents in good written English

15 Be educated to degree standard

16 Have a professional Clerking qualification or be willing to undertake the qualification

**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 act as a reference point for all enquiries relating to the Governing Body, determine the dates of meetings and establish an annual cycle of business, to organise and attend all Governing Body, Committee and Working Group meetings, having regard to the provisions of the instrument of government and the approved standing orders.

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