University Secretary

circa £60,000 + package

About the Opportunity

The University is looking to appoint a University Secretary to be an intrinsic part of the executive team, directly responsible to the Vice Chancellor. The post will allow for significant contribution to the strategic development of the University and, consequently, a meaningful and innovative role in its future.

Main purpose of Post

The Secretary will:

• Be responsible for corporate governance issues in relation to the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government, the Board of Governors and its committees and any other governance structures which the University shall put in place
• Provide legal advice on the full range of issues relating to the operation of the Board and the University, securing, as appropriate, advice from the University’s legal advisors and other external sources
• Contribute to all aspects of the University’s strategy and operations in a manner consistent with his/her function and senior executive status

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties of the post fall into three categories although these will inevitably overlap from time to time

Corporate Governance

• To ensure that the business of the Board of Governors and its Committees is conducted in an excellent and effective manner in accordance with the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government and Ordinances and Regulations
• To ensure that the University’s Articles of Government and its Ordinances and Regulations and procedures are reviewed regularly with respect to relevance, effectiveness and compliance with statutory requirements and regulations
• To ensure that the work of the Board and its committees complies with best practice in governance, in respect of such matters as:
  
  • Creating a succession plan for the Board which ensures an appropriate balance of skills and backgrounds
  • Conducting regular reviews of the effectiveness of the Board and its strategic contribution to the University
  • Making arrangements for the induction of new Board members and for the subsequent development of all Board members
  • Putting in place and effective system of administration of meetings, agenda, minutes etc
  • Acting as the focal point for communication between Members of the Board and the Senior Executive
  • Advising the Members of the Board on good governance practice, and compliance with the Committee of Council Chairmen (CUC) Guide and Code of Practice for Members of Higher Education Governing Bodies in the UK
  • Ensuring that all constitutional and procedural matters are conducted with the highest standards of probity e.g. election of Board Members; declarations of interest

Legal and Compliance

To provide advice and guidance, as appropriate in the following areas:

• Public Interest Disclosures
• Copyright and Intellectual property rights issues
• Contracts with external bodies
• Freedom of Information Act
• Data Protection Act
• Student contractual matters
• Scholarships, Trusts and endowments
• Health and Safety
• Environmental Regulations
• Licensing arrangements

This list is not exclusive.

• To act as Company Secretary and, as appropriate, a Director of limited companies established by the University
• To provide legal advice to the Director of Development, the Director for Academic Enterprise and other appropriate members of staff on commercial, company and funding issues

Executive

• To act as a member of the University’s Executive Board and the Vice Chancellor’s Senior Advisory Group
• To act as Clerk for the Academic Board and to be responsible for the effective interaction between the Academic Board, the Board of Governors and the University’s Senior Executive Group
• To administer and support internal procedures in relation to staff and student pleas of grievance, disciplinary processes and appeals, at the level of the Board of Governors and to advise the Board as appropriate
• To arrange and contribute to programmes for the development of University managers on the application of current legislation to matters of governance and procedure
• To Chair the University’s Governance and Management sub committee
• To act as Secretary to the University’s Health and Safety Committee
• To perform other tasks and undertake duties as are determined from time to time by the Chair of the Board of Governors or the Vice Chancellor, consistent with the function and grade of the post

About You

Essential

• A degree or equivalent

Skills/ Knowledge

• Excellent written communication skills
• Superb verbal, presentation and debating skills
• A proven understanding of contractual and legal issues in a commercial context
• Demonstrable ability to think strategically and to create and implement new policies
• Excellent organisational and co-ordination skills
• Able to use ICT to enhance personal and functional effectiveness

Experience

• A successful record in a relevant senior post in a Higher Education or in a medium to large complex organisation
• Experience of advising on constitutional and compliance issues within a medium to large complex organisation

Personal Qualities

• Unquestionable personal integrity and probity
• Diplomacy and discretion
• Independence
• A genuine and demonstrable commitment to equality of opportunity
• Astuteness and political awareness
• Personal prexence and the ability to gernerate trust and confidence among senior colleagues and external contacts
• Commitment to the role and purpose of Higher Education Institutions

Desirable

Qualifications

• A relevant Higher Degree or Professional Qualification

Skills/ Knowledge

• Understanding of legal issues affecting Higher Education, including governance and legal compliance
• Experience of committee and agenda management

Salary circa £60,000 plus benefits

• Final Salary Pension Scheme
• Relocation package, if applicable
• 33 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Sick pay scheme after qualifying period

To Apply

Click on the link below to submit your CV online

For an informal conversation about the organisation and the role, please contact Claire MacLeod, Higher and Further Education – Hays Executive, Public Services

Phone: 01625 419653
Fax: 020 7510 5076
Email: claire.macleod@hays.com

Recruitment Timetable

• Closing date for applications: 26 May 2006
• First competency based interviews conducted at Hays Executive offices in Wilmslow, Cheshire
• Shortlisted Candidates to attend panel interview and assessment centre at the University of Bolton 27 June 2006
• Appointment ratified by Board of Governors 12 July 2006
• Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references