Governance and Assurance Manager (interim)

We are seeking an experienced governance professional who will provide high-quality support for the delivery of effective governance, assurance and regulatory compliance across the University for an interim period.

• Location: Newton Campus, Bath
• Salary: Grade 8A £48,823 - £56,536 (Fixed-term contract)
• Closing date: Rolling applications

Who we are

Bath Spa University is where creative minds meet. Offering a wide range of courses across the arts, sciences, education, social science and business to over 7,500 students, the University employs outstanding creative professionals who support its aim to be a leading educational institution in creativity, culture and enterprise.

Our main Newton Park campus is based in stunning countryside just a few minutes from a World Heritage City. We are also proud to offer courses to students at our other campuses around Bath and in London at our Canary Wharf and Hackney sites. An impressive 84% of our staff said they would recommend the University to a friend as a good place to work.

We are a community of colleagues, striving for excellence to ensure students thrive.

Our values are:

• Respect
• Inclusivity
• Collaboration
• Sustainability

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff and community. We foster inclusivity, celebrating and respecting differences. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders.

About the role

The Governance and Assurance Manager is a pivotal role leading the delivery of effective governance, assurance and regulatory compliance across the University, ensuring it operates successfully within an increasingly complex higher education regulatory environment.

Working at the heart of institutional governance, you will support the University in meeting its obligations to regulators and stakeholders, maintaining the robust governance arrangements required to uphold institutional credibility, accountability and ongoing registration requirements.

Acting as a trusted adviser to the Board of Governors, Board and Committee Chairs, executive colleagues and senior leaders, you will provide specialist governance expertise, helping to strengthen decision-making, manage regulatory risk and embed best practice across the institution.

Reporting to the Deputy University Secretary and working with the wider legal and governance team, the role is central to the development and continuous improvement of governance frameworks, committee structures, policies, assurance processes and regulatory reporting.

You will lead a wide range of governance and assurance activities, from Board and committee effectiveness reviews to regulatory submissions, governance projects, training programmes and corporate governance reporting.

As a visible and influential professional, you will build strong relationships across the University and external networks, ensuring governance arrangements remain compliant, current and aligned with sector expectations.

Key aspects of the role:

• Lead the delivery of governance, assurance and regulatory compliance across a complex and highly regulated environment.
• Provide expert advice to the Board, executive and senior stakeholders on governance obligations and best practice.
• Strengthen governance frameworks, policies, reporting and assurance processes.
• Drive governance effectiveness, regulatory engagement, board development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Who we are looking for

As we recruit to the permanent Governance and Assurance Manager position, we are seeking an experienced governance professional to provide interim support to the Deputy University Secretary and the wider legal and governance team.

The successful candidate will need to be available to join us in September and provide consistent support across a programme of key Board and Committee meetings during the autumn term.

Ideally, you will bring experience of governance within the higher education sector and be able to quickly establish yourself as a trusted adviser, helping to ensure the continued delivery of effective governance, assurance and regulatory compliance across the University during this transitional period.

With a strong understanding of corporate governance, assurance and regulatory compliance, gained in higher education, the public sector, charities, or other highly regulated environments, you will bring significant experience in supporting formal decision-making structures and working effectively with senior stakeholders.

A skilled communicator, you will be able to analyse complex information, exercise sound judgement and produce high-quality governance documentation, including Board papers, policies, reports and procedures. Comfortable advising senior leaders and governing bodies, you will quickly establish credibility, build effective relationships and help maintain strong governance arrangements during your time with the University.

Organised, adaptable and proactive, you will combine technical expertise with a commitment to high standards of governance and regulatory compliance. You will bring integrity, discretion and attention to detail, together with the ability to operate independently and respond effectively to evolving priorities and regulatory requirements.

This interim role can be undertaken entirely remotely and we welcome applications from experienced governance professionals across the UK who meet the essential requirements of the role.

Learn more about us

• Our website
• Our legal and governance structure
• Our board and committee schedule

To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.

For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307