We are seeking an experienced governance professional to join the corporate governance and legal team to provide high-quality support for the delivery of effective governance, assurance and regulatory compliance across the University.
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 82% 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 the University 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 corporate governance and legal team, your role will be 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
We are seeking an experienced governance professional with a strong understanding of corporate governance, assurance and regulatory compliance, gained within higher education, the public sector, charities or another highly regulated environment.
You will bring significant experience of supporting formal decision-making structures and working collaboratively with senior stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and deliver effective governance arrangements.
A highly skilled communicator, you will be able to analyse complex information, exercise sound judgement and produce clear, concise and authoritative governance documentation, including board papers, policies, reports and procedures. You will be confident advising senior leaders and governing bodies, building trusted relationships and influencing positive outcomes across a diverse range of stakeholders.
We seek someone who can combine technical expertise with excellent organisational skills, a proactive approach and a commitment to high standards of governance and regulatory compliance.
Equally comfortable working independently or as part of a team, you will demonstrate integrity, discretion and attention to detail, alongside the flexibility and curiosity needed to respond effectively to emerging regulatory requirements and evolving organisational priorities.
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
About us
At Bath Spa University, we believe in the power of education to break down barriers to opportunity and to transform lives.
We are ‘Professionally Creative’ for the future. Professional Creativity transcends subject disciplines and is just as important for our sciences, education, business and law subjects as it is for our sector-leading creative industries provision.
We connect learners, staff and external partners with applied research and innovation.
We power inclusive growth through skills development and practice-based, innovation-intensive learning for all.
We foster inclusivity, celebrating and respecting differences.
We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders. We consider our recruitment practices to be comprehensive and unbiased, ensuring fairness, transparency and equal opportunity for all.
We are one University: collaborating across our sites, departments and disciplines to align priorities, share expertise, streamline processes and work together to deliver our strategic goals.
Staff benefits
We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including:
- Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher’s Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post-retirement.
- Enhanced paid leave: 41 – 46 days depending on the role (full-time) – more details can be found here.
- Family-friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on-site nursery and a sector-leading enhanced maternity scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme, which offers access to on-demand GP appointments, well-being support & advice and access to counselling.
- Transport schemes, including the Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work.
- Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through an easy-to-use app.
For further details about all our staff benefits, have a look at our rewards page.
Learn more about us
We understand that different members of the community have different access needs and have made some modifications to the way we do business to accommodate people from diverse communities and abilities.
We offer the following amenities:
- Accessibility dogs are welcome.
- Papers and materials can be presented in different formats, with reasonable notice.
- A sign language interpreter can be accessed for interview, with reasonable notice.
Further information
General information about building accessibility can be viewed here, or here for Main House (which is where interviews would be held). Some areas have limited accessibility due to the age of the building
Please see our EDI report published in 2025 Bath Spa Counts 2024.
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Dr Sophie Carney | sophie@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07399 528307
Thank you for your interest in this role. Please download the Role Description and Person Specification.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please include your home address, contact email and mobile.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk, inserting “Application: Bath Spa University — Governance and Assurance Manager” into the subject field. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2-3 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact our admin team.
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
As a sector-leading executive search consultancy, we know the importance of creating recruitment processes that are fair, inclusive and free from bias. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a process that values differences.
If you require any job information in an alternative format (e.g. large print), please contact the lead consultant. Please also let us know if you would like to submit your application in an alternative format.
Applicants with disabilities are welcome to contact us in confidence at any stage of the recruitment process to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support that may be required to ensure fair and equal participation.
Recruitment selection processes are based on evidence of competence stated in the person specification and in relation to our values.
Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 17th August 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: Monday 24th August 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and Bath Spa University are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.
The information will be treated confidentially and anonymously and will help us to support our commitment to fair recruitment practice. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 launched on 25 May 2018.
The information provided does not form part of the decision-making process and will not affect your application. Learn more about why we collect this data here.
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