Senior Governance Manager

Location: Westward House, Bristol

Closing Date: 03 April 24

About the role: 

Research England is one of the nine Councils within UK Research and Innovation, set up in April 2018. As a key component of the research funding system, Research England will oversee UKRI’s England-only functions in relation to university research and knowledge exchange (KE). Research England will create and sustain the conditions for a healthy and dynamic research and KE system in English universities. It works closely with its counterparts in the Devolved Administrations.

You will act as an important interface with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders at all levels. You will ensure that all work is delivered to the required high standard and in a timely manner maintaining confidentiality. You will have exceptional attention to detail and ensure accuracy is upheld.

Purpose:

To provide high quality support on governance, risk and assurance matters to Research England, working collaboratively with UKRI colleagues within the Governance, Assurance, Risk and Information Governance functions. In so doing, developing and demonstrating a thorough understanding of research and knowledge exchange in the higher education sector and the political and organisational context within which Research England and UKRI operate.

Main outputs and activities:

Governance & Risk: 

• Manage the business of the RE Council and Executive Group, providing a full secretariat service, including payment of honoraria, expenses and reimbursements.
• Undertaking the cyclical review of the effectiveness of the Executive Group and Council.
• Promote these processes, ensuring colleagues are engaged with and adhering to them.
• Management of the RE strategic and operational risk management processes, including the collation of the risk report for the Executive Group and RE Council.

Information Management: 

• Have a thorough understanding of Data Protection legislation and its applicability to RE operations, including exemptions/derogations from the EU General Data Protection Regulation.
• Management of Research England files in accordance with UKRI schedules, including the transfer of information to the National Archives when required under the Public Records Act.
• Conduct annual review of Research England Information Asset Register.

Funding and Assurance: 

• Support the documentation and management of internal finance processes, ensuring accessibility to staff.
• Manage the RE annual funding in-box.
• Produce management information, including financial reports, as required.
• Support RE’s ongoing assurance activities; ensuring processes are in place and followed. 

Shortlisting criteria: 

• A successful track record as a governance professional with significant recent experience
• Experience of developing and maintaining robust operational and governance processes
• Experience of providing a successful Secretariat function
• Ability to operate with political understanding and sense, in a complex environment of change and uncertainty
• Demonstrable ability to adapt, reach out and build trust and collaborative working
• Excellent organisational skills
• Awareness of continuous improvement techniques 

Additional information: 

Developing talent: 

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.

Benefits: 

UKRI can offer the successful candidate: 

- Flexible Working

- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays

- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme

- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider 

For more information and to apply, please visit our Careers Pages.

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