Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub‑Committee

Voluntary position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Term: Up to 3 years, renewable once 

St Edmund’s College is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub‑Committee, providing independent, strategic leadership in the governance of the College’s people, remuneration, and HR‑related policies.

This is a vital governance role at the heart of a diverse, values‑driven Cambridge college community. The Chair will help ensure that the College’s approach to people, reward, and organisational culture reflects its charitable purpose, aligns with the Charity Governance Code, and upholds the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

About the Role

The Chair of the Remuneration & People Sub‑Committee leads the Committee in overseeing the College’s people strategy, remuneration frameworks, and HR governance. Working closely with the Bursar, HR Manager, and Governance, Risk & Compliance Manager, the Chair ensures that discussions are evidence‑based, inclusive, and aligned with the College’s values.

This role is primarily carried out online, with occasional visits to the College’s buildings in Cambridge.

Time Commitment

• Minimum of three meetings per academic year (typically 1–2 hours each), plus preparation and follow‑up.
• Occasional ad hoc or extraordinary meetings.
• Approximate annual commitment: 5 days.

Key Responsibilities

Committee Leadership

• Chair the Remuneration & People Sub‑Committee in line with its Terms of Reference.
• Ensure meetings are well‑structured, transparent, and conducted within delegated authority.
• Set agendas collaboratively with senior officers.
• Foster constructive, inclusive, and well‑informed discussion.
• Ensure timely approval of accurate minutes and records.
• Uphold the Charity Governance Code, particularly integrity, accountability, and openness.
• Manage conflicts of interest and safeguard the independence of Committee decisions.
• Promote continuous improvement in governance and Committee effectiveness.

Oversight

• Lead the review and recommendation of people‑related policies, ensuring they reflect best practice and support equality, diversity, inclusion, freedom of speech, and a positive working environment.
• Oversee decisions on the creation of new permanent staff roles within delegated authority.
• Ensure remuneration decisions are proportionate, justifiable, and aligned with Charity Commission guidance.
• Support transparent remuneration reporting in statutory accounts and the annual report.
• Champion staff welfare, wellbeing, and inclusion.
• Act as a trusted advisor on sensitive or complex matters.

Risk & Compliance

• Oversee risks relating to HR, remuneration, and people strategy.
• Review relevant sections of the College’s risk register and monitor mitigation actions.
• Escalate issues to senior leadership and Council where appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of developments in employment law, charity regulation, and remuneration governance.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant leadership experience at board or committee level, ideally in a complex organisation, charity, higher education, or public sector setting.
• Strong understanding of HR practice, employment legislation, and regulatory compliance in a charitable context.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgement and maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to the College’s charitable objectives, values, and academic mission.
• Excellent chairing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Integrity, impartiality, and strong strategic awareness.

Desirable

• Experience as a charity trustee, HR committee chair, or similar governance role.
• Familiarity with the Charity Governance Code for Larger Charities and good remuneration practice (e.g., Senior Staff Remuneration Code, HE governance standards).
• Understanding of the University of Cambridge’s collegiate environment.

How to apply

To apply, please send the below documents to the HR Team, hr@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk via the above 'Apply' button.

• Your CV
• A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the person specification and outlines your motivation for applying. The statement should be no longer than 2 pages of A4. 

If you have informal enquiries about the post, please email the HR Manager on hr.manager@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk.