Independent Governor; Finance & Risk Specialist Job Leicester area,England UK,Finance & Banking

Overview

Join to apply for the Independent Governor (Finance & Risk Specialist) role at UK Graduate College
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UK Graduate College (UKGC) deliver higher education, pathways and further education provision.

The role of Independent Governor is to contribute to the effective governance of UK Graduate College by offering independent judgement, strategic direction, and informed oversight. These roles will support the institution to achieve its educational aims, ensure financial sustainability, maintain academic standards & student outcomes, and fulfil its responsibilities under relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks, including the requirements of the Office for Students.

Main

duties and responsibilities

To act as an independent governor on the Board of Governors
To contribute to the robust governance of UKGC, acting in accordance with the instruments of governance of the College.
To provide constructive challenge to the Executive in a spirit of openness, accountability and mutual respect, making rational and constructive contributions to debate and to make their knowledge and expertise available to the Governing Body as opportunity arises.
To accept collective responsibility for the decisions reached by the Board of Governors.
To ensure the governing body conducts itself in accordance with standards behaviours in public life, embracing integrity, objectivity, accountability, selflessness, openness, honesty and leadership.
To have regard to the interests of learners, staff, stakeholders and the wider community in considering the work of UKGC at a strategic level.
To attend board meetings and chair some of these.
To undertake induction training on appointment to the role
Provide fair, impartial, strategic guidance in board discussions, committees, and decision-making forums
Uphold the organisation’s educational character and support delivery of inclusive, high-quality learning
Oversee financial planning, risk management, and long-term sustainability
Ensure compliance with legal, statutory, and regulatory frameworks (including OfS conditions for initial and ongoing registration, ESFA, and awarding bodies)
Advocate for student voice, social mobility, and outcomes-driven progression
Scrutinise performance metrics including quality assurance, learner data, and institutional KPIs
Contribute to board diversity, equity in leadership, and transparency in governance
Support the strategic development of programmes, partnerships and new opportunities to grow UKGC
To make full and timely disclosure of personal interests to the Secretary, maintaining the integrity of the business of the governing body.
To be available and contactable at short notice if a situation requires attention
To attend and participate in meetings of the following boards:
Board of Governors;
Audit Committee;
Remuneration Committee;
Finance Board (6 Meetings a year)
To hold responsibility for UKGC meeting the OfS D and G conditions
To liaise with the Finance Manager on all finance and risk matters

Statutory requirements

Eligibility to live and work in UK

Qualifications Experience and knowledge

Proven ability to offer independent judgement and challenge constructively in board-level contexts
A strong foundation in education, preferably with experience in financial leadership roles in education settings.
Understanding of education sector governance and regulatory requirements particularly across HE/FE settings including Office for Students
Commitment to inclusion, widening participation, and learner-focused transformation
Familiarity with finance, audit, risk, or compliance principles in non-executive roles

Skills and abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Can communicate effectively to a range of audiences
Credibility to meet the…