Governance Officer, Royal College of Art

Review: Governance Support Officer at the Royal College of Art (RCA)

The Royal College of Art (RCA), a globally renowned institution for art and design, is seeking an experienced and proactive Governance Support Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated professional to play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining the robust governance frameworks of a leading academic establishment.

This full-time, permanent position offers a chance to operate at the strategic and operational heart of the College. Initially based at the state-of-the-art Battersea facility, the role will transition to primarily being based at the Kensington site, with the advantage of a hybrid working model (3 days on campus per week), fostering a healthy work-life balance.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: As Secretary to the College Council and its key committees (including Planning & Resources, Audit & Risk, Nominations & Governance, Remuneration, and Honours), you will be directly involved in high-level decision-making and strategic direction. This offers significant visibility and the opportunity to influence the College's trajectory.
• Professional Development: Working within a world-leading institution like the RCA provides a rich environment for learning and growth. You'll gain invaluable experience in higher education governance, regulatory compliance with bodies like the Office for Students, and best practices as outlined by the Committee of University Chairs (CUC).
• Core Operational Role: This position is central to the College's effective functioning. You will be instrumental in ensuring compliance, supporting policy frameworks, and contributing to the continuous improvement of governance processes.
• Structured Environment: The role emphasizes the development and maintenance of a clear governance cycle, offering a structured and predictable work environment. This allows for effective forward planning and the harmonisation of executive decision-making.
• Hybrid Working: The provision of a hybrid working model allows for flexibility and a better integration of professional and personal life, which is a significant benefit in today's working landscape.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Essential Skills: Candidates should possess strong organisational abilities, with a proven track record of managing multiple priorities and deadlines. Exceptional minute-taking, written, and verbal communication skills are paramount. A meticulous, detail-oriented approach and a high level of discretion and integrity are non-negotiable due to the sensitive nature of the information handled. Competency in IT, particularly with Google Workspace or MS Office/365, is also essential.
• Experience in Higher Education/Public Sector (Desirable): While not strictly mandatory, prior experience within higher education or the public sector would be a significant advantage. This would allow for a quicker integration into the specific nuances of academic governance and regulatory environments.
• Commitment to Excellence: This role demands a proactive individual committed to upholding the highest standards of governance. Your contributions will directly support the RCA's vision, values, and objectives, making it a role for those who are passionate about ensuring organizational integrity and effectiveness.
• Continuous Learning: The dynamic nature of regulatory landscapes requires a commitment to ongoing learning and staying abreast of legislative and regulatory changes affecting governance.

This Governance Support Officer position at the Royal College of Art is an excellent opportunity for an organised, proactive, and detail-oriented professional seeking to make a substantial contribution to a prestigious academic institution. It offers a path to deepen expertise in governance, compliance, and strategic operational support within a dynamic and globally recognized environment.