Head Of Governance And Secretary To The Board

Are you a governance expert and professional Board secretary? Do you have a comprehensive understanding of the cultural sector and the RSC's external landscape? Can you analyse problems, assess risks and propose creative solutions? Do you have significant experience of providing accurate and respected governance advice to senior stakeholders?

We are looking for a Head of Governance and Secretaryto The Board of Trustees to provide strategic corporate governance advice and secretarial support to The Board.

In this newly created role, you will establish and maintain the highest standards of Governance at all times in line with The Nolan Principles of Public Life.

The Executive Office is a deadline driven and fast paced environment in which building interpersonal relationships across the Company is essential. The role is perfect for someone who can prioritise a range of demands and negotiate workload peaks and troughs with a high degree of flexibility and a meticulous attention to detail. The postholder must be able to express subject matter expertise confidently and concisely in all mediums and listen attentively and genuinely to others.

Reporting to The Executive Director, key areas of responsibility include (please see the full job description and person specification for the comprehensive list):

• Ensuring that the Board, its sub-Committees and the Governors are properly constituted, operated and supported, according to The requirements set out in the Royal Charter and by the Charity Commission.
• Overseeing and periodically reviewing the overall governance framework for the organisation, ensuring it is fit for purpose and provides clearly accountable decision making and oversight.
• Providing advice and information on regulatory, statutory and corporate governance matters, ensuring that the RSC remains compliant and proactively managing new requirements.
• Owning the mechanisms used by the Board and the Executive to identify the key areas of business risk and oversee the regular review of risk as determined by the Risk Management Framework
• Oversee the overall co-ordination and timely submission of the Annual Report, the Annual Return to The Charity Commission and all reporting to Arts Council England.
• Developing and maintaining constructive stakeholder relationships across the organisation and with wider professional networks.

To be suitable for this role, it is essential that you have the following knowledge and experience:

• Corporate Governance and professional Board Secretary experience
• ICSA qualified or equivalent, or substantial experience as a company secretary.
• A comprehensive understanding of the cultural sector, including an understanding of artistic/economic/commercial/political issues affecting the organisation and wider industry.
• The ability to analyse problems and issues, assess risks and propose creative solutions.
• Significant experience of operating at a senior management level.
• Experience of meetings administration in a complex organisation at either a senior management or non-executive level, including complex agenda preparation, minuting, and progress chasing.
• Excellent written and communication skills, including the ability to write reports, policies, and procedure documents.
• Highly effective personal management and organisational skills – remaining calm and focussed while working under pressure and to deadlines.
• Tact and diplomacy in dealing with confidential and sensitive material.

This is a full time, permanent position based in Stratford-upon-Avon but with work across different locations, including London. The hours are 35 per week, with occasional evening and weekend working.  

RSC Benefits: 

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 3 years' service, plus Public Holidays
• Subsidised car parking
• Contributory pension scheme 
• Complimentary tickets for productions in Stratford-upon-Avon and London.
• Staff discounts in the RSC shop, restaurant, cafes, and other local Stratford-upon-Avon businesses
• Onsite Occupational Health and Wellbeing Hub
• Annual cost of living pay award, not contractual based upon union negotiation
• Access to The RSC Nursery in Stratford-upon-Avon
• Access to RSC training and personal development

Application Process  

All applications should be made online using the RSC website.    

Online interviews will take place on 19 April with an in-person second stage on the 30 April in Stratford-upon-Avon.

We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

The RSC strives for excellence, and values integrity, inclusion, ambition and innovation. We act with respect, show leadership and build resilient ways of working in all our activities.  

We can offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.  

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.