About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.
Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.
We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.
Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About the Candidate
We are seeking a purpose‑driven governance leader who brings strategic clarity, courageous communication, and the confidence to influence change across a dynamic organisation. You will combine political acumen with deep integrity, building trusted relationships and offering constructive challenge that strengthens our purpose Adaptable, collaborative, and solutions‑focused, you will help shape culture as well as policy—translating complexity into clarity, bringing people with you through empathy and professionalism, and championing governance that enables bold, impactful transformation
About the Role
This role reports directly to the Board, through the Chair with a dotted line report to the Chief Executive. You will work closely with the senior management team to provide the Board with concise and appropriate reports to enable them to act effectively and efficiently.
Role Responsibilities
Governance
- Devises the Corporation cycle of business to ensure that statutory and best practice requirements are met and that the Board supports the College in successful delivery of its vision, mission and values.
- Ensures that at all times the governance structure, membership and schemes of delegation within the College's instrument and articles remain fit or purpose
- Provides independent professional advice and guidance to the Corporation and its individual Members on statutory and constitutional matters.
Policy
- Is responsible for a robust organisational policy register ensuring timeliness of policy renewals that include privacy impact assessments.
- Ensuring best practice, statutory compliance, consistency and standards in policy presentation and approval through appropriate Boards.
- Works with departmental experts across the College to ensure systems and controls are in place to protect compliance with GDPR regulations and any other relevant legal requirements.
Qualifications
- A degree in a relevant field such as business administration, law, or corporate governance.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Knowledge of GDPR, information governance and Freedom of Information legislation
- Governance in the context of collaborations, mergers, acquisitions and/or federated arrangements with success.
- Developing and implementing policies
- Extensive experience of managing Board level Committee
- Detailed knowledge of corporate governance and legislation best practice
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact Naomi.Robson@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.