Governance Review Manager

Status: Closed - Another successful assignment for Oakleigh Resourcing

Role: Governance Review Manager (FTC)

Client: The British Council

Department: Corporate Affairs

Reporting to: Head of Corporate Affairs

Location: British Council Offices, Spring Gardens, London SW1A

Duration of job: FTC of 9 months (commencing July 2013)

Remuneration: Attractive salary and 'family friendly' benefits package

Purpose of job:

This is a temporary post but one that is central in terms of importance to the organisation right now.  It will work with the most senior level of the British Council (BC) and will be deeply involved in shaping its future.  The post holder will need to start in July and be based in Spring Gardens, London.

Background:

All Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) are required by the Cabinet Office to be reviewed every three years and the British Council's review is scheduled for this financial year.  The review will be led by the FCO who will appoint an independent Review Team (RT) to conduct it.  The RT will be asked to examine whether and which of its functions are still necessary and whether remaining at arm's length is still the most effective position from which the BC can achieve its purpose.  Assuming positive responses to the above, then it will review the British Council's governance, control and transparency.

In tandem, the BC has already started planning for 2020 and beyond, and is looking at what it needs to do to ensure that its entrepreneurial public service model is sustainable and will bring the best possible benefit to the UK in the long term.  So the review is timely, and an excellent opportunity to push the BC's thinking so it is in good shape for the future.

Role:

The post will play a crucial role in helping the BC to respond to the requirements of the Review Team.  It wil also have an important role in informing the BC's work in ensuring the future sustainability of the organisation.

  • The post holder will be responsible for managing a virtual team across the organisation to enable the BC to provide the information the Review Team requires and in a form that is useful.
  • S/he will be responsible for researching different governance models for the Executive Board to consider.
  • S/he will be responsible for keeping the Trustees and Executive Board informed on progress on both the above and gathering and compiling information to support the Executive Board's planning for the future.
  • S/he will also have responsibility for liaising with the FCO Engagement and Communications Department on all aspects of the Review.
  • The post holder will work closely with Director CHQ and the Head of Corporate Affairs on all aspects of the review and governance of the organisation.

Context and environment:

Corporate Affairs is part of Corporate HQ which also covers work in strategy, marketing, external relations, performance and communications.

Corporate Affairs brings together governance and compliance functions (secretariat, legal and Chair & CEO) with functional areas including equal opportunities/diversity.

Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties: (including people management and finance)

  • Identify and prepare in advance, information that will be useful to the review.
  • Analyse and respond to requests for information from the Review Team in a timely and useful way.
  • Lead and work with a team of relevant people from across the organisation to enable the above.
  • Liaise with the FCO Engagement and Communications Department to ensure the BC is aligned on the shape the review takes.
  • Research potential governance models, draw conclusions and make recommendations.
  • Work with the Communications Team to ensure the organisation is kept informed.
  • Work with CHQ on a strategic narrative, with case studies and stories, which will define the BC's future.
  • Provide briefs for the Executive Board and Trustees as required.
  • Follow up on actions as required by the Executive Board and Trustees.

Key relationships: (including external and internal)

  • Director CHQ,
  • Head Corporate Affairs
  • Executive Board
  • Board of Trustees
  • FCO Engagement and Communications Department
  • Treasury and Cabinet Office
  • Legal Advisers
  • BSS
  • Regional and Country Directors
  • UK Senior Managers

Other important features or requirements of the job:

  • The post holder must be a UK citizen

Person specification:

Behaviours: (the Behaviours Dictionary can be viewed on the British Council website)

(Essential)

  • Making it happen: more demanding
  • Working together: more demanding
  • Connecting with others: more demanding
  • Creating shared purpose: more demanding

(Desirable)

  • Being accountable: more demanding

Skills and Knowledge:

(Essential)

  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills and the ability to present clearly at senior level
  • Drafting skills
  • Ability to understand, analyse and develop recommendations in complex areas

Experience:

  • Working with Government stakeholders (essential)
  • Experience of public sector governance processes and working with regulatory requirements (desirable)

The Assessment Process:

The assessment process provides both parties with the opportunities to assess the cultural and team fit, individual and organisation aspirations, and details of key objectives and priorities for the role.  Elaine Rippon is the retained consultant for this assignment.

To apply for this position please email your CV with current remuneration to Alison Harkness at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or call Elaine Rippon on 01477 5344491 to discuss further.  Closing date: 5th July 2013.