Candidates will have well developed board advisory skills gained in an appropriately complex and large environment. Previous experience of university governance is not essential, but candidates will need to have the capacity to learn quickly and have the interpersonal skills to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders. Whilst not essential to hold a professional qualification, candidates will be expected to demonstrate a high degree of legal acumen and a deep understanding of corporate governance.

To be successful in this role, candidates will possess the following attributes:

• Agile intellect combined with emotional intelligence. Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and persuade. • Tact, discretion and a deft diplomatic touch. • Evidence of synthesising complex issues and the capacity to produce a high volume of papers covering a wide range of topics. • Ability to impart ideas and new initiatives in an inclusive yet decisive manner. • Capacity to keep up to date with relevant legislation, the foresight to provide timely advice and the technical skills to adapt Council policies and procedures to comply with changing requirements. • Experience to exercise judgement on complex constitutional and legal matters and evidence of seeking advice when required and maintaining good working relations with external advisors. • Ability to support and nurture relationships between Council members and staff to enable effective communication and agreed action for all parties. • Corporate mindset with clear alignment to the University’s values and mission. Ability to act with sufficient independence and in the best interests of King’s and its long-term strategic objectives. • Record of managing and leading high performing teams, and an ability to delegate and empower. • An international outlook. • Ideally, knowledge of relevant legislation and regulation (i.e. Charities Acts, Higher Education Acts, OfS Conditions of Registration).

About King's

King’s College London is amongst the top 35 universities in the world and top 10 in Europe (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023) and is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious universities. King’s has over 40,000 students (including more than 19,000 postgraduates) from some 150 countries, and over 10,000 employees. Based across five campuses in the heart of London, King’s offers an intellectually stimulating environment, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning in the service of society. We are a multi-faculty institution, providing high-quality research, education and innovation across the social sciences, humanities, medicine, law, dentistry, and sciences. As a member of the Russell Group, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in research and education. King’s vision is to make the world a better place through world-leading education, research and service to society. King’s provides world-class education which enables students to become rounded critical thinkers, set up for success and with the character and wisdom to strive for social change. Through enquiry-driven research, King's delivers transformative insights and solutions that have the power to advance and accelerate global progress. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 exercise, King’s maintained its 6th position for ‘research power’ in the UK, 6th by Quality Index, and was ranked 3rd amongst multi-Faculty universities for impact. “King’s aspires to tackle global challenges and serve society in a way that is contemporary, forward-looking and unrestrained.” Vision 2029 King’s Vision 2029 sets out our bold ambitions for the future of King’s as we look towards our 200th anniversary: to broaden the base of King’s, extend our reach, expand access, deliver an extraordinary student experience and strengthen how well we work together. To chart the next stage of our journey, Strategy 2026 maps out our priorities for the next few years.

Leadership

King’s College London is led by Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President. The Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Team comprises: • Professor Rachel Mills, Senior Vice President (Academic) • Professor Richard Trembath, Senior Vice President (Health & Life Sciences) and Executive Director of King’s Health Partners • Mr Stephen Large, Senior Vice President (Operations) • Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi, Vice President (Research & Innovation) • Professor Adam Fagan, Vice President (Education & Student Success) • Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service) • Ms Fiona Roberts, Vice President (People & Talent)/Chief People Officer (From January 2024) • Mr Malcolm Ace, Vice President (Finance)/CFO

Office of the Chairman & University Secretariat

The Office of the Chairman & University Secretariat is responsible for supporting both the University’s executive team and its governors in providing world class management and leadership to the institution. The Office is led by the University Secretary & Director of Assurance and includes the General Counsel, the Department of Business Assurance and Governance Services. The current leadership team is made up of a Deputy University Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer, Director of Governance Services, and General Counsel & Director of Legal Services. Key responsibilities include servicing senior College committees, supporting and advising Governors, providing guidance on legal and policy issues, leading on information compliance and records management, information security, internal audit and assurance functions, and liaising with regulatory bodies.

Business Assurance

The Department of Business Assurance leads on assurance and compliance processes across the university. The main functions are: • Information Compliance - handles enquiries under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Environmental Information Regulations, as well as provision of advice and training on compliance issues and data governance. • Internal Audit – responsible for providing assurance on the University's arrangements for risk management, governance, Value for Money, and the production of data for public bodies. • Project Assurance - provides an independent, internal assurance service across the University’s major projects portfolio. • Records Management - provision of records management services to the University to meet legal, regulatory and business record keeping requirements. • Research Assurance - provision of assurance services to the Research and Researcher Function within the University, including subject matter expertise across the research portfolio and support for research governance, compliance, risk management and clinical trials.

Governance Services

Governance Services provide high level support for decision making across the University, including delivery of efficient and accountable governance and committee management processes. Responsibilities include: • providing advice on the University’s governance documents and structures including the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances • providing advice on the roles and responsibilities of the Council and its subcommittees • servicing College Council, Academic Board and other senior University committees as appropriate • initiating and supporting searches for new governors and committee members • supporting and inducting members • leading the development and maintenance of University policies • delivering a communications strategy that keeps the University informed of the work of the Council and vice versa

Legal

Legal Services exists to advance the University’s mission and support its strategic aims through skilled advice and effective counsel. Providing general legal support and advice in-house the team are the principal point of contact for procuring legal assistance through the University’s external lawyers when required. The key objectives are: • Knowledge transfer: equipping colleagues to spot and address straightforward legal issues through the provision of templates, tools and guidance. • Horizon-scanning: understanding forthcoming legislation and raising awareness of the practical implications for King’s. This is often undertaken in conjunction with external lawyers and relevant sector bodies. • Compliance: helping to ensure that the University meets certain statutory obligations and assisting management with corporate compliance responsibilities. This is usually undertaken in conjunction with the Department of Business Assurance. • Strategic projects: involvement at an early stage in the planning of major University-wide projects and initiatives in order to help manage and minimise legal risk, and to assess the legal support and associated costs that may be required.

To apply for this post you will need to register on the King’s College London jobs page and submit the application form, along with the following: • a concise statement setting out your reasons for applying for the post and highlighting the particular skills and experience which you feel you would bring to the role (two pages maximum) • a curriculum vitae

Applications will be shortlisted by a selection committee drawn from across the Vice-Chancellor’s senior team and wider University representatives. The interview panel will be chaired jointly by the Vice-Chancellor & President, and Chairman of Council, and include representatives from across Professional Services, Faculties & Council.

King’s College London is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities. King’s particularly welcomes applications from women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. If you have special needs in relation to your application, please contact Jack Richards (jack.richards@kcl.ac.uk).