Governance Manager

Governance Manager

Home/Office Based (Matlock)

Fixed, 37.5 hour per week permanent contract

£45,560 - £53,600 per annum

Our Governance Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating all governance work, providing support to the Board, CEO and Executive Team in all matters relating to governance and in particular for the Board and Committee meetings.

You ll ensure that transactional activities are accurately completed within specified timeframes and co-ordinate all committees of the YHA Board and advise on and implement good governance practice.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family
• Access to YHA s staff discount and cash back portal
• Free YHA Membership each year
• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

What will you be doing?

• Lead and advising on all matters relating to governance including the constitution, memorandum and articles of association, standing orders and codes of conduct, including leading the implementation of any changes agreed by the Board.
• Provide best practice governance advice and support to the Chair, Board, CEO and Executive team, ensuring regulatory/codes of practice compliance, ongoing review of consultations on charity governance and promoting good governance in practice.
• Provide governance support to the Board, Audit and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, People, Remuneration, Impact and Engagement Committee, and the National Officers and Committee Chairs meeting and any other meetings linked to governance.
• Monitor changes in relevant governance legislation and the regulatory environment and take appropriate action.
• Project manage the organisation and delivery of the Annual General Meeting
• Plan and co-ordinate the annual Trustee induction programme.
• Responsible for the administration of the Company, for example: maintaining statutory company records and making the appropriate governance filings to Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• You ll be the Company Secretary for YHA (England and Wales) and YHA Trading Limited.
• Assist the CEO and Executive with internal and external promotion, PR or other publications and events as required and particularly in relation to corporate governance and Board related issues.
• Develop relationships of trust and confidence, working pro-actively with the Chair, individual Board members, the CEO, Executive team, and external lawyers, where appropriate. You ll be key in liaising between National Office teams and Board members.

What Skills and Experience do you need?

• Experience of providing governance support at Board level.
• Chartered Membership of the Chartered Governance Institute (or equivalent) or studying towards the qualification or suitable other experience. Experience of working independently, pro-actively and sensitively with senior stakeholders (Chair, CEO, Board members, Exec directors).
• Excellent project management skills and experience.
• Project team leadership skills and experience.
• Experience of budgetary control.
• Experience and in-depth knowledge of corporate and charity governance, including of company secretary functional requirements.
• Friendly, supportive, authoritative and approachable with the ability to adapt communication style to build positive relationships and provide proactive support for internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Able to take comprehensive and accurate minutes at speed.
• Able to adapt written communication style to deal with formal Board and governance communications, but equally at home with more informal communications when appropriate.
• Good level of IT skills particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and a working knowledge of portals for distributing and viewing board and committee papers.
• Very well organised, self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative, to deal authoritatively with providing best practice advice, peaks and troughs in workload, and conflicting priorities including between departments and individuals.
• Able and willing to flex hours worked in order to cover Board and AGM meeting at weekends and frequent evenings and occasional early mornings (for committee meetings and distribution of Board and Committee papers) and travel to hostels throughout the network to support Board and other meetings, for which Time Off in Lieu will be provided.
• Flexible and adaptable, and willing to support the Chair, Board, CEO, Executive Team, and External Affairs Team.
• A good understanding of charity governance, operational and departmental organisation and requirements.
• A discreet and trusted confidante and source of advice for the Chair and CEO when needed, including tactful handling of sensitive/political issues.
• An advocate of YHA at all times, supporting our charitable object, vision and HEART values.
• Holds a current driving licence or able to travel independently, including to rural locations. For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.