Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary New City College

Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary

• Location: East London and Essex

Who we are

New City College (NCC) is a sector leading college group offering sixth form, adult skills, apprenticeships, ESOL, EFL and SEND. With a turnover of £130 m, it supports students through 2 000 staff across its seven merged colleges.

About the role

New City College's mission is to help students realise possibilities. The Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary will be the unbiased strategic advisor to the Board and senior leadership on governance and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Act as the trusted advisor, clerk and secretariat for the Governing Body and its committees.
• Provide full and comprehensive secretariat support to the Chair, Rob Hull, and all Governors.
• Advise the Board on constitutional matters, duties and powers under current legislation.
• Research and develop best practice governance frameworks and self evaluation processes aligned with codes such as the Association of Colleges.
• Lead the development of governance structures, systems and processes, and advance risk, compliance and constructive challenge.
• Support policy development and review, ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Review reporting style and approach to enhance Board decision making.
• Operate as the 'conscience' of the College, providing independent guidance on statutory, operational and ethical issues.
• Lead all aspects of board induction, ongoing development and membership reviews, ensuring diversity and skills alignment.
• Plan and manage board business, briefing papers, and committee work to keep governance effective.
• Collaborate closely with the Principal & CEO, Gerry McDonald CBE, and senior leadership.

Accessibility and Equality

• Disability confident committed employer - fully inclusive recruitment and reasonable adjustments.
• Step free access to all key meeting rooms, toilets and an accessible workstation.
• Accessibility dogs welcome; hearing loop support in interview rooms; sign language interpreters available.
• Documents can be provided in alternative formats.
• Work patterns and locations can be adjusted to support needs.

Safer recruitment and due diligence checks

All staff will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where required, the Children's Barred List check. Successful appointment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory.

Timetable

• Closing date: Wednesday 26 November 2025, 9 a.m.
• Candidates informed of outcome: Monday 8 December 2025.
• Interviews: Wednesday 17 December 2025.

Contact

For further information or to discuss the role, contact Sarah Atkins Boal at .

To formally apply, submit a CV and supporting statement to with the subject "Application: New City College - Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary".

Yours faithfully,
Gerry McDonald
Group Principal & CEO