Hybrid Senior Governance Officer – 12 month contract

at Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)

• Job title: Senior Governance Officer – 12 month contract
• Job type: Contract
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, London, United Kingdom

About the role

• Senior Governance Officer providing strategic and operational support at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The role involves governance process management, committee support, and project oversight.

Responsibilities

• Support a broad range of governance activities, including the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of governance policies, procedures, and frameworks across the Institute.
• Support the Head of Governance in servicing the Board of Trustees and its subcommittees, ensuring effective governance practices, smooth conduct of meetings, and adherence to governance standards.
• Convene, attend, and facilitate Board and Committee meetings, including preparing agendas, taking accurate and concise minutes, tracking actions, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Lead and manage the induction and ongoing support for Board, Committee, and Branch members, providing guidance on governance responsibilities and processes.
• Oversee administration for Trustee and Presidential elections, ensuring compliance with Institute regulations and timelines.
• Prepare, maintain, and manage the annual governance calendar, coordinating meeting invitations, room bookings, and travel arrangements for office holders and staff attending meetings in person.
• Maintain and update confidential records and information, ensuring compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Ensure accurate recording and updating of membership information in the CRM for Board, Committee, and Branch Committees, and oversee the maintenance of governance-related content on the Institute’s website.
• Support the Head of Branch Relations in respect of Branch governance, ensuring compliance with governance requirements which includes branch elections and AGMs.
• Support the Head of Governance and Head of Branch Relations with ad hoc projects, research, and initiatives relating to governance improvement, compliance, and strategic planning.
• Contribute to the continuous enhancement of governance processes, bringing forward recommendations for best practice and improved efficiency.

Requirements

• Significant experience (typically 5+ years) in a governance, committee administration, or senior administrative role, preferably within a charity, professional body, or membership organisation.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), SharePoint, Teams, and CRM systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work with and influence colleagues at all levels, including Board members and senior executives.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Confident, proactive, and professional approach, with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• High degree of discretion, confidentiality, and integrity in handling sensitive information.
• Understanding of charity governance, professional membership governance, and relevant legislation (desirable).
• Experience in developing governance frameworks, policy implementation, and best practice guidance (desirable).

Benefits

• 25 days per annum plus UK bank holidays
• Enhanced company sick pay
• Up to 12 additional wellbeing days a year
• Generous Pension Scheme (from day 1 of joining)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Private Healthcare: Vitality Health
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Perkbox subscription (money-saving platform)