Head of Governance and Assurance - #2158019

Salary


£65,730 - £76,210 per annum




Contractual hours


35




Basis


Full time




Region


Scotland - Central




Package


Attractive benefits




Date posted


30/09/2026




Job reference


REQ0692

About the Team:

SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) is a specialist higher education institution delivering tertiary education, research and consultancy.

We currently operate our main Higher and Further education activities from five campuses across Scotland - Aberdeen, Barony, Edinburgh, Elmwood, and Oatridge. SRUC employs approximately 1,200 staff operating from five campuses, eight farms, 25 consulting offices, six research centres and eight veterinary surveillance centres located primarily across Scotland.

The Opportunity:

The Head of Governance & Assurance is SRUC's senior lead for governance, assurance and institutional compliance, providing expert advice and constructive challenge to the Board, Chair, Principal, Executive Leadership Team and senior leaders.

The role is responsible for ensuring effective governance, regulatory and assurance frameworks are in place to support delivery of SRUC's strategic objectives, manage organisational risk and provide confidence that statutory and regulatory obligations are being met.

Acting as a trusted adviser and organisational connector, the post-holder promotes high standards of accountability, transparency and stewardship while supporting effective decision-making, organisational agility and continuous improvement across SRUC.

Reporting directly to the Director of Strategy, Governance and Engagement, the role will include the following reposnibilities:

• Governance Leadership and Advisory


• Board and Committee Governance


• Assurance, Compliance and Risk


• Information Governance and Stakeholder Management


• Leadership and Continuous Improvement – including line management.

Minimum Qualifications an experience required:

You should be Educated to SCQF Level 9 or above (Degree-level qualification in a related discipline) or possess equivalent professional experience.

You should possess proven significant experience in a senior governance, assurance, compliance, risk or company secretarial role within a complex organisation with experience advising Boards, Committees and Executive teams on governance, regulatory, risk and strategic matters. Experience developing and embedding governance, assurance, compliance or risk management frameworks is also essential.

Full details of the requirements for this role can be found in the Job Particulars document which you should read before applying for this role.

Why work for SRUC?

• Generous annual leave


• Enhanced pension contributions


• Cycle to work scheme


• Discounted RAC Membership


• Generous family leave


• Flexible working patterns


• Hybrid working arrangements (in some areas)


• Tailored investment in your learning and development

How to Apply:

Please read the Job Particulars document before applying for this role, and complete an online application form by pressing “Apply”.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046