Governance & Compliance Manager

We have a great opportunity for an experienced Governance and Compliance Manager to join UPP.

Reporting to the Head of Governance and Compliance, you will play an important role in maintaining high standards of corporate governance across UPP. You will oversee key governance and compliance activity, provide effective Board and Committee support, and help ensure our governance framework, policies and processes remain robust, efficient and aligned with regulatory requirements and best practice.

This is a highly visible role with exposure across the business, including working directly with UPP’s Executive Leadership Team and Board, alongside partners, funders, shareholders and external service providers. You will build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and provide a professional, reliable and forward-thinking governance service.

The is a part-time role working 4 days a week, based at our award winning London office near London Bridge, Cannon Street, Monument and Bank stations, and offers hybrid working.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the Head of Governance and Compliance to maintain, improve and streamline UPP’s corporate governance framework.
• Manage annual meeting schedules, corporate cycles, terms of reference and governance documentation.
• Take ownership of a number of SPV Board and Executive Leadership meetings, including drafting agendas, coordinating meeting packs, taking accurate minutes and monitoring actions.
• Monitor the quality and effectiveness of Board and Committee papers and processes, identifying and implementing improvements.
• Manage the timely submission of SPV compliance requirements and responding to KYC requests.
• Draft, review and update governance policies and procedures, as well as supporting the effective operation of the Policy Committee.
• Support governance reviews and Board effectiveness evaluations.
• Identify governance risks and supporting the development of appropriate mitigation.
• Coordinate the input required for UPP’s Annual Report.
• Interpret complex governance and regulatory requirements and communicating these clearly across the organisation.
• Explore and implement appropriate AI-enabled solutions to improve governance efficiency while maintaining information governance and compliance standards.

We are looking for you to have significant experience within a Corporate Secretariat or governance function, supporting Boards, Committees and executive leadership teams, along with:

• Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles, codes and best practice.
• Experience of developing and implementing governance frameworks, terms of reference, policies and procedures, plus managing statutory, regulatory and contractual compliance requirements.
• Confidence in coordinating / managing the production of an Annual Report.
• A good working knowledge of the Companies Act 2006.
• Experience of subsidiary company governance.
• Confidence in taking clear and accurate minutes.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to work closely with senior executives.
• Experience of Board management portals or legal entity governance systems, such as Board Intelligence or Diligent.
• CGI/ICSA qualification or equivalent relevant experience.

Alongside this you will be highly organised and detail-focused, with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage deadlines independently. Bringing an innovative, forward-thinking approach, using technology and AI appropriately to improve governance processes and ways of working.

In return, we are offering a competitive salary, a discretionary performance related bonus, and a great benefits package including 29 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees), private healthcare, pension, enhanced family leave, life assurance, ongoing training and development, two paid volunteering or personal development days, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

UPP welcomes all applications and recognises the value of having a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects the communities we work with and positively impacts our people, student residents and university partners.

We understand that all disabilities, impairments and conditions are unique, so please let us know about any adjustments that would support you through our recruitment process and help you thrive at work.

Our core values of Innovation, Sustainability, Community, Partnership and Respect are fundamental to our culture and summarise what is important to our business and our people.

We are a team with energy, pace and passion. If this sounds like you, apply today and one of our in-house recruitment team will be in contact.

Who are UPP?

We are proud to be the UK’s leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation, with over 35,000 beds where more than 500,000 students from around the world have called home over the years. We provide a complete solution of Design, Build, Fund, and Operate (DBFO) student accommodation and campus facilities exclusively to the higher education sector. This means we not only design and create cutting edge sustainable buildings, but we also help finance them and successfully manage the onsite operations long-term.

However, we’re more than just accommodation, we create spaces where students can thrive, connect, and make the most of their university experience. Our mission is to support every student's journey by offering a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment to live and learn.

What’s in it for you?

At UPP, we believe your career should be as rewarding as the impact you make. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: An inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered.

• Career Growth: Learn, lead, and progress with tailored training and leadership programmes.

• Rewards & Benefits: Competitive package and range of benefits designed for you.

• Health and Wellbeing: From mental health resources to wellness programmes, and everyday support.

• Purpose & Impact: Every role shapes the student experience.

To learn more about what we offer, check out our Working Environment, Benefits and Career Development tabs on our Careers Hub.

Apply today and start your journey with UPP.