University Secretary

Royal Holloway, University of London – Governance and Legal Services

Salary
For exceptional candidates appointment may be at a higher level subject to skills and experience.

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Full-Time, Permanent

Royal Holloway, University of London, is seeking an experienced and highly effective governance leader to join us as University Secretary. This senior position plays a central role in ensuring the University meets the highest standards of corporate and academic governance in line with the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance.

As University Secretary you will act as Royal Holloway’s principal governance lead. The role includes responsibility for providing authoritative advice, guidance and frameworks to support Council, Academic Board and the Executive Board, ensuring effective, timely and compliant decision-making processes. The post holder will also lead on a range of regulatory and statutory requirements, including those of the Office for Students, as well as responsibilities relating to freedom of speech and academic freedom, data protection, Freedom of Information and UKVI compliance.

Leadership responsibilities

The University Secretary leads the Governance Office, Legal Services and the Vice-chancellor's Office, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and integrity. The post holder provides independent and trusted advice to the Chair of Council and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

For Council-related business, the University Secretary reports directly to the Chair of Council and has unfettered access to the Chair, the Vice-Chair and the Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, supporting the independence needed for effective governance oversight.

About Royal Holloway

Royal Holloway is a University of London member institution with over 12,000 students across campuses in Surrey and central London. The University is recognised for its strong research profile, international outlook and student experience.

The University Secretary will be an active and visible presence across the University communities, supporting our commitment to inclusion, social purpose and positive impact.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
• Free parking

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, a virtual meeting with Stephen McAuliffe, Chief Operating Officer, is available on Friday 27 March 2026.

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk

Please quote the reference: 0326-090

Closing Date: 23:59, 10 April 2026

Screening calls: Weeks commencing 13 and 20 April 2026

Final interviews and assessment: Monday 11 May 2026 (Egham campus)

Further details: Job Description & Person Specification Candidate pack

This position is not eligible for hybrid working.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.