The Northern School of Art
Group Solicitor and Secretary to the HE Governing Body
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The Northern School of Art
https://northernart.ac.uk/careers/
Position: Group Solicitor and Secretary to the HE Governing Body
The Northern School of Art is seeking to appoint an exceptional Group Solicitor and Secretary to the HE Governing Body at an exciting and transformational period in the institution's history. As the School continues its journey as a Higher Education Corporation and progresses towards university title, this newly established role offers a unique opportunity to shape the legal, governance, and compliance framework of one of the UK's leading specialist arts institutions.
We are seeking a qualified Solicitor entitled to practise in England and Wales, with significant post-qualification experience and a strong understanding of governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial law. The successful candidate will have experience advising senior leaders or boards, drafting and negotiating complex agreements, and delivering clear, pragmatic legal advice. Experience within the Higher Education, Further Education, charity, or public sector, together with knowledge of the Office for Students regulatory framework and governance best practice, would be advantageous.
Job Purpose
The Group Solicitor and Secretary will play a pivotal role in supporting The Northern School of Art’s initial period as a higher education corporation and its subsequent transition to university status. The postholder will act as the principal legal adviser to the institution and its subsidiaries, while also ensuring high standards of governance and regulatory compliance through the effective servicing of the Governing Body.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Group Solicitor (0.5 FTE):
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Act as the institution’s in-house legal adviser (General Counsel), providing authoritative legal guidance across the School, The Northern College of Art (FE subsidiary), and The Northern Studios (Hartlepool) Ltd. The role ensures legal compliance and assists in managing institutional risk.
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Provide legal advice to senior leadership on:
- Higher education regulation and compliance
- Corporate and charity law
- Contract law and commercial arrangements
- Employment law
- Data protection
- Intellectual property law
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Draft, review, and maintain key institutional documents, including:
- Student terms and conditions
- Partnership agreements
- Commercial contracts (including for The Northern Studios (Hartlepool) Limited)
- Property and lease arrangements
- Procurement documentation
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Maintain standard templates and ensure they remain legally robust and up to date
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Advise on and support:
- Relationship between the School and subsidiaries
- Risk management and legal compliance frameworks
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Advise on legal aspects of institutional policies and procedures
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Ensure compliance with statutory duties, including health & safety, safeguarding, equality, and data protection
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Support risk management processes and advise on mitigation strategies
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Commission specialist advice where necessary and oversee cost control. Manage external legal advisers where required
Secretary to the HE Governing Body (0.5 FTE)
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Serve as independent Secretary to the Governing Body, ensuring that the Governing Body operates effectively, ethically, and in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
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Advise the Chair and Board on:
- Governance best practice
- Regulatory requirements (including those relating to higher education corporations)
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Ensure the Governing Body operates effectively:
- Plan and manage the annual cycle of board and committee business
- Prepare agendas in consultation with the Chair and Principal
- Ensure accurate, timely production of minutes, reports, and papers
- Monitor follow-up actions and ensure effective decision tracking
- Maintain governance policies, including the Scheme of Delegation and Standing Orders
- Support committee structures
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Governor Support and Development:
- Support the recruitment, induction, and development of governors
- Maintain the register of interests and ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest procedures
- Provide confidential advice to governors on governance matters
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Maintain oversight of:
- Governing documents
- Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations including compliance with OfS conditions relating to governance, management, and accountability
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Support Board development, induction, and effectiveness reviews
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Act as a key point of contact between the Board and executive leadership
Key Relationships
- Principal
- Chair of the Governing Body
- Senior Leadership Team
- Subsidiary Boards (Northern College of Art; Northern Studios (Hartlepool) Limited)
- External legal advisers and regulators
- All staff members are responsible for safeguarding children and adhering to the principles and guidelines outlined in the Keeping Children Safe in Education framework.
General Duties
- Ensure other members of the team have information to cover effectively for you in your absence.
- Engage in professional development and networking to ensure that professional, and strategic contributions are up-to-date.
- Ensure that the Corporation’s Health & Safety Policy is adhered to at all times and take responsibility for general health and safety housekeeping within your work area.
- Participate actively in the performance management scheme, agreeing objectives, attending reviews, and undertaking professional development as required.
- Ensure that the Corporation’s Equality and Diversity policy is adhered to at all times and tackle or report discrimination and harassment wherever it occurs.
- Ensure the safeguarding of learners at all times and report any potential issues without delay.
- All employees are expected to be fully committed to policies/processes on equality, diversity, safeguarding, and the Prevent Agenda.
- Any other duties commensurate with the nature and level of the post, as directed by the Principal and Chair of the HE Governing Body
This list is not exhaustive and is only an indication of responsibilities.
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