Royal Holloway, University of London, is seeking an exceptional legal professional to lead our Legal Services function as Head of Legal Services and University Counsel, acting as the University’s principal legal adviser. In this senior strategic role, you will provide authoritative legal guidance across all areas of institutional activity and help shape the University’s Governance and compliance environment. Working within the Governance and Compliance portfolio and reporting to the University Secretary, you will lead the Legal Services team, ensuring the provision of proactive, high-quality legal advice that supports sound decision-making, protects institutional interests and enables delivery of the University’s strategic priorities. You will engage directly with senior leaders, including the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Executive Board and Council, on complex, sensitive and high-impact matters. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced solicitor to play a central role in the University’s future direction, influencing legal strategy, risk management, governance frameworks and sector compliance.

You will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the University’s legal function, establishing standards and ensuring responsive, solution-focused service across the institution. Acting as the senior legal authority, you will advise on employment, governance, commercial activity, research, student issues, regulatory matters and risk. You will oversee the drafting, review and negotiation of complex contracts, support intellectual property and commercial arrangements, and manage dispute resolution and litigation, including work with external counsel where appropriate. You will ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory duties including data protection and UKVI requirements, working closely with compliance teams and the Data Protection Officer. A key part of the role is building strong partnerships across the University, positioning Legal Services as a trusted advisor and maintaining effective external relationships with government bodies, legal professionals and partners.

You will be a qualified solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience and a current practising certificate, with broad legal expertise, commercial awareness, excellent judgement and experience operating in a complex organisation. You will have proven ability to lead and develop a professional team, communicate complex legal issues clearly to a wide range of audiences and provide authoritative advice at senior levels, including direct counsel to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal as Accountable Officer. Experience within the Higher Education or research sector is desirable but not essential. As a University of Social Purpose, we value equity, inclusion and community, and expect colleagues to contribute to an environment shaped by our values of being Respectful, Innovative, Open and Daring. 

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.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Felicity Stringer felicity.stringer@rhul.ac.uk or +44 (0)1784 911826. 

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

Please quote the reference: 0326-089

Closing Date: 23:59, 24 April 2026

Interview Date: 1 May 2026

Closing Date: 24 Apr 2026

Section: Professional Services

Salary: Starting salary is £74,000 plus London Allowance of £2590.
A higher salary may be paid to exceptional candidates subject to skills and experience.

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)

Closing Date: 10 Apr 2026

Section: Professional Services

Salary: Salary is £74,000 to £85,000 - London Allowance is payable in addition.
For exceptional candidates appointment may be at a higher level subject to skills and experience.