What Is Governance? How to Start a Career in This Area

Do you have great leadership skills? Are you interested in making a difference and being a key factor in the success of a business? If so, then a career in Governance could be for you. 

Jobs in Governance are often well paid and combine key skills in a variety of areas from business to law, so if this career sounds like it was made for you, then find out how to start a career in Governance today.

The meaning of Governance is the framework for the creation and implementation of key decisions for the management of an organisation. Put simply, it describes the framework within which a business is managed so that all employees are working towards the same goal for the success of the business. This incorporates legal, financial and organisational aspects in which the Governance professional will have expertise in.

Governance professionals are often known as company secretaries, who play a key role in business organisations. Company secretaries affect decisions made within an organisation due to their legal expertise, and they are also responsible for managing several organisational aspects of a business. However, there are other roles within Governance, such as governance managers, who implement success strategies as well as take on some secretarial work. 

In the workplace, Governance professionals often have several duties, which may include:

There are different types of Governance depending on where you work, which industry you work in and which of your skills is most utilised. Corporate Governance (also known as organisational Governance and compliance) involves the way in which a company is directed and controlled to ensure financial success, honest marketing and wider economic development.

Having relevant qualifications or experience is the best way to get into a governance role. There are several study avenues which are relevant to this career, including: 

So if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any of these areas, you are off to a good start in your governance career. If you do not have a degree or do not have one in a relevant subject area, then studying an online Governance course can help you learn the skills you need for a career in Governance. These courses vary in length and are highly flexible, allowing you to learn governance principles, skills and knowledge around your current schedule. There are qualifications and certifications of varying levels, from beginner to advanced. Just find the one that is right for you and study in your own time. 

Depending on the type of governance role you are pursuing, having knowledge of the industry you want to work in is also very advantageous. For example, data quality or data management for data governance, or business support for Corporate Governance. If you have A Levels or relevant experience in these areas, then you will be more likely to get a good governance position in an area that you enjoy.

It is also worth considering getting relevant work experience in an administrative, legal or business environment. Whether paid or voluntary work, developing key skills such as administration, communication skills and organisational skills will help you stand out to employers. If you can get an apprenticeship or internship in Governance or secretarial work, then you can learn on the job and work your way into a governance career.

Governance is a relatively broad term which encompasses several roles within a business. Therefore, your job might include some aspects of Governance without being a governance role. However, that also means that some key skills you have developed may relate directly to Governance and will help you to branch out into a governance career path. 

Some of the most commonly seen full-time and part-time jobs within Governance include:

As a governance expert, you will be working alongside board members to create a governance framework and implement decisions, as well as the executive team to create organisational strategies. Several governance job roles focus more on one area. For example, a governance analyst for cyber security will implement changes within the cyber security aspect of the business. 

Governance can be a very rewarding career path, allowing keen strategists to enjoy professional development opportunities at the top of a business and work alongside managing directors. Alongside this opportunity for career progression comes high salaries, making Governance a personally and financially rewarding career choice. 

There are also several roles within Governance that you can explore, including those in areas of your interest, from data governance to financial services. Through the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGI), there are opportunities for you to develop your skills and become a senior governance expert who is responsible for major business decisions.