ISTITUTO MARANGONI LONDON
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CHAIR OF FINANCE & RESOURCES COMMITTEE
CLOSING DATE 6 MARCH 2026
Message from the Managing Director
Istituto Marangoni London is part of a globally recognised creative education network, yet we operate within a distinct and demanding UK higher education regulatory environment. Our ambition is to combine creative excellence with robust governance, regulatory compliance and long-term financial sustainability.
Since joining Istituto Marangoni, I have been inspired by our mission: to educate and shape the next generation of fashion and design professionals. Our responsibility is not only to nurture talent, but to ensure that students receive a high-quality academic experience within a secure, well-governed and financially resilient institution.
Strong governance is central to this ambition. Our Non-Executive Directors provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and strategic guidance. They play a vital role in ensuring that the School meets its responsibilities to students, staff, regulators and shareholders, and that we continue to evolve within a complex and fast-changing higher education landscape.
We are therefore seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director who will also Chair our Finance and Resources Committee. This is a significant leadership role requiring sound judgement, regulatory awareness, financial acumen and a commitment to effective governance.
We look forward to welcoming an individual who shares our ambition and who will contribute positively to the continued development of Istituto Marangoni London.
Stefania Valenti
Managing Director
Message from the School Director
At Istituto Marangoni London we are part of an international creative education network, but our work takes place in a very specific and demanding UK higher education environment. Every day I see how important it is to combine our creative identity with solid governance, clear accountability and a financial framework that can support the School over the long term.
Since joining the School, what has struck me most is our mission: preparing the next generation of talent in fashion, design and business. To deliver on this mission, we need to ensure that students study in a well-run institution one that is academically strong, financially stable and fully aligned with regulatory expectations.
Good governance is essential to this. Our Non-Executive Directors give us independent oversight and challenge, and they help us keep sight of the bigger picture as the sector continues to evolve. Their contribution is fundamental in
ensuring we meet our responsibilities to students, staff, regulators and shareholders.
We are now looking to appoint a Non-Executive Director who will also chair our Finance & Risk Committee. It’s an important role, requiring solid financial experience, sound judgement and the ability to navigate risk in a regulated environment. The person stepping into this position will play a key part in strengthening the School’s strategic and financial direction.
We look forward to welcoming someone who shares our ambition and is ready to contribute to the continued development of Istituto Marangoni London.
Fabio Rubino
Managing Director
About Istituto Marangoni London
Founded in 1935 in Italy, Istituto Marangoni delivers specialist higher education in fashion, design and fashion business. Istituto Marangoni London (IML), established in 2003, is part of the Galileo Global Education Group (GGE).
IML is:
• A private limited company registered with Companies House
• An approved higher education provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS)
• An institution delivering foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate provision
As a registered provider, IML operates within the OfS regulatory framework and must meet ongoing Conditions of Registration relating to quality, standards, student outcomes, financial sustainability, governance and public interest governance principles.
Governance Framework The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for:
• Strategic direction and long-term sustainability
• Financial solvency and safeguarding of assets
• Compliance with the Companies Act 2006
• Compliance with OfS Conditions of Registration
• Ensuring effective systems of internal control and risk management
The Board’s responsibilities are set out in the Articles of Association, Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference. Certain matters are reserved exclusively to the
Board, including approval of annual accounts and assurance over financial sustainability.
The Board comprises Executive and Non-Executive Directors and includes independent external members. The Board and its committees are chaired by Non- Executive Directors. An Academic Student Governor sits on the Board.
Academic Governance
The Academic Board is the senior academic authority of IML. It has delegated responsibility for:
• Academic standards
• Quality of student learning opportunities
• Academic regulations and policy
• Academic strategy
It reports to the Board of Directors and, where appropriate, through the Audit and Risk Committee in respect of academic risk.
Board Committees
Audit and Risk Committee
Responsible for oversight of:
• Financial reporting and annual statements
• Internal and external audit arrangements
• Risk management framework and risk register
• Regulatory compliance and data returns
• Systems of internal control
• Health and safety oversight
The Committee advises the Board on the effectiveness of assurance mechanisms and internal controls.
Finance and Resources Committee
Responsible for oversight of:
• Financial performance and sustainability
• Capital expenditure
• Safeguarding of assets
• Financial regulations and policies
• Employment and HR matters
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Access and Participation Statement
The Committee provides assurance to the Board regarding financial resilience and value for money.
Nominations Committee
Responsible for:
• Recruitment and succession planning for Board and Committee members
• Director evaluation and re-appointment processes
• Governance development and training
The Role
IML is seeking to appoint:
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee
This role combines statutory director responsibilities with leadership of the Finance and Resources Committee.
The postholder will provide:
• Independent oversight and challenge
• Strategic financial guidance
• Assurance regarding regulatory compliance
• Leadership in matters relating to financial sustainability and resource planning
The role is critical in ensuring that IML:
• Meets its OfS Conditions of Registration
• Maintains financial viability and sustainability
• Operates effective systems of control
• Demonstrates value for money and responsible stewardship
Statutory Responsibilities
All Directors must comply with duties under the Companies Act 2006, including:
• Acting within powers
• Promoting the success of the Company
• Exercising independent judgement
• Exercising reasonable care, skill and diligence
• Avoiding conflicts of interest
• Not accepting benefits from third parties
• Declaring interests in transactions
Directors hold collective and individual responsibility for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, including health and safety, employment law and OfS requirements.
Specific Responsibilities as Chair of Finance and Resources Committee
The Chair will ensure that the Board receives appropriate assurance that:
• Robust financial controls are in place
• Risk management systems are effective
• Regulatory and statutory returns are accurate and timely
• Financial sustainability is regularly assessed and monitored
• Capital and resource decisions are evidence-based
• Employment and HR oversight aligns with institutional strategy
The Chair will work closely with the Managing Director, senior leadership team and Committee members to maintain strong financial governance.
Person Specification Essential
• Experience at Board level (preferably as a Non-Executive Director)
• Senior leadership experience (e.g. CEO, COO, PVC, Director level or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory frameworks
• Financial literacy and strategic financial awareness
• Ability to provide independent challenge and constructive scrutiny
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Understanding of the English higher education regulatory environment is highly desirable.
Desirable
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Financial management
• Audit and risk
• Legal or regulatory compliance
• Health and safety
• IT and data governance
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Organisational strategy and development
• Creative industries or higher education
Terms of Appointment
• Three-year term (renewable once, subject to review)
• Approximately 8 scheduled meetings per year:
o 4 Board meetings
o 4 Finance and Resources Committee meetings
• Annual strategy day
• Participation in key institutional events encouraged
The role is remunerated, with reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed in accordance with IML policy.
An induction programme will be provided. Ongoing training and governance development may be required.
How to Apply
Please submit:
• A full CV
• A statement of interest outlining relevant experience
• Names and contact details of two referees By 5pm, Friday 6 March 2026
Applications should be submitted in confidence to:
Paola Faraci
Istituto Marangoni London p.faraci@istitutomarangoni.com
Informal enquiries may be made via email or telephone: 07825 618 267.
Istituto Marangoni London is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Diane Rainsbury
Diane Rainsbury
d.rainsbury@istitutomarangoni.com
07825618267
