Dawn Turpin

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DAWN TURPIN

I am an independent governance consultant with over 25 years’ experience across the education sector, primarily in Higher Education, specialising in governance effectiveness and the role of the governance professional.I have extensive practical experience in corporate and academic governance, charity governance, risk management, executive and non‑executive recruitment, strategic programme delivery and information rights. I previously served as Head of Governance at The Open University and continue to work closely with governing bodies and sector organisations.I currently work independently with institutions and sector bodies to support governance effectiveness reviews and improvement, assessing governance structures, processes and culture against regulatory requirements and recognised codes of governance. I have delivered governance effectiveness reviews for a number of post-92, small and specialist and private providers, using a proportionate, evidence‑based approach that typically includes documentation review, meeting observation and stakeholder engagement.I also design and deliver professional development and training (online, in person and blended) for those engaged in governance, including- The role of the governance professional / committee secretary- Writing effective committee papers- Writing clear, accurate and purposeful minutesAlongside consultancy work, I serve part‑time as Clerk to the Board at Rose Bruford College and have previously held governance roles at Westminster School and in the private sector. This ongoing practice ensures my advice remains grounded in current governance reality.A particular professional interest of mine is governance failure across higher education, charities and the private sector, and the practical lessons these cases offer for strengthening governance arrangements.