Director of Corporate Governance (Band 8d): Sponsorship Available

Job summary

We are looking for a values-led Director of Corporate Governance and Trust Secretary to provide expert, independent advice to the Chair, Chief Executive, Board and Council of Governors. You will strengthen governance and assurance, support effective and transparent decision-making, and lead the Corporate Governance and Secretariat function.

You will bring senior governance leadership experience from the NHS or another complex, regulated organisation, together with sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to offer constructive challenge. You will have experience of advising Boards, improving governance frameworks and leading teams. You will hold a Chartered Institute of Governance qualification or a master’s-level qualification, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience.

We are committed to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and particularly encourage applications from those currently under-represented in senior NHS leadership. We also value relevant, transferable expertise gained in other complex or regulated sectors.

If you share our commitment to excellent governance and inclusive leadership, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Interviews will take place for this role w/c 23rd November 2026.

Main duties of the job

The Director of Corporate Governance is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Trust governance framework, ensuring the Board of Directors and its committees operate effectively, lawfully and in accordance with NHS standards and best practice.

The postholder acts as the Trust Secretary providing independent expert advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Chair and Trust Board on all issues relating to corporate governance, constitutional matters and Board effectiveness.

The postholder is responsible for ensuring the Trust has robust governance, assurance and decision-making arrangements that support high-quality patient and organisational performance.

The postholder is responsible for the Executive administration support to the Executive Team and associated corporate functions.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent knowledge of NHS governance arrangements, Board effectiveness and corporate decision-making Detailed understanding of the NHS Provider Code of Governance Knowledge of NHS England’s Well-led Framework Knowledge of NHS legislation and regulatory requirements Understanding of risk management principles, Board Assurance Frameworks and integrated assurance Knowledge of standards of business conduct, conflicts of interest and declarations

Desirable

• Understanding of Foundation Trust legislation Knowledge of NHS Oversight Framework Knowledge of CQC governance requirements Knowledge of Fit and Proper Person requirements

Qualifications

Essential

• Chartered Institute of Governance qualification or Masters Degree level

Experience

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within the NHS or similar regulated public sector organisation Extensive experience of advising Boards, Chairs, Chief Executive and Non-Executive Directors on governance matters Experience of acting as Board Secretary Experience of developing and implementing corporate governance frameworks Experience of Board and committee effectiveness reviews Experience of supporting compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements Experience of risk management, assurance frameworks and Board Assurance Frameworks Experience of leading teams and managing corporate governance functions Experience of preparing high-quality Board reports and governance advice Experience of working with regulators and external stakeholders Experience of managing complex governance issues within politically sensitive environments

Closing Date: 8 November 2026