General secretary jobs

Governance Officer

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to work for an organisation that makes a difference and values professionalism, flexibility, and a respectful and supportive work environment?  If the answer is yes, then this is the role for you!

We are looking for a skilled Governance Officer to join the team at Church House, Hove. You will be responsible for ensuring that good charity governance is maintained and delivered, provide high quality secretariat support to the diocesan Boards and Councils and act as PA to the Diocesan Secretary (effectively the CEO at Church House, Hove).

Position: Governance Officer

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (flexi time)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 24th June 2025

Interview Date: Monday 7th July 2025

About the Role

What you’ll do:

• Arrange meetings and agendas and take minutes at Synod, Council, Board and Committee meetings
• Organise and manage elections, for example to Diocesan Synod or General Synod
• Arrange and organise the governance aspects of the bi-annual Diocesan Synod
• Provide executive level PA support to the Diocesan Secretary
• Coordinate and monitor the use of legal services

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge and experience of charity governance and applying it to boards and committees
• Strong administrative skills with experience of taking minutes
• Great organisational skills and be adaptable to prioritise a busy workload
• Good interpersonal skills and able to work with a wide range of people
• Discretion, diplomacy and sensitivity in working with confidential information

For full details of the job please see the job description and person specification when you click to apply.

About the Organisation

The vision of the Diocese is to help people within the Diocese to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of the Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 155 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.

As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

What we offer:

• The Diocese offer flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
• 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
• Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
• Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities

The post will involve some occasional work in the evenings and at weekends. 

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Governance Officer, Charity Governance Officer, Governance and Risk Officer, Compliance Officer, Policy Officer, PA, Personal Assistant, EA, Executive Assistant, Secretary, Admin, Administrator, Senior Admin, Senior Administrator. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Are you confident working with senior leaders and navigating complex relationships? Do you have the diplomacy and judgement to support strong governance in a fast-paced environment?

We're looking for a Head of Governance and Compliance to work closely with our CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. This is a vital role at the centre of the organisation, supporting a wide range of influential individuals. The Head of Governance and Compliance will need to adapt to varied working styles and expectations, with the ability to approach all relationships with professionalism, clarity and care.

As Head of Governance and Compliance, you will lead our governance function, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance while enabling effective decision-making. With strong governance experience, sound judgement and the ability to build trust at all levels, you will support effective leadership and accountability across the MND Association.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and continuously develop the governance function, embedding best practices aligned with our strategy and values.
• Act as the primary trusted advisor on governance, risk and regulatory matters to the Chair, Board, COO and Executive Leadership Team.
• Lead and develop governance frameworks, policies and structures that reflect best practice.
• Oversee planning and delivery of all governance activities, including Board meetings, Committee meetings, and the AGM.
• Provide clear structured agendas, timely papers and accurate minutes to support effective governance meetings.
• Maintain governance records and ensure regulatory compliance with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• Monitor and report on governance performance, risks and improvement areas.
• Take a leading role in managing and enabling constructive and challenging relationships between the Board, Chair, and ELT.
• Manage trustee recruitment, induction, training and succession planning.
• Oversee the organisation’s policy framework and serious complaints process, ensuring appropriate enquiry and learning.
• Lead the development and implementation of the risk management framework in line with Board expectations.
• Stay informed on legal, regulatory and sector developments and advise the organisation on implications.

• About You:

• Strong knowledge of UK charity and company governance.
• Proven experience working with Boards and senior leaders in a governance role.
• Skilled in developing governance policies, frameworks and risk management processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Good level of financial acumen within a governance role.
• High levels of discretion, judgement and political awareness.
• Able to work independently, make sound decisions and prioritise effectively.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build strong relationships and influence sensitively.
• Committed to inclusion, ethical practice and continuous learning.
• CGI qualified or working towards qualification (desirable).

About Us:

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

What We Offer:

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

Hybrid Working and Flexibility: This role offers hybrid working, with the expectation to attend the office 2 days per week.

This role can be based from Northampton or London.

Interview Dates:

First stage interview: Thursday 17th July, in-person at our Northampton office

Second stage interview: Thursday 24th July, in-person at our London office.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• Substantial experience in governance, preferably in a charity or membership organisation.
• Proven ability to work with Boards and senior leadership.
• Experience developing governance frameworks and policies.

Important Information:

• We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
• If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
• Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
• If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.

If you have the expertise and approach to support the work of our Board and senior team, we would love to hear from you!

his role provides excellent administrative support across two departments in the Diocese of Coventry offices:

• The Ministry & Leadership team provides learning, training and development for volunteer Christian leaders across Coventry and Warwickshire. (The role holder is based in this team, and most of their working time is focussed there.)

• Website administration. (Half a day each week will be committed to this.)

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the Lay Learning & Training Lead to administrate learning and training Programmes across Coventry Diocese.

• Administration of ‘Pathways’ training programmes:
  • booking, and liaising with, event venues
  • setting up Zoom meetings
  • administrating the annual programme
  • processing data re people’s training progress
  • point of contact for programme participants
  • supporting training deliverers
  • other administrative support
• Provide administrative support to the Ministry & Leadership team as and when required.

Keeping the diocesan website up to date.

• Website administration:
• updating information, text and images
• liaising with content providers

About Us

The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) was established in 2016 by seven organisations who provide support services to women across all ten boroughs in Greater Manchester (GM) who may be vulnerable or have unmet support needs.

We came together as the GMWSA in order to ensure that our collective voice is heard by policy makers and commissioners of services. We represent the interests of our beneficiaries and service users, we share good practice and experience and ensure that no service operates in isolation. GMWSA is now formed of nine Member and Associate Member women’s centres having a presence in each of the 10 local authority areas across GM all of whom are collectively funded to deliver support services across GM to women either involved in the Criminal Justice System, or whose vulnerability and marginalisation leaves them at risk of offending, but all also have individual funding streams to ensure their provision reaches every woman in need of support.

Alliance members offer a full range of services to women who need support around issues such as domestic abuse, housing, mental health, substance misuse, education, employment, training, and confidence/self-esteem, all delivered with a trauma responsive approach. 

This post is open to WOMEN ONLY, exempt under the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) Section 7(2) and in accordance with our safeguarding procedures, will require a DBS check.

Purpose of the Role 

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to join GMWSA to transform the Alliance to meet future challenges around function and funding.

You will shape and implement the strategic direction of the Alliance, ensure the smooth running of the charity, provide leadership to staff, support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its strategic and governance duties and ensure the delivery of grants and contracts.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Direction

• Provide leadership and direction for the organisation and its staff in line with our vision.
• Clearly articulate and communicate GMWSAs vision, mission and values to staff, partners and others.
• Drive GMWSA’s strategy and business plan while establishing clear targets.
• Lead the development of innovative programs and services that align with GMWSA's mission.
• Ensure awareness of relevant current and changing legislation and good practice.
• Proactively build, maintain and leverage relationships with strategic partners, stakeholders and influencers to shape policy, secure support and ensure GMWSA’s voice is heard in key local and national forums.

Supporting the Board

• Responsibility for working with and advising the Board of Trustees with regard to strategic developments, delivery of grants and contracts, opportunities and challenges.
• Responsibility for working with the Board to develop the relationship with members.
• Support the Board of Trustees to ensure that the organisation is in all aspects legally and financially compliant and operating to best practice.
• Advise and work with the Chair and Board of Trustees in developing its structures.
• Ensure GMWSA has up-to-date policies on safeguarding, data protection and other regulatory requirements and that these are reviewed regularly and adhered to.
• Act as Company Secretary and Safeguarding Lead for the charity, undertaking appropriate training as necessary.
• Develop and maintain a risk management strategy to identify, monitor, and mitigate risks affecting GMWSA, including financial, legal, and reputational risks. 

External Affairs

• Promote and encourage multi-agency partnerships with third sector, statutory bodies and the funding and delivery of projects, following our code of ethics and strategy.
• Ensure effective participation in relevant local and regional networks and foster relationships with community leaders and stakeholders.
• Oversee the development of systems to measure the organisation's impact, ensuring clear, evidence-based reporting of outcomes to funders and stakeholders.
• Lead on using evaluation findings to drive improvements in services, delivery models and organisational strategy.
• Represent the work of GMWSA in publicity and media opportunities, with quotes and interviews, ensuring a consistently good public image and reputation. 

Finances and Fundraising

• Accountable for fundraising from a range of sources to deliver GMWSA’s agreed strategic objectives in the medium term and working towards an increased sustainability in the long term.
• Responsibility for liaising with funders, writing applications and applying for grants from various government funds, trusts and foundations.
• Responsibility for securing corporate partnership.
• Ensure grants are spent appropriately within aims of the charity, the grants’ terms and in accordance with Charity Commissioner regulation.
• Ensure effective grant management processes are in place across member organisation in order to deliver grants and contracts.
• Report to funders in a timely and accurate way.
• Oversee budget management.
• Oversee all financial reporting ensuring it is accurate and done on a timely and regular basis, including the annual accounts/annual report.

People Management

• Provide leadership, direction and motivation for the team of staff, ensuring supervision and appraisals are carried out regularly.
• Lead on embedding EDI principles and ensuring the GMWSA’s policies and practices reflect its commitment to antidiscrimination and inclusivity.
• Lead initiatives to strengthen internal infrastructure to align with long term strategic goals.
• Ensure robust professional development opportunities for staff fostering an environment of learning and growth. 

Digital Transformation

• Ensure GMWSA is compliant with funder requirements to become IASME accredited.
• Develop and lead a digital transformation strategy to improve internal processes, communication, and service delivery, making the most of emerging technologies.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven ability to think strategically and develop and implement long-term plans.
• Experience of leading organisational change and managing periods of transition.
• Experience of managing a dedicated team with a range of roles and responsibilities.
• In-depth knowledge of the charity sector, including relevant legislation, best practice, and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and financial management, including preparation for year-end in line with Charity SORP.
• Proven track record of securing funding from a range of sources, including trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and commissioners.
• Experience of managing commissioned services or programmes of work.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and risk management.
• Working knowledge of data protection regulations and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of national and regional policies relevant to our work, including a strong understanding of the VCFSE landscape in Greater Manchester.
• Understanding of the role of a Board of Trustees with experience enabling good governance and compliance.

Skills and Leadership Style

• A motivational and collaborative leadership style that fosters trust and enables people to thrive.
• Ability to develop and communicate a compelling strategic vision that inspires internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to represent the organisation with credibility and impact.
• Strong written communication skills for funding applications, reports, policy responses, and wider communications.
• Ability to build and sustain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and strategic partners.
• Strong critical reasoning and listening skills; able to analyse and synthesise complex information and make sound decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, balancing short-term pressures with long-term strategic goals.
• Proven ability to lead service and organisational development, including improving systems and processes for greater efficiency and impact.

Values and Personal Qualities

• High level of empathy and understanding of the challenges experienced by the communities we support.
• Committed to the values, vision, and social purpose of the Alliance.
• A strong advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively embedding these principles in our culture and practice.
• Personal resilience, with the ability to remain focused and effective under pressure.
• Open to alternative perspectives and committed to listening to diverse voices to inform decision-making.

Accountable to: The Board of Trustees

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £45,000 - £47,000 per annum dependent on experience.

Pension: 5%

Annual Leave: 25 days, plus bank holidays and the days between Christmas and New Year, rising by 1 day per year of continued service to a maximum of 30 days. 

The Diocese of Coventry represents the Church of England in Coventry and Warwickshire.  With a network of 200 parishes, there is a Christian presence in every local community.  There is a rich variety of people and traditions, which are united in our shared mission of "worshipping God, making new disciples, transforming communities".

The Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd (DBF) manages the financial affairs and hold the assets of the Diocese and its associated entities as well as managing activities to serve and equip these parishes through various activities and projects. 

The Finance & Governance team handle all matters concerning Diocesan and Cathedral finance including the administration and collection of parish share, paying invoices and expenses, budgeting, annual statutory, management accounts, clergy stipends, staff salaries, advice to parishes on parochial finance matters. 

This role covers the full range of work in an accounting system dealing with input to and output from all ledgers with specific responsibility for the administration of parish shares and fees including the issuing of regular statements to parishes. The purpose is to ensure that the accounting system has accurate and timely financial data which is available to those who require it either for decision-making or for external reports and accounts.

You will lead all aspects of charity financial and resource management for two separate but closely connected charities, the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) and the Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA), which are supported by a single head office team. We are looking for someone to bring enthusiasm, personal credibility, discretion and sensitivity. You will be ultimately responsible for Finance and Resource Management within the charities.
You will work directly with the trustees of both charities and the wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT) which comprises of the Director of Development, the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) (Director of HR and Programmes), and the Chief Executive. You will have primary responsibility for ensuring that the charities meet their statutory obligations, that financial functions are well ordered and support the work of the charities.
Managing and leading a small and diverse team through high pressure periods including month end, year-end and annual budgeting, you require high emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills. You will work closely with staff at all levels, often having to mentor the charities’ managers to help them plan and manage their own budgets.
Your financial responsibilities are substantial as you will have overall control and responsibility for all financial matters. You will be thinking both strategically and seeing the big picture, whilst also analysing figures in detail to ensure that the financial management of both charities are sound. In periods of change and growth, it is critical that you are effective in coordinating corporate finance (funding sources, non-profit capital structuring and investment decisions) and managing charity policies regarding capital requirements to deliver against each charity’s objects and plans, taxation, equity and investments as appropriate.

This is an essential senior support post vital for the underpinning of Cathedral governance. It allows the Dean, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chapter and its statutory committees to develop and maintain an effective system of governance for the Cathedral with adherence to the highest standards of good governance practice. This will include meeting relevant regulatory and legislative requirements. The post holder will work with the Chief Officers to provide comprehensive and effective secretariat support for Chapter and its statutory committees. 

Quest for Learning is an education charity on a mission to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind - often due to complex and compounding disadvantage. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, with limited access to books, low parental literacy, and challenging home environments. Some face health inequalities, live in areas affected by crime, or have recently arrived in the UK as refugees or asylum seekers.

We work closely with schools to provide targeted, high-impact literacy and numeracy programmes that give these children the chance to catch up, thrive, and believe in their potential. On average, our small-group tutoring helps pupils make 13 months of progress in just 10 hours - building not only essential skills, but also confidence, motivation, and a renewed sense of possibility.

The impact extends well beyond the classroom. By supporting children early, we help prevent the need for more complex and costly interventions later in life, from mental health support to exclusion and social care. Our work contributes to stronger, fairer communities by giving every child the foundation they need to participate fully in society. In doing so, we are advancing social sustainability and helping to meet global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Good Health and Wellbeing.

About the role

We're looking for a dynamic, relationship-focused, and highly organised individual to oversee our teaching programmes, school partnerships, and tutor network.

This role is crucial to ensuring our programmes are high-quality, well-managed, and meeting the needs of schools. You will be the first point of contact for schools, building strong relationships with headteachers and SENCOs, and ensuring that we offer the right support at the right time.

You will manage our team of tutors, ensuring they have the resources, training, and support needed to deliver our programmes to the highest standard. You will also oversee safeguarding and the measurement of programme impact, working closely with the fundraiser to ensure we have strong data for funding applications.

If you have experience in education, relationship building, programme management, or charity leadership, and you’re passionate about ensuring all children get the support they need, this role is for you.

Key responsibilities

School relationships and programme development (account management) 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools and other stakeholders, ensuring our programmes align with their needs.
• Be proactive in identifying opportunities for growth, understanding school funding challenges, and positioning Quest for Learning as a key partner.
• Stay abreast of educational trends, school funding pressures, and local needs, using this market intelligence to shape programme delivery and ensure our offer remains relevant, impactful, and responsive to the challenges schools and pupils face.
• Support marketing efforts by sharing impact stories, case studies, and insights from schools.
• Support and develop approaches that foster meaningful engagement with parents and carers, helping them to feel confident and involved in their child’s learning journey.
• Maintain a strong understanding of school funding arrangements (e.g. National Funding Formula, Pupil Premium, EHCP funding), using this knowledge to position our programmes effectively and align with school priorities.

Tutor management and quality assurance

• Manage the tutor team, ensuring high standards of teaching and professionalism.
• Oversee tutor recruitment, training in programmes, and performance management.
• Ensure tutors are properly equipped with resources and training to deliver high-quality sessions and further relationships in schools.
• Provide pedagogical guidance and support to tutors where needed, drawing on strong educational knowledge to help resolve teaching queries or challenges.
• Actively develop the tutor pool, ensuring we have the right expertise and capacity across Oxfordshire.

Programme coordination and delivery

• Oversee the scheduling and logistics of our tutoring programmes, ensuring smooth delivery and efficient coordination of tutors and bookings.
• Ensure end-of-programme reporting is completed by tutors and shared with schools and other necessary stakeholders.

Safeguarding (Designated Safeguarding Lead - DSL)

• Act as the DSL for Quest for Learning (once trained) with support from the Chief Executive as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring all safeguarding policies and processes are followed.
• Train tutors in best safeguarding practices and ensure incidents are properly reported and recorded.
• Liaise with schools and external agencies where necessary. 

Impact measurement & fundraising support

• Ensure a strong framework of assessment and impact measurement for pupils and our programmes.
• Analyse and collate data on programme effectiveness, reporting to the team.
• Work with the fundraiser to provide teaching-related content for funding bids and reports.

Person specification

Essential:

• Strong experience in account management, partnerships, or relationship management (preferably in education or the charity sector).
• Experience working in education or service delivery (e.g. as a teacher, tutor, or programme manager).
• Strong pedagogical knowledge and the ability to support tutors with teaching-related queries.
• Excellent people skills, able to build relationships with schools, tutors, and funders.
• Highly organised and proactive, with strong project management skills.
• Strong ability to problem-solve, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities.
• Understanding of safeguarding in education (or willingness to train as a DSL).
• Ability to gather and analyse data to measure impact. 

Desirable:

• Good understanding of school funding streams and financial pressures in the primary sector, including national funding formulas, pupil premium, and SEND-related funding (e.g. EHCPs).
• Experience managing a team (e.g. teachers, tutors, or volunteers).
• Experience in developing education programmes or training.
• Familiarity with funding applications and impact reporting.
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire school landscape.

Why join us?

• Make a meaningful difference beyond the classroom. This role is perfect for experienced educators - whether you’re a teacher, SENCO, literacy lead, or school leader - looking to apply your expertise in a more flexible, strategic, and mission-driven setting.
• Stay connected to what matters: improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and supporting high-quality teaching across schools.
• Enjoy a supportive team culture, hybrid working, generous leave, and the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity with a strong reputation in Oxfordshire.
• Bring your knowledge, build partnerships, and be part of something that’s both impactful and personally rewarding.