Governance manager jobs

The governance and policy manager is a senior strategic and operational role responsible for leading, coordinating, and strengthening all governance-related functions across World Physiotherapy. Reporting directly to the CEO, the role ensures the organisation consistently meets the highest standards of governance, compliance, transparency, and accountability, in line with its global mission and constitutional framework.

The postholder serves as a key advisor to the CEO, board, and leadership structures, ensuring governance systems are robust, efficient, and appropriate for an international membership organisation. The role works closely with member organisations (MOs), regions, and speciality groups to enhance governance practices, ensure policy alignment, and support coherent decision-making across the global network.

The role also contributes to organisational direction by actively participating in the development and implementation of the World Physiotherapy strategic plan and supporting alignment with regional and other strategic plans.

1. Governance leadership and oversight

• Lead, coordinate, and oversee all governance functions and activities across World Physiotherapy.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the constitution, bylaws, policies, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Regularly review and update governance frameworks, systems, and processes to align with international best practices.
• Provide authoritative advice and interpretation on governance matters to the CEO, board, and leadership structures.
• Develop and implement governance improvement initiatives to enhance organisational effectiveness and accountability.
• Work collaboratively with the World Physiotherapy development and membership divisions to ensure organisational cohesion and effective delivery of the global mission.

2. Board and executive support

• Support and coordinate the development of high-quality board papers, briefings, and decision-support materials.
• Support the full lifecycle of board meetings, including agenda setting, documentation, logistics, and action tracking.
• Ensure timely circulation of clear, accurate, and structured information to support informed decision-making.
• Maintain and manage official governance records, including minutes, resolutions, and statutory documentation.
• Monitor follow-up actions and ensure implementation of board decisions.

3. General meeting (GM) management

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver all World Physiotherapy global and regional general meetings in accordance with constitutional requirements.
• Develop and manage timelines for GM preparation, including submission, review, and distribution of papers.
• Oversee the drafting and quality assurance of reports, motions, and official documentation.
• Ensure accurate recording of proceedings, decisions, and outcomes.
• Verify compliance with all procedural and constitutional requirements for general meetings.

4. Regional elections coordination

• Plan and oversee regional election processes, ensuring alignment with organisational rules, timelines, and standards.
• Develop and implement clear election procedures and guidance for regions in line with the constitution.
• Ensure elections are conducted transparently, fairly, and consistently across all regions.
• Provide advisory support to regional executive committees on governance and election matters.
• Maintain comprehensive records of election processes, results, and compliance.

5. Policy development and management

• Lead the drafting, review, and implementation of governance and organisational policies.
• Ensure policies are consistent, up to date, and aligned with strategic priorities and international standards.
• Provide expert policy advice and interpretation to the CEO, board, MOs, regions, and speciality groups.
• Establish and maintain systems to monitor policy implementation, compliance, and effectiveness. 

6. Strategic planning and alignment

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the World Physiotherapy strategic plan.
• Support alignment between global strategy and regional and other relevant strategic plans.
• Provide governance input into strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with constitutional and policy frameworks.
• Monitor and report on governance-related strategic objectives and outcomes.

7. Support to member organisations, regions, and specialty groups

• Provide expert governance and policy advice to MOs, regions, and speciality groups.
• Develop practical tools, templates, and guidance to strengthen governance capacity across the network.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and promote best practices in governance globally.
• Respond to governance queries and provide timely, solution-oriented support.

8. Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Act as a central liaison on governance matters between the CEO, board, committees, and membership.
• Ensure consistent and transparent communication of governance processes, decisions, and requirements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with the communications and marketing team for the delivery of all key communications.

9. Continuous improvement and risk management

• Identify governance risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead initiatives to enhance governance maturity and organisational performance.
• Monitor global trends in governance and advise on relevant improvements.
• Support organisational risk management processes related to governance and compliance.

 

Person specification

Education and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, public administration, governance, business administration, international relations, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (eg master’s degree) in governance, public policy, law, MBA, or related discipline (desirable).
• Professional certification in governance, compliance, or company secretariat (eg Chartered Governance Institute or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in governance or non-profit management.

Essential experience and skills

• Extensive experience in governance, policy, or organisational management, preferably in an international or membership-based organisation.
• Strong knowledge of non-profit governance frameworks and best practices.
• Proven experience supporting boards and senior leadership.
• Experience managing complex governance processes (eg elections, general meetings).
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to produce high quality formal documentation.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.

Desirable

• Experience working with global professional associations or health related organisations.
• Familiarity with constitutional frameworks and regulatory environments in international organisations.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across multiple regions.

Personal attributes

• Highly organised, proactive, and detail oriented.
• Strong integrity and commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and skilled in stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, solution oriented mindset.

 Impact of the role

This role is critical to ensuring World Physiotherapy operates with excellence in governance and policy. The governance and policy manager supports effective decision-making at the highest level, strengthens organisational credibility, and contributes to a cohesive, well-governed global network aligned with its strategic objectives.

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

Orbis UK is delighted to offer the role of HR and Governance Manager, a new position for the charity, as the organisation seeks to grow and build on past successes to reach its target of achieving £10m income in the next 5 years.

This role is critical to supporting a highly performing group of staff and trustees as we seek to transform lives through the prevention and treatment of blindness. This role will sit within the Business Support Team, which is responsible for the day to day running of the organisation and will be crucial in creating a revised HR strategy and ensuring that the organisation’s compliance with key statutory and regulatory requirements are maintained at all times. The successful postholder will work collaboratively with the Director of Finance and Operations to meet these objectives, but also will have a central role in identifying opportunities for growth within the HR and Governance function to ensure that good practice, wellbeing and compliance work hand in hand with one another and is embedded within the ethos of the organisation for the benefit of its staff and, ultimately, our beneficiaries.  

In addition, the successful postholder will work with the Board of Trustees to provide Executive Assistant level support to enable the Board to meet its obligations and to ensure that they can conduct the business of the charity in the most efficient and effective manner. You will be privy to sensitive and confidential information, attending meetings in order to take summary minutes and provide clerking services, including the issuing of papers, monitoring Companies House and Charity Commission requirements and acting as counsel to the Senior Management Team and the Board, where appropriate.

You will line manage and work with the Business Support Administrator, also a new post, that will provide support to you and the wider staff team. The recruitment of both these posts simultaneously provides a unique opportunity to a new postholder to shape this role and set out the strategy for this directorate and take ownership of demonstrable change within the organisation.

We are looking for someone who has a Level 5 CIPD or equivalent qualification with demonstrable experience in supporting and developing a HR strategy and/or working at an EA level working with senior executives across different sectors. Knowledge of the NGO sector is desirable, but we are open to applications from across disciplines and expertise if you can demonstrate your aptitude for the role with a hunger to learn or for someone who is keen to translate their HR experience into this broad and interesting role.

The main responsibilities of this role include:

- To line manage and work with the Business Support Administrator and to provide a responsive problem solving and supportive HR service to managers across the organisation.

- To support and advise the Senior Leadership Team to develop and deliver a strong HR strategy embedding best practice while continuing to build a positive, inclusive and high performing culture strongly aligned with Orbis’s values.

- To support the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to provide high-quality, responsive and effective support to the Orbis Board and its sub-committees.

- To deliver a HR strategy and solutions in high performing teams, and balance compliance with taking a progressive attitude towards embracing the opportunities and challenges of embedding values-led principles within an organisation.

Benefits of working for Orbis UK

Before completion of probation:

• Competitive Salary benchmarked annually
• Minimum 25 days holiday pro-rated increasing with length of service
• Life Assurance Policy (4 x salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• E-learning Courses
• Social Activities
• Flextime
• Free Sight test

After completion of probation:

• Matched employer pension contribution up to a maximum of 10% of basic salary
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contribution to cost of new prescription glasses   
• Possibility of an overseas project visit after 3 years’ service

 Application and interviews

Closing Date: 28th April 2026

First Interviews: 1st or 5th May 2026

Second Interviews: 11th or 12th May 2026

Start Date: ASAP

All applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to reply to all applications, so if you haven’t heard from us by 30th April 2026, your application has not been successful.

Safeguarding

Orbis UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and criminal records checks. Orbis UK is also a member of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

Be the Driving Force Behind Outstanding Governance

Are you passionate about championing good governance and eager to make a tangible impact? Step into a Governance Manager role where your expertise truly shapes the heart of a purpose-led professional membership organisation. This is your chance to ensure that governance isn’t just a process but a priority - supporting the Chief Executive, Board, Council and wider governance structure to operate with the highest standards of compliance and effectiveness.

As the Governance Manager, you’ll be at the centre of senior decision-making - managing complex governance frameworks, coordinating key meetings, and keeping our organisation running like clockwork behind the scenes. Your work will uphold the integrity and transparency of our operations, and you’ll be an essential partner to influential leaders and stakeholders, contributing to a cause that makes a genuine difference.

• Role: Governance Manager
• Type: Professional Membership Body
• Salary: £27.47 per hour (equivalent to £50,000 per annum)
• Location: London (Farringdon) & WFH | Hybrid (2 days in the office)
• Employment: Temporary, Interim assignment (3–6 months)
• Start: ASAP - rolling CV review (early applications advised)

Your Key Responsibilities

• Be the trusted Secretary to the Board, Council, and key committees - ensuring governance protocols are followed at every level
• Coordinate and deliver seamless Board, Council, AGM/EGM, and committee meetings, end-to-end
• Prepare agendas, papers, and accurate minutes with uncompromising attention to detail
• Oversee governance documentation and maintain robust audit trails
• Manage regulatory compliance (Charity Commission, Companies House, and more)
• Lead election processes for senior appointments and support the Chief Executive in maximising systems and efficiency
• Mentor and manage a Governance and Projects Executive
• Administer aspects of the Benevolent Fund with discretion and professionalism

About You

• Track record in supporting Boards, committees, and senior leaders within a charity or membership context
• Expert knowledge of governance frameworks and regulatory reporting
• Exceptional organisational skills, thriving on managing multiple priorities
• Meticulous attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused outlook
• Excellent communication, and the confidence to line manage or mentor staff

Why This Role?

• Step directly into a high-impact senior governance role
• Work alongside passionate leaders who value your expertise
• Be part of an organisation where governance is at the forefront and your contribution is truly valued

Ready to make your mark? We’re reviewing CVs as they arrive for an immediate start - don’t miss your chance to shape the future of governance in a purpose-driven organisation. Apply now and let your governance leadership be the difference that matters.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.