Governance manager jobs

HR and Governance Manager

Orbis UK
12-month Fixed-Term Contract
Circa £42,000 per annum (day rates will also be considered)
Hybrid working with an expectation of around 2 days per week in the office (typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, although flexibility is available)
Full-time (flexible working will also be considered), starting ASAP

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Orbis UK to recruit for their HR and Governance Manager.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join Orbis UK on a 12-month fixed-term contract, helping the organisation strengthen and embed excellent people practices while delivering key HR priorities.

This role is critical to supporting a highly performing group of staff and trustees as they seek to transform lives through the prevention and treatment of blindness. The role sits within the Business Support Team, which is responsible for the day to day running of the organisation and will be crucial in co-creating a revised HR strategy and ensuring that the organisation's compliance with key statutory and regulatory requirements are maintained, working with the Senior Management Team (SMT). 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, the communities Orbis supports.

The Opportunity

Over the next twelve months, success in this role will mean:

• Completing and progressing key HR priorities across the organisation
• Reviewing, updating and embedding the HR handbook
• Supporting and advising the SMT 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' values.
• Support the Director of Finance and Operations to provide high-quality, responsive and effective support to the Orbis Board and its sub-committees.
• Supporting the continued development of an effective in-house HR function
• Provide a responsive problem solving and supportive HR service to colleagues across the organisation.
• Overseeing governance administration where required
• Line manage and work with the Business Support Administrator
• Working in close partnership with the Director of Finance and Operations to deliver both strategic and operational HR priorities

About You

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running from day one. You'll be a knowledgeable and hands-on HR professional who combines strategic thinking with the ability to deliver operationally. You'll be comfortable managing multiple priorities and bringing structure, pace and confidence to a busy environment.

You'll have:

• Significant experience supporting and developing a HR strategy
• Good knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience leading organisational people projects and delivering tangible outcomes
• Experience supporting organisational culture and employee engagement initiatives
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
• Experience managing or mentoring team members

Desirable

• Undertaking (or qualified) CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Experience at an Executive Assistant level for governance matters
• Knowledge of the NGO sector. 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.

Interview Process

Interviews will be informal, conversational and focused on understanding your HR experience and approach. Interviews are expected to last approximately 30-45 minutes and, where possible, will be conducted in person.

Please note: We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Due to the urgent nature of this appointment, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

The Charity Governance Secretariat Manager is a full-time hybrid role based in Letchworth, with the flexibility to work from home for part of the week. The role involves managing governance processes for charity clients, including coordinating board and committee meetings, preparing agendas and papers, maintaining accurate records and minutes, and tracking actions to completion. The manager will ensure compliance with charity regulations and best practice, oversee key governance documents and policies, and support trustees and senior leaders with timely information and guidance. Day-to-day responsibilities include liaising with stakeholders, organizing meeting logistics for both digital and physical events, maintaining governance calendars, and supporting the continuous improvement of governance procedures. The role also requires close collaboration with internal teams to align governance activities with overall event delivery and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Experience in charity governance or company secretariat functions, including organizing board and committee meetings, preparing papers, and recording minutes.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records, and coordinate complex schedules.
• Knowledge of charity law, governance frameworks, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Charity Commission guidance), or a willingness to develop this expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms used for meetings and events (e.g., videoconferencing tools, document management systems, office productivity software).
• Ability to build effective relationships with trustees, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, demonstrating discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in or exposure to healthcare, medical meetings, or non-profit sectors is beneficial.
• Relevant professional qualification or degree in a related field (e.g., governance, law, business, public administration) is desirable but not essential.

About us

The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland.

Our organisation aims to improve the mental health of people across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, by advancing research and promoting excellence in CBT and related professions.

We have more than 27,000 members across the UK, Ireland and overseas, and a staff team, who work remotely. 

We deliver a wide range of events via online and in-person CPD sessions and two conferences which support the professional development of members and non-members, whilst sharing best practice showcasing research and creating valuable networking opportunities.

About the role

Your role will be the lead for governance and assurance across BABCP, supporting the Board, Committees and staff teams to ensure robust governance arrangements, effective risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements.

This role will focus on;

• ensuring the continued development, implementation and embedding of BABCP's Governance and Assurance Framework, including the identification, management and monitoring of organisational risk.
• supporting the Board and Committees through the provision of expert governance advice, effective administration, performance monitoring and the delivery of key governance activities including the AGM, elections and Annual Report.

Please refer to the full job description for more itemised duties and responsibilities.

What we’re looking for

The successful candidate will have significant experience of leading and managing governance and assurance functions within an organisation of similar scale, and be confident working with senior stakeholders, Boards and Committees.

You will need to be highly organised, able to build strong and effective working relationships, and capable of providing expert advice on governance, assurance, risk and regulatory matters.

Experience of working within a regulated environment, with knowledge of governance best practice and relevant legislation, would be an advantage.

We are looking for a candidate who can think strategically, solve complex problems, and work collaboratively with colleagues to strengthen governance practices and support organisational objectives.

Please refer to the person specification as part of the job description for more information on the criteria to be successful in the role.

BABCP supports and promotes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

How to apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter by midnight on 23rd August 2026.

Please note

We expect a high volume of applications for the role so early application is encouraged as the advertisement may be withdrawn ahead of the application deadline.

If you have not heard from us by 9th September 2026, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to keep an eye on our future vacancies and apply again, as we are always looking for talented individuals to join us.

Feedback will be provided to those who are invited to interview.