Governance manager jobs in London, greater london

Governance Manager

Location: Hybrid – Central London + homeworking

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Salary: £51,879

MLC Partners is working with a respected UK charity, to appoint a Governance Manager into a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced charity governance professional who wants to shape governance strategy, strengthen board effectiveness, and support leadership in a values-led, mission-driven environment.

The role

As Governance Manager, you’ll act as a trusted adviser to the Board of Trustees, Chair and senior leadership team, leading on governance and assurance across two entities.

You’ll be responsible for delivering high-quality, best-practice governance that is practical, proportionate and aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities. Working closely with the Director of People, Culture and Governance and the Director of Finance and Operations, you’ll also support organisational risk management and policy assurance at executive and board level.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as Board Secretary, providing expert support to the Board and committees
• Lead the annual governance cycle, including planning, meeting schedules, agendas, papers and minutes
• Ensure actions and decisions are tracked effectively and followed through
• Maintain accurate governance and statutory records, including regulatory filings and registers
• Own and develop group-level governance frameworks, policies and standards
• Partner with their subsidiary Board Secretary to ensure consistency and proportionate assurance across the group
• Advise trustees, NEDs, CEOs and senior leaders on legal, regulatory and fiduciary responsibilities
• Monitor developments in charity law, company law and governance best practice, translating them into practical guidance and training
• Support oversight of organisational risk frameworks and governance-related policy compliance
• Lead the three-yearly independent governance review and implementation of recommendations
• Drive board development, including succession planning, skills audits, recruitment, induction and training
• Manage conflicts of interest processes and support strong governance culture
• Champion equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) at board level
• Lead and mentor the governance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment

About you:

You’ll bring substantial experience in a governance or company secretarial role, ideally within the not-for-profit sector, and be confident operating at board level.

• Strong knowledge of charity and corporate governance frameworks, legal duties and regulatory requirements
• Experience implementing and improving governance practice
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex governance matters into clear, concise papers and minutes
• Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential information
• A commitment to social justice and EDIB

For a further confidential conversation about this role and your search, please contact Annabelle at MLC Partners.

Applications close 20th April.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of financial insecurity or those from underrepresented communities, including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups, disabled people, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The Governance Manager is a hands-on role responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality, proactive and trusted governance services across MSF UK.

The Governance Manager exists to shape, lead and continuously improve governance practice in a complex, highly regarded, values-driven charity operating within a complex regulatory environment and diverse international movement.

Reporting to the Head of Governance & Association (who is also Company Secretary for MSF UK and MSF Ireland), the post holder will lead the day-to-day operation of MSF UK’s governance framework, ensuring that the Board, the Committee of Directors (CoDir), and sub-committees are all supported with timely, accurate, well-judged advice and user-centred governance services. This is a practical leadership role, combining strategic oversight with direct delivery.

The Governance Manager is expected to be focused on personally delivering relevant ambitions in the MSF UK Strategic Direction 2026-21 and operating in an inclusive and consultative manner with all stakeholders to achieve this. Accordingly, the Governance Manager is responsible for supporting and developing a high-functioning governance team that is respected across the organisation for its professionalism, judgement and service quality.

The role also carries responsibility for ensuring MSF UK’s external governance and regulatory compliance, including obligations arising from dual registration with Companies House and the Charity Commission, and for raising and maintaining the profile, visibility and credibility of governance within MSF UK, including with its company law members who comprise the MSF UK association. 

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.