Governance manager jobs in London, greater london
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Interim HR and Governance Manager
Orbis UK
6-month Fixed-Term Contract
Circa £42k 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 Interim HR and Governance Manager.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR professional to join Orbis UK on a 6-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 six 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
- 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.
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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.
Thank you!
Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities!
Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity.
We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission.
APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.
The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.
We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.
As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes.
The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer.
If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT.
- Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance.
- Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
- Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance.
- Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making.
- Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation.
- Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims.
- Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives.
- Line management of the Administration Officer.
- Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money.
- Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports).
- Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.
- Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them.
- Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
- Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT.
The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- A financial control and reporting background with an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, CIMA) or qualified by experience.
- Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations.
- Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized charitable or not for profit organisation.
- Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission.
- Experience of cash flow forecasting.
- Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar).
- A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff.
- Aptitude in problem-solving.
- Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary.
- Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems).
- A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance.
- Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved.
Desirable
- Experience in financial planning for funding applications.
- Understanding of small-scale charitable trading.
- Experience of commercial contract management.
- Experience of managing an IT service provider.
- Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.
- Experience in Human Resources
General Notes
- Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks.
- This positive will from time to time requires work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.
- We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers.
Term and Conditions
The following terms and conditions are typically offered to Mersey Rivers Trust staff and are set out as a guide only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances, and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment
Annual leave: 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays that fall on working days and a 3 day shutdown between Christmas and New Year.
Location: Home Based
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.