Governance manager jobs in London, greater london

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

Governance Manager

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Governance Manager 

Location UK Wide 

£37.904 per annum (pro rata for part time) 

Ref: 163REC 

Full time – 37.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working 

Base: Hybrid, with the opportunity to work from your nearest Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Hub 

Contract: Permanent 

Disclosure: Basic/Enhanced/ DBS is not required for this position as the post holder will not be working with school and community groups in the region. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Team: Resources/ Planning, Governance and Assurance 

As the Governance Manager, you will provide effective and proactive administrative support to the Board of Trustees and its committees. You will help ensure the Trust meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities and operates in line with best‑practice. 

You will work closely with the Board, the Executive Team and administrative teams across the Trust. You will play a key coordinating role, making sure governance processes run smoothly and that accurate, high‑quality information is shared with the right people at the right time. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Organise and support Board and Committee meetings
• Keep all statutory records and governance processes accurate and up to date
• Manage trustee succession planning, recruitment, induction and ongoing support
• Develop, review and update governance policies and procedures
• Maintain a central policy log and ensure reviews are completed on time
• The ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing order and clarity to complex situations. They are highly organised and dependable, able to juggle multiple deadlines without losing sight of the detail, and they take pride in producing clear, accurate written work. Comfortable working with trustees and senior leaders, they are confident, professional, and skilled at building trusted relationships. They are proactive and solution focused, happy to work independently, and remain calm and effective when priorities compete. Above all, they are motivated by the charity’s purpose and values and enjoy contributing to work that makes a meaningful difference. 

ABOUT YOU 

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. 

• You have strong experience in governance, preferably within the charity, public, or regulated sector.
• You have demonstrable experience supporting boards, committees, or senior leadership teams.
• You understand UK charity law, Companies House and Charity Commission requirements and have experience managing statutory compliance processes (e.g., filing returns)
• You have exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex governance schedules and deadlines.
• You have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work confidently with trustees and senior leaders. 
•  

LIVING OUR VALUES 

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values‑driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are: 

Always Learning – curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement. 

Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed. 

Taking Ownership – proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better. 

Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success. 

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life. 

Wellbeing Support 

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees) 
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme 

Financial Benefits 

• Up to two extra days of paid leave (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) when travelling sustainably for holidays.
• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust 
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans 
• Discount benefits 
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum pro rata for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary  

Family Friendly Policies 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday)  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Application deadline: 23:59, 19 April 2026
• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week of 04 May 2026.

To apply, please complete our online application form.

• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.
• Adjustments are available throughout the application process. 

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.