Head of governance jobs

Head of Governance & Compliance

Central London (Hybrid – 2 days in office)
Up to £82,000 + benefits
Housing Association | Permanent

About the role

This is a standout opportunity to join a respected Housing Association in a pivotal leadership role, reporting directly to the Executive Director of Finance and operating at Senior Management Team level.

As Head of Governance & Compliance, you’ll act as the organisation’s regulatory focal point, ensuring strong governance, robust compliance frameworks and effective engagement with the Regulator of Social Housing. You’ll also take on the formal responsibilities of Company Secretary, working closely with the Chief Executive and Board.

This is a highly visible role where you’ll influence strategic decision-making, hold senior stakeholders to account, and play a key role in maintaining the organisation’s regulatory standing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on all governance, compliance and regulatory matters across the organisation
• Act as Company Secretary, ensuring statutory compliance and effective board governance
• Serve as the primary contact for the Regulator of Social Housing, managing returns and relationships
• Work closely with the CEO and Board, supporting governance effectiveness and decision-making
• Lead on Board and Committee recruitment, succession planning and appraisals
• Oversee risk management and assurance frameworks, including strategic and operational risk registers
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation, acting as Data Protection Officer
• Manage Subject Access Requests (SARs) and wider information governance
• Oversee internal audit activity and ensure robust assurance reporting
• Lead on policy development and ensure alignment with regulatory and legal requirements
• Provide oversight of Stage 2 complaints handling across the organisation
• Conduct horizon scanning on regulatory and legislative changes

Team leadership

You’ll lead a small but high-impact team of three:

• Policy Officer
• Risk & Assurance Officer
• Governance & Board Support Officer

What we’re looking for

We’re keen to speak with candidates who bring:

• Strong social housing experience is essential across governance, compliance, risk or regulation
• Proven experience engaging with the Regulator of Social Housing
• Company Secretary experience and exposure to Board and Committee environments
• Deep understanding of data protection and handling of SARs (DPO experience highly desirable)
• Experience operating at SMT level, with the confidence to challenge and influence peers
• Track record of attending and contributing to Board meetings
• Leadership and team management experience

Why this role stands out

• Genuine strategic influence at senior leadership level
• Direct exposure to the CEO and Board
• Opportunity to shape governance during a period of Board succession
• Broad remit across governance, risk, compliance and data protection
• Purpose-driven organisation making a real community impact

If you have the required experience and are interested in finding out more, please do reach out to my email at [email protected] ASAP.

Head of Executive Office
Governance, Board & Executive Office Leadership
 
Ready to take on a senior governance leadership role where your work supports a meaningful cause?
 
This is a great opportunity to join a purpose-led professional membership organisation as their Head of Executive Office, leading governance and board support while working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership to drive organisational priorities.
 
This role would suit someone who enjoys working at the centre of organisational decision-making, supporting trustees and committees, and ensuring governance processes run smoothly and effectively.
 
If you have previous experience in governance leadership, board and committee management, or company secretariat functions, particularly within a membership organisation, regulator or non-profit setting - this could be the role for you.
 
Role: Head of Executive Office (Governance, Board & Executive Office Leadership)
Organisation Type: Professional Membership Organisation (not-for-profit)
Salary/Rate: £30 - £33 per hour (£58k to £60k equivalent per annum)
Working Pattern: Full time - 35 hours
Working Arrangements: Hybrid working (2 days per week required on-site)
Location: London (Farringdon)
Employment Type: Temporary position
Duration: Interim assignment (approx. 3 months )
Closing Date: CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis - early applications encouraged!
 
The Role:
 
As the Head of Executive Office, you’ll play a central part in leading governance activity across the organisation while supporting the Chief Executive and senior leadership team.
You will oversee the Executive Office, acting as a key liaison between the Chief Executive, Board, Council and committees, ensuring effective governance processes, regulatory compliance and organisational coordination.
 
Your responsibilities will include:
 

• Acting as Secretary to the Board, Council and Nominations Committee, ensuring effective governance and committee processes
• Managing Board, Council and General Meeting cycles, including agendas, papers, minutes and action tracking
• Ensuring governance processes align with the organisation’s Charter, Byelaws, regulations and regulatory requirements
• Leading the central project management office, maintaining oversight of organisational projects, KPIs and progress reporting
• Supporting the Chief Executive in coordinating organisation-wide priorities and activity
• Overseeing governance documentation, records and reporting requirements
• Managing governance processes for elections, nominations and senior volunteer appointments
• Overseeing the administration and governance of the organisation’s Benevolent Fund
• Leading the organisation’s member mentoring scheme, ensuring effective coordination and engagement
• Line managing the Governance and Projects Executive and supporting wider Executive Office operations

 
About You:
 

• You will bring strong governance expertise and the confidence to work closely with senior leaders, trustees and committees.
• You will likely have:
• Experience in governance leadership within a membership organisation, professional body, charity or regulator
• Strong knowledge of board and committee governance frameworks
• Experience supporting trustees, senior volunteers or non-executive board members
• Experience managing AGMs, elections or nominations processes
• Experience overseeing project reporting or organisational programme tracking
• Excellent written communication skills, including board papers, reports and governance documentation
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and governance timelines
• Experience line managing or mentoring team members

 
Why Apply?
 

• Work closely with senior leadership and board-level stakeholders
• Lead governance activity within a respected professional membership organisation
• Play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making and organisational delivery
• Join a purpose-driven organisation with a meaningful impact on its professional community

 
Interested?
 
CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis - early applications are encouraged.
Apply now to be part of a purpose-driven organisation where your governance expertise and leadership can make a real impact.

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.