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Head of Governance & Company Secretary (Part-Time)
London (Hybrid – 1-2 days in the office)
3-4 days per week | 3-6 Month Contract | £250-£300 per day (Inside IR35)
Start: ASAP
Are you an experienced governance professional with a strong charity background? We're working with a respected UK charity to recruit an experienced Head of Governance & Company Secretary to provide strategic governance leadership and ensure the organisation continues to meet the highest standards of compliance and best practice.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation on a flexible, part-time basis, with the potential for the role to become permanent.
The Role
Reporting to the senior leadership team, you'll lead the organisation's governance function, providing expert advice to Trustees, the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. You'll ensure effective board operations, maintain compliance with charity and company law, and support the ongoing development of governance frameworks and risk management.
Key responsibilities include:
Acting as Company Secretary and advising on governance best practice.
Supporting Trustee meetings, including agenda planning, board papers and minute taking.
Ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission, Companies House and relevant UK charity regulations.
Maintaining statutory records and governance policies.
Managing and developing the organisation's governance framework and risk register.
Providing governance and project support to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team.
Supporting board development, trustee induction and governance improvements.
Monitoring legislative and regulatory changes, ensuring the organisation remains compliant.
About You
We're looking for someone who brings:
Proven Company Secretary and governance experience within the charity sector.
Strong knowledge of Charity Commission requirements, charity law and governance frameworks.
Experience supporting Boards of Trustees and senior leadership teams.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong communication skills and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders.
Experience of risk management and governance policy development.
High levels of integrity, discretion and attention to detail.
What's on Offer
£250-£300 per day (Inside IR35).
Part-time opportunity (3-4 days per week).
Hybrid working with 1-2 days per week in the London office.
Initial 3-6 month contract with the potential to become permanent.
Immediate start available.
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a well-respected charity.
If you're an experienced governance professional with charity sector expertise and are available to start at short notice, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today for immediate consideration.
Thank you!
Salary: £55,000 per annum (FTE), pro rata
Hours: 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
Location: London Coliseum
We’re looking for a mission-driven Head of Governance to help shape and strengthen governance at English National Opera and the London Coliseum.
This is a high-impact senior role at the heart of the organisation, combining hands-on delivery with trusted advice. You’ll work closely with the Board and executive team to ensure decision-making is clear, accountable and aligned with Charity Commission guidance and best practice.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead on coordinating governance activity, enhancing Board and committee effectiveness, and driving continuous improvement. You’ll oversee the annual governance cycle, support trustee development, and champion inclusive, well-informed decision-making that enables our leadership to thrive.
Requirements:
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Significant experience in charity governance, company secretariat or a comparable senior governance role
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Strong understanding of charity law, trustee responsibilities and good governance practice
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Experience supporting Boards and committees, including planning, papers and effectiveness reviews
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Demonstrable experience improving governance frameworks, processes or systems
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Confidence advising senior stakeholders with discretion, diplomacy and authority
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Experience working collaboratively across executive teams to embed effective governance practices
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Clear, credible communicator, both written and verbal
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Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
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Practical and solutions‑focused, with a bias for action
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Calm, measured and trusted, with strong professional judgement
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Committed to ENO’s mission, values and public purpose, including equity, diversity and inclusion
Please see our recruitment pack for full details of the role.
Application deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 15 July 2026
Interviews: w/c 27 July 2026
Interviews: w/c 3 August 2026 & w/c 10 August 2026
Feedback: Due to the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who progress to interview stage.
Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact us.
English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.
Registered Charity 
101 - 500
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.