Head of Governance and Compliance

Lead with integrity. Influence at the highest level. Make a difference that matters.

A strategic and experienced Head of Governance and Compliance is sought to lead a function that underpins trust, transparency, and ethical leadership across a high-impact organisation.

About Us

They are a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by a life-shortening neurological condition. Their mission is to drive research for a cure, campaign for better care and support, and ensure that no one faces this disease alone. With a passionate community of supporters, volunteers, and professionals, we work tirelessly to create a world free from this devastating condition.

Location: Northampton (Hybrid - 2 days per week in the office)
Full-time | Permanent
Salary: £68,000 per annum + benefits

The Role

Sitting at the heart of the organisation and reporting to the CEO, you'll provide expert advice to the Chair, Board of Trustees, and Executive Leadership Team. As Company Secretary, you'll be responsible for ensuring governance practices, legal compliance, and risk frameworks are robust, forward-thinking, inclusive, and empowering.

Key aspects of the role:

• Lead the governance function and develop frameworks, policies, and systems that support accountability, learning, and effective oversight
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with the Board, ELT, and wider teams to embed good governance at every level
• Deliver high-quality support for all Board and Committee meetings, including agenda planning, minutes, follow-up, and action tracking
• Manage statutory compliance and reporting, including submissions to Companies House and the Charity Commission
• Oversee the organisation's risk management framework, working with the ELT to ensure risks are understood, monitored, and well-managed
• Take the lead on trustee recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning
• Respond to serious complaints on behalf of the CEO or Chair, overseeing investigations and ensuring learning is captured
• Monitor and report on governance performance and stay alert to changes in legislation or sector standards

We're looking for:

• A senior governance professional, ideally with charity or membership body experience
• Strong understanding of UK charity and company law, compliance, and risk
• Experience advising Boards and senior leadership with confidence and diplomacy
• Excellent judgement, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• CGI qualified (or working towards) desirable, but not essential

Benefits include:

• 28 days of annual leave (increasing to 33 after 5 years), plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare covering dental, eyecare, and Health & Wellbeing services
• 24/7 phone and video GP service
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes like Cycle to Work and Buy/Sell Annual Leave
• Benefit Hub for lifestyle discounts
• Enhanced pension scheme
• A wealth of training and personal growth opportunities

Ready to make a meaningful difference?

Join a team where your leadership and values will shape the future of governance and help improve lives across the UK. If you're excited by the opportunity to drive ethical governance at the heart of a purpose-driven organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Send your CV to Priya at Charity People

Closing date: 30th of June
First Stage Interview: 14th of July
Second Stage Interview: 28th of July

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.