At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Governance Team, ensuring high-quality governance and compliance.
- Company: Join the NMC, the UK's independent regulator for nursing and midwifery professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and enhanced pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public trust and professional standards in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Significant governance experience, strong communication skills, and team leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
About the NMC
Our vision is safe, effective and kind nursing and midwifery practice that improves everyone’s health and wellbeing. As the independent regulator of 853,707 nursing and midwifery professionals, we have an important role to play in making this a reality.
Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
The NMC is an exciting organisation with the ambition to be the leading healthcare regulator. To achieve this, we are working in an agile way that offers great opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applications from under-represented groups.
About the team and what we do
The Governance Team sits at the centre of how we ensure transparency, accountability and effective oversight at the NMC. We support the Executive, Council and its committees, uphold our statutory and regulatory responsibilities, and safeguard the integrity of our decision-making.
Your role and impact
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the NMC’s Governance Team and shape how we deliver high-quality governance at every level. As Head of Governance, you’ll provide expert support to the Council, committee chairs, partner members and senior leadership.
Some of what you will do:
- Lead the delivery of Council and committee business, ensuring it is timely, high-quality and aligned with organisational priorities.
- Oversee recruitment, induction, development and appraisal processes for Council, committee and partner members.
- Produce and coordinate key statutory outputs, including the Annual Report and Accounts and the Annual Fitness to Practise report.
- Act as secretary to the Audit Committee and other committees as required.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including charity law and PSA standards, and maintain accurate records of interests.
- Lead a team of nine colleagues, fostering a positive, proactive and high-performing team culture.
- Deputise for the Assistant Director of Governance as needed.
What you will bring:
- Significant experience working in governance, ideally within a regulatory, public or charitable organisation.
- Strong understanding of statutory and constitutional frameworks, with the ability to interpret and apply complex governance requirements.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience advising senior leaders and board members.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage complex priorities, and deliver continuous improvement.
- A collaborative, confident and detail-focused approach, with a commitment to high standards and public service values.
Why apply?
This role offers the chance to lead a vital function at the heart of UK health and care regulation. You’ll work closely with our Chair of Council, Chief Executive and Executive Directors - shaping how we govern and hold ourselves to account.
Salary Details
All of our roles are available at either our London or Edinburgh locations. Please see salary scales below for each location:
- London: £72,135 - £80,150
- Edinburgh: £67,087 - £74,451
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave
- Enhanced Pension Contributions via our attractive Pension Scheme – with a basic 8% employer contribution as standard which increases up to 14% with optional added Employee Contributions
- Life Insurance – 4 x current salary
- Hybrid/Flexible working policies
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- 24 Hours Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Perkbox membership
- Subsidised restaurant in our Portland Place office
- Season ticket loans
About Us
Our core role is to regulate. First, we promote high education and professional standards for nurses and midwives across the UK, and nursing associates in England. Second, we maintain the register of professionals eligible to practise. Third, we investigate concerns about nurses, midwives and nursing associates - something that affects a tiny minority of professionals each year.
To regulate well, we support our professions and the public. We create resources and guidance that are useful throughout people’s careers, helping them to deliver our standards in practice and address new challenges.
Additional Information
Please note, if we receive a high level of applications, we may choose to close this advert early. We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The role you are applying for is a flexible role, and whilst you will be posted initially to a team, this may require movement between teams as the flow of work dictates.
Hybrid Working Policy
We are currently working to a policy of office attendance for two days per week with the rest of the time working from home. Before submitting your application, please ensure you are able to commit to working in one of our office locations twice per week.
Reasonable adjustments
We will provide reasonable adjustments to support disabled candidates throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you need any additional support to enable you to make an application with us.
Screening and vetting
All of our roles are subject to pre-employment checks. We are in the process of introducing a vetting policy, and it is possible that this role may become subject to DBS and further vetting checks in future.
Head of Governance employer: Nursing & Midwifery Council
Contact Detail:
Nursing & Midwifery Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NMC's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to safe, effective, and kind nursing and midwifery practice will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in governance roles within regulatory or public organisations. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into the challenges and expectations of the Head of Governance position, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you foster a high-performing team culture. The NMC values collaboration and continuous improvement, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current governance trends and best practices, especially in the healthcare sector. Demonstrating your knowledge of statutory frameworks and compliance will show your readiness to take on this critical role at the NMC.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Governance position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your significant experience in governance, particularly within regulatory or public organisations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of statutory frameworks and your ability to lead teams.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills are crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully advised senior leaders or engaged with stakeholders in previous positions.
Express Commitment to Values: The NMC values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Make sure to express your commitment to these principles in your application, perhaps by sharing experiences that reflect your dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nursing & Midwifery Council
✨Understand the Governance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the key governance frameworks relevant to the NMC. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with statutory and constitutional requirements, as well as how you can contribute to maintaining high standards of public service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Governance, you'll be leading a team. Highlight your previous leadership experiences, focusing on how you've developed teams and managed complex priorities. Be ready to share specific examples of fostering a positive team culture.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about your communication skills and stakeholder engagement. Prepare examples of how you've successfully advised senior leaders or board members in the past, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex relationships.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to EDI
The NMC values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous roles and how you plan to continue this commitment within the Governance Team.