Strategic Head of Governance, Compliance & Risk (Hybrid) in Cardiff

We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don't have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work‑life balance, so we're open to part‑time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office‑based colleagues.

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Corporate Governance, the Head of Governance, Compliance, and Risk will ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management across Christian Aid and its subsidiaries, enabling effective decision making. The post‑holder will be the trusted advisor and subject‑matter expert in corporate governance on behalf of the Board, overseeing legal and regulatory compliance, developing and implementing a comprehensive risk management framework, and leading an internal audit programme that fosters organisational learning. The role will enhance and protect Christian Aid's reputation and financial integrity while embedding best practices in governance and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Support effective trustee succession planning, effective board meetings, and support for the Governance and Nominations Committee to ensure effective Board governance.
• Provide expert advice on legal structures for subsidiaries, including Christian Aid Ireland.
• Provide high‑quality briefings with suggested solutions, seeking professional advice where more specialist knowledge is required.
• Establish and implement a comprehensive risk management framework, including registers and appetite statements to guide directorate‑level risk management.
• Develop a compliance culture covering data protection, money laundering, counter‑terrorism, sanctions management, fraud prevention, and misuse of funds.
• Complete all regulatory filings (Charity Commission, OSCR, Companies House, ICO) within deadlines to avoid penalties.
• Implement an agreed internal audit plan reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure assurance over key controls.
• Evaluate key contracts to ensure compliance and provide legal advice using external panels when necessary.
• Lead a team that empowers others to drive progress and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• Define the team's responsibilities and drive the team to promote the exchange of ideas and knowledge to maximise impact and achieve outstanding results.

Key qualifications

• Professional qualification in law, accountancy, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or corporate governance (ICSA).
• Extensive experience (5+ years) in UK charity and corporate governance, compliance, and risk management within complex organisations.
• Demonstrable expertise in managing legislative changes and interpreting regulations.
• Advanced understanding of legal frameworks (e.g., data protection laws), regulatory requirements, risk management principles, and internal audit processes.
• Exceptional analytical skills for interpreting legislation; ability to communicate technical information effectively to non‑specialist audiences; negotiation skills for resolving disputes.

Desirable attributes

• Experience acting as legal counsel.
• Informed on legal, regulatory and sector developments.
• Experience of working in global contexts.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of working within changing political regimes and understanding the implications for sanctions and other compliance elements.
• Data protection experience.

Diversity and inclusion

Christian Aid is an inclusive and diverse employer and recognises the value of building strong, creative and high‑performing teams. We actively encourage applications from racialised minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers re‑entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid's faith identity. All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check, a Counter‑Terrorism Sanction check, and participation in the Inter‑Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. Applicants will also be required to have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Benefits and salary

We offer a range of rewards and benefits; please refer to the benefits booklet for your location to see our full list of employee benefits. For salary details for this role, please refer to the salary band by location.