Head of Governance, Compliance, And Risk

Permanent, Full Time, Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)

Location: The role can be based in our Cardiff, London, or Warrington office

Salary: £76,432 per annum for Cardiff, and Warrington. £81,314 per annum for London (including London allowance)

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are 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. 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.

About the role

Reporting in 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 which enables 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.

Some of the main areas of responsibility for the Head of Governance, Compliance, and Risk include:

• 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 having sought 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 empowering others to drive progress and foster 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.

About you

Who we are looking for:

• 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.
• 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.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams. We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re‑entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under‑represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. 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 appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this.