At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance across multiple subsidiaries and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
- Company: Purpose-driven charity organisation focused on community impact and social inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence community outcomes through effective governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance frameworks, compliance, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 60000 £ per year.
Group Governance Manager (12-Month Fixed Term, Maternity Cover)
Location: Lancashire | Salary: £43,000 (Negotiable for right level of experience)
Industry: Charity / Housing / Care
Hybrid: Minimum 2 days in office
12 month fixed term contract
Office attendance: Minimum 2 days/week X 3 days from home
Recruitment process: Interview weeks commencing 9th or 16th February 2026, with offers to secure an April start or potentially sooner.
Are you a governance professional ready to make a real difference? The Housing Group is a purpose-driven non-profit organisation based in Lancashire that are looking for a Governance Manager for a 12 month Maternity Cover. They manage over 5,000 homes, deliver community support, run employability and skills programmes, and lead local regeneration projects. The values-led culture focuses on collaboration, inclusion, and community impact, making it more than just a housing association, it’s a place where governance can make a real difference. The organisation is a forward-thinking, social impact organisation where your governance expertise will directly influence community outcomes, organisational integrity, and high performance. Apply now to join a team committed to doing governance differently with purpose, clarity, and impact.
About the Role
Reporting to the Group Director of Governance, the Group Governance Manager leads governance across all of the organisations companies. This role ensures that governance is robust, responsive, and aligned with strategic objectives, supporting confident decision-making and creating conditions for high performance and trust. This is a 12-month maternity cover role: 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027, supporting a well-established Governance team of 12 and working closely with two direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and maintain the Group Governance Framework, ensuring policies, constitutional documents, and statutory returns are up-to-date and compliant.
- Lead governance structures across the Group, including boards, committees, and internal meetings, supporting effective decision-making.
- Ensure governance culture is clear, purposeful, and understood by all employees.
- Coordinate external governance reviews and monitor implementation of recommendations.
- Support strategic planning, corporate plans, and forward-looking governance innovation.
- Line-manage 2 direct reports fostering high team performance.
Additional duties: Supporting Executive PA tasks, statutory return oversight, policy and procedure checks, and occasional minute-taking if required in any absences.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a candidate with a mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills:
Knowledge & Experience:
- Governance frameworks, standing orders, financial regulations, and terms of reference.
- Information governance legislation and ethical data handling.
- Experience in compliance registers, statutory returns, and governance reviews.
Skills & Attributes:
- Organised, analytical, and detail-oriented.
- Excellent communicator and can influence across all levels.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Digital literacy with document management and tracking systems.
Values & Behaviours:
- Integrity, discretion, and ethical decision-making.
- Collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
- Confidence in leading governance within a complex organisational structure.
Why Join the organisation?
- Make a real difference in the community through robust governance.
- Lead a dynamic, purpose-driven team across multiple subsidiaries.
- Work in a values-led organisation committed to social impact and inclusion.
- Flexible sector experience welcomed; candidates from regulated environments (NHS, Social Housing, charities, etc.) encouraged to apply.
Governance Manager in Burnley employer: James Stevens Associates
Contact Detail:
James Stevens Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Manager in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity and housing sectors. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people who work in governance. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation's values and recent projects. Think about how your skills align with their mission. Practise answering common governance-related questions so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates from us!
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Manager in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your governance experience and how it aligns with our values. We want to see how your skills can make a real difference in our community!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of how you've used your governance expertise in previous roles. We love seeing concrete achievements that demonstrate your analytical and leadership skills.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits into our collaborative culture, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and passionate about governance.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Stevens Associates
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on governance frameworks, standing orders, and compliance regulations. The organisation is looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so being well-versed in these areas will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. This role involves managing direct reports, so demonstrating your leadership style and how you foster high performance will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex governance issues. The ability to influence across all levels is crucial, so showing that you can communicate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the organisation's values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of making a real difference in the community through robust governance.