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- Tasks: Lead governance across a purpose-driven organisation and ensure compliance with strategic objectives.
- Company: Join a values-led charity making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to influence positive change.
- Why this job: Make a difference through governance in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance frameworks and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 48000 £ 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 employer: James Stevens Associates
Contact Detail:
James Stevens Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Manager
✨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 from organisations similar to the Housing Group. You never know who might have a lead on a role or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Housing Group’s values and recent projects. Think about how your governance experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their community impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your governance achievements, especially any innovative practices you've implemented. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your ability to lead governance effectively within a complex structure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining a team that’s committed to doing governance differently.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Manager
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 real-life applications of your skills, especially in complex environments.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
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 ready to make a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster high performance and collaboration, as this role involves managing direct reports and working closely with various stakeholders.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values and mission. They’re all about community impact and ethical decision-making, so be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their purpose-driven culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the governance culture and strategic objectives of the organisation. This not only shows your genuine interest but also gives you a chance to assess if this is the right fit for you. Think about what you want to know regarding their approach to governance innovation and team dynamics.
