At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and compliance initiatives, advising senior leadership and managing risk frameworks.
- Company: First Garden Cities Homes, a legacy social housing organisation with over 170 years of impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and wellness allowances.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on values and community service.
- Why this job: Shape governance at a pivotal time and make a difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in governance, compliance, and risk management; excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 83000 £ per year.
James Stevens Associates have been retained by First Garden Cities Homes, which is now looking for a new Head of Governance and Compliance.
Key Information
- Organisation: First Garden Cities Homes
- Location: Letchworth / Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
- Transport: Very close to Letchworth Train station with parking access
- Salary: c. £80,000 – £83,000
- Working pattern: Hybrid working, minimum 3 days per week in office
- Closing date: Wednesday 1st July 2026
Overview
First Garden Cities Homes is an independent social housing organisation with a legacy of over 170 years. The new Head of Governance and Compliance will report to the Finance Director and work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team, Board, Committees and senior colleagues. This newly created senior role will shape FGCH’s governance, assurance and compliance agenda at a key stage of its development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the governance and assurance framework
- Advise the Board, Committees and Executive Team on governance and regulatory matters
- Support effective Board and Committee arrangements
- Manage governance reporting, annual work‑plans, statutory registers, policies and procedures
- Lead Board succession planning, recruitment, induction, appraisal, training and skills reviews
- Oversee risk management, corporate risk registers and internal controls
- Manage the internal audit programme and track management actions
- Lead horizon scanning of regulation, legislation and sector developments
- Support data protection, business continuity, insurance and corporate compliance arrangements
- Provide procurement governance oversight and promote value for money
- Lead and develop the Governance and Corporate Services team
About You
We are looking for someone with strong experience in governance, assurance, compliance, risk management or company secretarial work. Ideally you have:
- Significant governance, assurance and/or compliance experience
- Knowledge of corporate governance and regulatory compliance requirements
- Experience managing risk frameworks, audit actions and assurance reporting
- Ability to work effectively with Boards, Committees and senior leaders
- Clear, confident communication skills
- Strong relationship building and team‑leadership abilities
- Solutions‑focused, pragmatic and commercially aware approach
- Engagement with both strategic influence and hands‑on delivery
- Motivation by purpose, community and public service
Social housing experience is highly valuable but not essential. Candidates from broader regulated, not‑for‑profit, public sector or governance environments with transferable experience are welcomed.
Benefits
- Salary in the region of £80,000 – £83,000
- 7 % employer pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Hybrid working, 3 days per week in office
- £600 annual working‑from‑home allowance
- £600 annual health and wellbeing allowance
- Laptop and phone provided
- Flexible working hours by agreement
- Supportive, close‑knit and values‑driven culture
Head Of Governance And Compliance in Letchworth employer: James Stevens Associates
First Garden Cities Homes is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary and generous benefits including hybrid working options, annual allowances for health and home office needs, and a strong commitment to community service, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape governance and compliance in a respected social housing organisation. Located conveniently near Letchworth Train station, employees enjoy easy access to transport while contributing to a legacy of over 170 years in the sector.
