At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and assurance processes to enhance organisational performance and compliance.
- Company: Dynamic community-led housing provider formed from a recent merger.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on transparency and accountability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of governance in a values-driven organisation with real impact.
- Qualifications: Experienced governance professional with strong regulatory knowledge and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
West London £85,000 | Hybrid 3 days in the office x 2 days from home
25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days with service
- SHPS pension scheme, with employer matching up to 5%
- Annual corporate bonus linked to organisational and individual performance
- Flexible working options
- Professional membership reimbursement and funded development where relevant
- Perkbox discounts and benefits
- Interest‑free season ticket loan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Extended leave scheme, with the option to take up to a year away after a qualifying period
Formed through a merger in 2024 of two community‑led housing providers, the organisation is building one culture, one operating model and one clear direction for the future. At its first regulatory judgement, the organisation was graded C2 for Consumer, G2 for Governance and V2 for Financial Viability, providing a chance to improve and shape its regulatory position.
This appointment is pivotal: beyond maintaining governance processes it will strengthen assurance, sharpen oversight and support a focused improvement agenda.
Reporting & Leadership
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board and Executive Team, the Head of Governance will combine strategic influence with operational ownership.
Key Responsibilities
- Board and Committee effectiveness, reporting and decision‑making
- Governance, risk, internal controls and business assurance
- Regulatory compliance and engagement
- Company secretarial responsibilities
- Internal audit, policy management and performance reporting
- Data governance, GDPR and business continuity
- Building a practical, credible assurance framework that supports delivery
Manage one direct report, providing leadership, development and clarity within the governance function.
Qualifications
Experienced governance professional who has worked in a broad role within a well‑regulated environment, comfortable advising and constructively challenging at Board level, while remaining close enough to the detail to ensure actions are followed through. Proven understanding of the regulatory environment for registered providers, excellent judgement and ability to turn complex risk, performance and compliance information into clear, meaningful assurance. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a pivotal function helping a values‑led organisation move forward with confidence, transparency and accountability.
Head Of Governance And Assurance in London employer: James Stevens Associates
As a leading community-led housing provider in West London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits including flexible working options and funded development opportunities, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Governance And Assurance in London
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like James Stevens Associates looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Governance And Assurance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at James Stevens Associates. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Stevens Associates
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with James Stevens Associates’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
