Head of Governance

Help shape the future of governance at Mencap and make a real difference in the lives of people with a learning disability. We're looking for an experienced and values-led Head of Governance to provide strategic leadership for governance across Mencap at an exciting time in our journey. As we deliver our ambitious Strategy 2030, strong governance, accountability and effective decision-making are critical to achieving our goals.

This is a rare opportunity to work alongside senior leaders and trustees to help shape how one of the UK's leading charities delivers its strategy, supports good decision-making, manages risk and creates lasting impact for people with a learning disability and their families. We're flexible on working arrangements and are open to applications from candidates looking to work 3, 4 or 5 days per week.

What's most important to us is finding someone with the experience, influence and partnership skills to help drive our governance agenda forward and deliver meaningful organisational impact. Reporting to the Executive Director of Governance & Quality, you will lead our Governance team and play a pivotal role in strengthening governance across the Mencap Group.

The Governance function sits in Mencap's Governance and Quality Directorate and plays a critical role in supporting good governance, sound decision-making, risk management and compliance across the organisation. The team provides specialist advice and assurance, helping colleagues at every level to make informed decisions and deliver high-quality services for people with a learning disability.

As Head of Governance, you will provide strategic leadership to mature Mencap's governance framework and ensure our governance arrangements remain effective, proportionate and fit for the future. You will work closely with senior leaders, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, providing expert advice, constructive challenge and insight to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

You will be responsible for driving improvements arising from governance reviews, leading the development of our governance framework, strengthening our approach to risk management and assurance, and advancing our environmental, social and governance (ESG) ambitions. You will also take ownership of key governance processes, including our scheme of delegation, and help embed a culture where good governance is understood as everyone's responsibility.

This is a highly collaborative role, requiring strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence across a complex organisation. Success will come through partnership: working with leaders, colleagues and trustees to ensure governance supports innovation, accountability and the successful delivery of Strategy 2030.

You are a trusted governance professional who understands that great governance is about enabling better outcomes, not simply managing processes. You will be skilled at building relationships, influencing senior stakeholders and partnering with colleagues across an organisation to achieve shared goals. You will be confident providing expert advice and constructive challenge, helping leaders navigate complexity and make well-informed decisions.

You will bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and a strong delivery focus, with the ability to translate governance principles into practical action that supports organisational success. You'll also bring:

• Significant experience of leading governance, assurance, risk or compliance activity within a complex organisation.
• Experience of influencing senior leaders and boards, building trusted relationships and supporting effective decision-making.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience of developing and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to make complex governance matters accessible and practical.
• A commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery and achieve results through collaboration and influence.
• Experience of working in the charity, public, regulated or social care sectors would be advantageous, as would experience of governance reviews, ESG programmes and regulatory compliance frameworks.

This is an opportunity to lead governance in one of the UK's largest charities at a time of significant ambition and transformation. You will work at the heart of the organisation, partnering with senior leaders and trustees to strengthen governance, improve organisational effectiveness and support the successful delivery of Strategy 2030.

Most importantly, you'll be helping Mencap create a more inclusive society where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included.

We're looking for someone who can influence, collaborate and partner with others to create impact, and who shares our commitment to strengthening governance in service of Mencap's mission. At Mencap, we know that better decisions are made when different perspectives are around the table. As an organisation that exists to champion inclusion, we are committed to building diverse leadership teams that reflect the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives are currently underrepresented in senior leadership and governance roles.

This is a unique opportunity to use your governance expertise to influence organisational direction, strengthen accountability and help deliver lasting change for people with a learning disability and their families. If you are motivated by purpose, partnership and impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close 18 September 2026, with interviews w/c 28 September or 5 October 2026.

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes.
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.