Director of Governance, Legal and Risk in London

The London Pensions Fund Authority (LPFA) is seeking an exceptional legal and governance leader to join its Senior Leadership Team as Director of Governance, Risk & Legal and statutory Monitoring Officer. This is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, providing strategic leadership, assurance and expert advice to enable the LPFA to deliver its purpose and long-term objectives.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the Governance, Risk and Legal Directorate and hold individual and collective accountability for the delivery of the LPFA’s priorities. As a trusted adviser to the Board, committees and senior leadership, you will ensure the organisation operates within a robust legal, governance and risk framework, fully compliant with legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice.

You will oversee all legal services, providing pragmatic, high-quality advice on complex public sector and pensions-related matters, while managing organisational risk frameworks and ensuring effective board and committee governance. Acting as the LPFA’s Monitoring Officer under Section 5 of the Local Government Housing Act 1989, you will play a critical role in upholding ethical standards, transparency and sound decision-making across the organisation. This role also has a strong forward-looking focus, supporting organisational change and transformation, modernising governance practices and helping prepare the LPFA to meet future challenges in an evolving pensions and regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal and governance advice to the Board, committees and senior leadership.
• Lead and oversee organisational risk management frameworks and assurance arrangements.
• Ensure effective operation and support of the Board, Local Pension Board and committees.
• Maintain compliance with pensions, governance, data protection and regulatory requirements.
• Act as Monitoring Officer and oversee the Data Protection Officer function.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing, multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute fully to the collective leadership and strategic direction of the LPFA.

About You

You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience, bringing deep expertise in public sector law, governance and pensions. Ideally, you will have experience gained within a Local Authority and/or a pension fund environment, giving you a strong understanding of public sector decision-making, democratic governance and the regulatory framework surrounding public service pensions.

You will have a strong understanding of the Monitoring Officer role, excellent judgement, and the credibility to influence at Board and executive level. An inclusive and collaborative leader, you will be comfortable working at pace, managing complexity and providing clear, pragmatic advice on sensitive and high-impact issues.

Why Join the LPFA?

The LPFA is a unique and purpose-driven organisation, responsible for managing and safeguarding pension benefits for tens of thousands of members. We combine a strong public service ethos with a modern, professional and ambitious approach to pensions administration and investment governance.

Joining the LPFA means working at the forefront of public sector pensions, in an organisation that values integrity, expertise and innovation. You will have genuine influence at the highest level, shaping governance, risk and legal strategy in a complex and evolving environment. This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact, contribute to meaningful outcomes for members and stakeholders, and play a key role in the future direction of a respected and forward-thinking organisation.

If you are looking for a senior leadership role where your expertise will truly matter, and where you can help set the standard for good governance in the public sector, we would welcome your application. Please apply directly, or if you would like to discuss the opportunity in more detail, reach out to thomas@mlcpartners.co.uk.