Director of Corporate Affairs (Trust Secretary)

We're proud of our team and recognise the significant contributions they make to patients here in the UK and globally. When you join Moorfields Eye Hospital you can help us continue to deliver excellence and equity in patient care through kindness and compassion for all.

Director of Corporate Affairs (Trust Secretary)

NHS AfC: Band 9

Main area Corporate Affairs & Governance Grade NHS AfC: Band 9 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 273-COR8168805

Site Moorfields Eye Hospital Town London Salary £121,528 - £138,529 per annum incl HCAS Salary period Yearly Closing 27/08/2026 08:00 Interview date 14/09/2026

YOU MAKE US MORE

Join Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

At Moorfields, people’s sight matters—and so do the people who make it possible.

For over 200 years, Moorfields has been at the forefront of ophthalmic care, research, and education. With more than 2,300 dedicated team members and over 700,000 patients seen annually across our City Road site and 22 networked sites, we are proud to be a global centre of excellence.

We're also a vibrant community where kindness, equity and excellence shape every aspect of our work. Whether it’s pioneering research through our partnership with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre or training the next generation of global eye care leaders, we’re united by one mission—delivering world-class eye health, sustainably and at scale.

From 2027, we’ll move to our brand-new Oriel site in St Pancras, Camden—a state-of-the-art centre that will unite eye care, research, and education under one roof. This groundbreaking facility, developed in partnership with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity, will enable transformative innovation and collaboration like never before.

Could you be part of this future? Make us more.

Job overview

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our executive team as Director of Corporate Affairs (Trust Secretary). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this pivotal role will make a significant contribution to the governance, strategic direction and long-term success of the Trust. As a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, Board of Directors and Council of Members, you will lead the Corporate Affairs function, oversee governance arrangements and ensure the highest standards of corporate governance, decision-making and regulatory compliance.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation as we prepare to move to Oriel. Oriel will bring together clinicians, researchers, educators and industry partners in a world-class environment, transforming the way eye care is delivered and developed for future generations.

As our new Director of Corporate Affairs, you will play a key role in supporting the Board to deliver strategic priorities, drive organisational improvement and ensure the Trust remains well-led, innovative and focused on outstanding outcomes for patients. You will help shape the future of one of the world's leading ophthalmic organisations while leading high-profile programmes, strengthening governance and building strong partnerships across the Trust, the NHS and wider health system.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced governance professional and strategic leader who thrives in complex environments and can influence at the highest level.

Main duties of the job

As our new Director of Corporate Affairs, you will:

• Be a trusted adviser to the Board, Chief Executive and Council of Members, ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance and decision-making.
• Provide strategic leadership across Corporate Affairs, the Trust Secretariat and Information Governance functions.
• Lead the governance processes that support the Trust Board, Executive Committee and Council of Members, enabling effective oversight and organisational performance.
• Work alongside the Chief Executive and Executive Team to deliver strategic priorities, major transformation programmes and organisational objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement in governance, risk management and Board effectiveness, helping to ensure the organisation remains well-led.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, system partners and senior stakeholders, acting as an influential ambassador for the Trust.
• Oversee the production of key statutory and corporate documents, including the Annual Report, ensuring compliance and transparency.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams while ensuring the effective stewardship of corporate resources and budgets.

Working for our organisation

This role offers the opportunity to work at the heart of the organisation, partnering closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team, Board members, clinical leaders and external stakeholders across the NHS. You will play a critical role in ensuring the organisation is well-led, strategically focused and equipped to meet future opportunities and challenges.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute to their fullest potential.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a detailed job description and person specification, please download the attached.

Anticipated assessment dates:

Formal face to face interviews: 14th September

Person specification

Education and qualification

• Educated to Master’s degree level / or significant professional experience/ qualification
• Corporate governance qualification & accreditation with an appropriate body

Experience

• Proven senior level experience of leading and delivering strategic development programmes in a politically sensitive and complex environment.

Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references. We do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts, so please consider this before applying.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our organisational culture. As part of our pledge to take positive action in recruitment we encourage applications from under-represented candidates including BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) and Disabled candidates as we work towards a representative workforce that is able to provide the quality, the dignity and respect and to deliver above and beyond.

Moorfields is a flexible working friendly organisation, and we are committed to helping our employees achieve a work-life balance that is beneficial for health and wellbeing, motivation levels and job satisfaction. Every employee of the Trust has the right to request to work flexibly. Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

If we receive sufficient applications, we will close this ad prior to the closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying or would like an accessible version of any recruitment documents, please contact the recruitment team at moorfields.recruitment@nhs.net.

Moorfields Eye Hospital does not charge applicants any recruitment or sponsorship fees. Our website and published contact details are the only authorised channels for applications and verification of job offers.

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Name Peter Ridley via Jo Makin (Executive Assistant) Job title Chief Executive Officer Email address joanne.makin1@nhs.net