At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate governance strategy and ensure effective decision-making at the highest level.
- Company: Join the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, a leader in compassionate healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making a difference in West Essex.
- Why this job: Shape the future of care and influence organisational strategy in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and significant senior leadership experience required.
Are you an exceptional governance leader looking for an opportunity to influence organisational strategy, Board effectiveness, and corporate accountability at the highest level? The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is seeking an outstanding Director of Corporate Governance to join our Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this pivotal Board-level role will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the Trust's governance, accountability, risk, and decision-making arrangements.
As the Trust's most senior governance professional, you will act as a trusted adviser to the Chair, Chief Executive, Board of Directors and Board Committees, ensuring governance arrangements support the successful delivery of strategic objectives while maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Main duties of the job
- Leading the Trust's corporate governance strategy and governance framework
- Providing expert advice on governance, accountability, constitutional compliance, and Board effectiveness
- Leading the development and oversight of the Board Assurance Framework and governance systems
- Supporting effective decision-making, organisational accountability, and regulatory compliance
- Leading the Corporate Governance and Executive Assistant functions
- Acting as the Trust's senior lead for Information Governance, including data protection, records management, information security, and Freedom of Information compliance
- Providing objective challenge and assurance to Board members and senior leaders on governance and risk matters
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that is changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means we are working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We are a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Details
- Date posted: 05 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 9
- Salary: 115,052 to 132,053 a year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 001029
- Job locations: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
We are looking for a highly credible and politically astute leader with:
- Significant senior leadership experience within a large and complex organisation.
- Extensive experience advising Boards, Chief Executives, Chairs and Executive teams on governance and accountability matters.
- Experience leading corporate governance, assurance, compliance, or company secretariat functions.
- Expertise in governance frameworks, risk management, Board assurance, and regulatory compliance.
- Outstanding communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to provide independent judgement, constructive challenge, and strategic leadership.
For informal conversations please contact Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer via Natalie Howard n.howard2@nhs.net
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Essential: Master's degree or equivalent level experience gained through senior governance leadership roles
- Professional qualification in governance, law, company secretariat, public administration or related field
- Desirable: Chartered Governance Institute (CGIUKI) qualification or equivalent
- Leadership, risk management or information governance qualification
Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation
- Extensive experience advising Boards, Chairs, Chief Executives and Executive teams on governance and accountability matters
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Director of Corporate Governance in Chelmsford employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
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