Job summaryAre 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.Key recruitment datesStakeholder panel discussions and final interviews for this role are scheduled for 26 August. Candidates progressing through the selection process will be expected to be available on this date.The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a sufficient number of applications be received. Early application is therefore strongly encouraged.Main duties of the jobThis is a high-profile leadership position responsible for:Leading the Trust's corporate governance strategy and governance frameworkProviding expert advice on governance, accountability, constitutional compliance, and Board effectivenessLeading the development and oversight of the Board Assurance Framework and governance systemsSupporting effective decision-making, organisational accountability, and regulatory complianceLeading the Corporate Governance and Executive Assistant functionsActing as the Trust's senior lead for Information Governance, including data protection, records management, information security, and Freedom of Information complianceProviding objective challenge and assurance to Board members and senior leaders on governance and risk mattersAbout usThe 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. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex. DetailsDate posted05 August 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 9Salary 115,052 to 132,053 a year ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number001029Job locationsThe Princess Alexandra HospitalHarlowEssexCM20 1QXUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesWe 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 Job description Job responsibilitiesWe 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.netPerson Specification Qualifications EssentialMaster's degree or equivalent level experience gained through senior governance leadership rolesProfessional qualification in governance, law, company secretariat, public administration or related fieldDesirableChartered Governance Institute (CGIUKI) qualification or equivalentLeadership, risk management or information governance qualification Experience EssentialSignificant senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisationExtensive experience advising Boards, Chairs, Chief Executives and Executive teams on governance and accountability matters Person Specification Qualifications EssentialMaster's degree or equivalent level experience gained through senior governance leadership rolesProfessional qualification in governance, law, company secretariat, public administration or related fieldDesirableChartered Governance Institute (CGIUKI) qualification or equivalentLeadership, risk management or information governance qualification Experience EssentialSignificant senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisationExtensive experience advising Boards, Chairs, Chief Executives and Executive teams on governance and accountability mattersDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Employer detailsEmployer nameThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS TrustAddressThe Princess Alexandra HospitalHarlowEssexCM20 1QXUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS TrustAddressThe Princess Alexandra HospitalHarlowEssexCM20 1QXUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Director of Corporate Governance in Essex employer: National health service
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