Governance and Risk Manager

BPAS is an independent healthcare charity providing abortion care, reproductive healthcare, advice and treatment to women across the UK. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality, compassionate care and the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Our work is underpinned by strong governance, effective risk management and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are looking for an experienced Governance and Risk Manager to help strengthen these foundations and support the organisation in delivering its strategic objectives.

Reporting to the Company Secretary, you will play a key role in embedding and developing BPAS's corporate governance and risk management frameworks. Working closely with the Head of Corporate Governance and senior leaders across the organisation, you will promote a proactive approach to risk management, strengthen governance processes and ensure effective assurance and accountability.

Main duties of the job

• Developing and maintaining BPAS's risk management strategy, policies and procedures, promoting a consistent approach to risk management across the organisation.
• Working with Chief Officers, senior leaders and risk owners to identify, assess, monitor and manage organisational risks, ensuring appropriate controls and escalation.
• Supporting the management of the Strategic Risk Register and Board Assurance Framework (BAF), ensuring alignment between operational risks and strategic objectives.
• Providing oversight and assurance of governance meeting structures below sub-committee level, promoting effective meeting practices, reporting and accountability.
• Embedding BPAS's corporate governance and policy management frameworks, ensuring policies are appropriately developed, reviewed, approved and maintained.
• Acting as a subject matter expert for the Insight risk management system, supporting effective use, monitoring engagement and identifying areas for improvement.
• Providing advice, guidance and constructive challenge to colleagues at all levels, building understanding and promoting a culture of risk-based decision-making.

About You

You will be an experienced governance and risk professional with a strong understanding of organisational risk management, corporate governance and assurance. You will be confident working with senior stakeholders, able to challenge constructively and have the ability to engage and influence colleagues to embed effective governance and risk management practices.

You will bring:

• A degree or equivalent experience, together with relevant education, training or demonstrable experience in risk management and governance.
• Proven experience of managing risk registers, Board Assurance Frameworks and governance processes within a healthcare, charity or regulated corporate environment.
• Experience of working at a senior level, preparing reports for governance meetings and engaging with external regulators.
• A strong understanding of risk management principles, corporate governance and regulatory requirements, including CQC and NHS England.
• Experience of risk management systems such as InPhase, alongside strong IT skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and complex information.
• The confidence to engage, influence and provide constructive challenge to senior leaders and colleagues across all levels of an organisation.
• The ability to build credibility, develop effective working relationships and coach and support others to improve their understanding of risk and governance.
• Experience within a healthcare setting and an understanding of the risks associated with healthcare delivery, particularly abortion care, would be advantageous.

Working with us benefits include:

• 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Life assurance at 3 salary
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Access to GP 24/7, 365 days a year
• MyMindPal mental fitness app and 24/7 counselling support
• Online discounts, discounted gym membership, and other lifestyle benefits
• Family-friendly policies to support work-life balance

Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

BPAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services, and all staff share this responsibility. Recruitment follows safer-recruitment principles and includes appropriate pre-employment checks. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates.