Head of Corporate Governance

Responsible to the Trust Secretary for providing assurance to the Board that the Trust operates within the laws, regulations and codes of good practice that apply to NHS Foundation Trusts.

Responsible for managing and ensuring the provision of comprehensive and effective support to the Trust Board, the Council of Governors and the Executive and all their supporting groups.

Supporting the Trust Secretary in the development of a corporate governance compliance function within the Trust.

Responsible for managing the Trust’s system for compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection legislation and information governance policies.

Responsible for the membership function of the Trust, including the development of a membership strategy and the implementation of engagement plans.

Main duties of the job

1. Oversee the provision of governance and committee support services to the decision-making bodies and executive function within the Trust

2. Deputise for the Trust Secretary in their company secretarial role in their absence.

3. Managing the Corporate Governance Department and the services its delivers, including those in respect of corporate governance, information governance, freedom of information, data protection and Foundation Trust membership.

4. Provide guidance, specialist advice and training to the Board of Directors, Governors and other senior managers on the Constitution, Standing Orders and other governance matters as required.

5. Monitor and initiate action that gives the Board of Directors, Council of Governors and the Executive assurance that the Trust operates within the laws, regulations and codes of good practice that apply to NHS Foundation Trusts and that the highest standards of corporate governance are maintained.

About us

This senior governance role offers an opportunity to be part of a highly performing and ambitious Foundation Trust providing health services across Berkshire.

Working across the Trust, you will manage a team providing governance services, advice and support to the Board, Council of Governors and the Executive.

Reporting to the Trust Secretary, you will play a key role in developing the corporate governance arrangements in the Trust and in establishing a compliance unit. You will ensure that systems and processes are in place to ensure the highest standards of corporate governance in the organisation.

With relevant experience gained at a senior level in a complex organisation, you will be educated to degree level and will have a background in corporate governance in either the private or public sectors.

You will have exceptional listening, analytical, interpersonal and influencing skills and will be a strong communicator. You will also be able to demonstrate high standards of tact, diplomacy and integrity in your work.

For an informal discussion about the role contact Caroline Lynch, Trust Secretary on 0118 3225335

Job responsibilities

Governance and Compliance

1. Establish and monitor procedures to ensure that the Trust complies with all relevant legal, constitutional, and regulatory requirements.

2. Monitor the corporate governance and compliance implications of all papers submitted to the Trust Board, the Council of Governors, the Executive and all their sub groups

3 . Ensure that the Trust has in place sound governance policies, procedures and structures to promote and ensure probity in the conduct of business and compliance with policies.

4. Establish arrangements to monitor compliance with Standing Orders and other internal Trust policies.

5. Co-ordinate amendments to the Trusts Constitution and Standing Orders ensuring effective consideration by the Council of Governors and the Board of Directors.

6. Keep up to date on developments in corporate governance in the UK and elsewhere through regular research, reading and attending relevant events. Provide specialist knowledge of Foundation Trusts best practice, organisational policies and procedures, and governance to the Chief Executive, Executive Directors, their direct reports, external organisations, Trust staff, Governors, Trust Members and the general public when required.

7. Monitor the procedures in place for the correct administration of subsidiary organisations and joint ventures.

8. Be responsible for the Trust Seal and ensure all legal documents are properly signed, sealed, witnessed and Trust Seal usage reported to the Board.

9 Maintain the Trusts Register of Interests for Board Directors, all Trust staff and the Council of Governors, undertaking annual review that is formally reported to the Board and assessed by the Trusts Counter-Fraud, Internal and External Audit services. Ensure these registers are routinely updated on the Trusts website.

Person Specification

• Further managerial education and / or development
• Influencing, negotiation and presentation skills confident in ability to present information publicly using a variety of media in different settings.
• Fully or partly qualified as Company Secretary/Corporate Governance Professional
• Degree or equivalent knowledge and skills gained through any combination of alternative study, employment or voluntary work Full and detailed understanding of the principles of NHS and public sector governance
• Demonstrates competence and success in corporate policy-making.
• Demonstrates experience and competence in interpretation of complex legislation and regulations.

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.

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