Head of Enterprise Governance in Sheffield

At Mencap, everything we do is driven by our 2030 ambition: to support people with a learning disability to live their lives to the full and succeed in the things that matter to them. Technology and data play a critical role in enabling this mission and we’re looking for a strategic, values‑led leader to help shape and safeguard our digital future. We’re recruiting a Head of Enterprise Governance to sit at the heart of our Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT) leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to lead the governance, risk and assurance foundations that support one of the UK’s largest and most impactful charities. If you’re passionate about good governance as an enabler and not a barrier, then this could be the role for you!

About the Role

• Lead the design and operation of clear, proportionate governance frameworks across technology, digital and data.
• Oversee risk, assurance, enterprise architecture governance, information security and cyber security oversight.
• Ensure Mencap’s digital change is safe, legally compliant, strategically aligned and sustainable.
• Provide expert advice and challenge to senior leaders, supporting confident decision‑making across the organisation.
• Work closely with our Enterprise Architect to embed architectural guardrails and standards.
• Lead governance that supports modern ways of working, including agile, product‑led and DevOps‑aligned delivery.
• Build a culture where governance, risk and security are seen as enablers of good outcomes, not administrative hurdles.

This role provides leadership, clarity and strategic direction, ensuring the right conditions are in place for safe, effective delivery. It does not own operational security, delivery teams or project execution. This is a full‑time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position. The role is home‑based, with occasional ad‑hoc travel as required.

Operational Impact on Mencap's 2030 Vision

• Strengthen trust, safety and resilience through robust governance and cyber security.
• Enable effective digital transformation, improving how we work and the experience of people we support.
• Build operational and financial sustainability by ensuring decisions are informed, transparent and future‑focused.
• Model the inclusive, values‑driven leadership behaviours at the core of our 2030 strategy.
• Create a digital and data environment that empowers teams to deliver impactful, person‑centred services.

What YOU will Bring to the Role

• Significant professional experience in governance, risk, assurance or control environments in complex organisations.
• Experience designing and operating technology, digital or data governance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of information security and cyber security governance.
• Familiarity with recognised frameworks such as COBIT or ISO.
• Credibility working with senior leaders, technical teams and non‑specialists alike.
• The ability to influence, challenge and communicate clearly.
• Sound judgement, independence of thought and a values‑led approach.
• A commitment to Mencap’s vision and inclusive leadership behaviours.

If this sounds like you, we would be delighted to hear from you. Apply now, applications close on 31st March, with interviews to follow shortly afterwards. There will be an online skills questionnaire stage required to be completed before the Interview.

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high‑street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest‑free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We’re here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long‑term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.