Head of Governance and Compliance in England

We are the Housing Network (THN), a purpose‑led organisation working in partnership with the YMCA to support our communities. We are in an exciting period of growth and have risen to 200th in the FT1000 Fastest Growing Companies in Europe! Homelessness is a vast and complex issue that does not have a single solution. In understanding that reality, we’ve learned the importance of perspective; appreciating that if we continue to innovate, collaborate, and give our best, we are playing our part in making a vital difference. We are a team that is absolutely committed to innovate, excel and be dependable in all that we do. Working hard together to achieve our mission of providing Better Accommodation, Better Support, Better Partnerships, and as a result Better Business.

We are looking for experienced and passionate people to help us support vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We are seeking an experienced Head of Governance and Compliance to take a strategic and hands‑on role in ensuring our portfolio of residential and commercial properties comply with the latest housing regulations, health and safety standards, and legal requirements. You’ll be driving a culture of compliance, safety, and risk management across the business and lead a team responsible for overseeing governance, risk management, and ensuring the company’s adherence to relevant housing and safety regulations.

If you’re an experienced Head of Governance and Compliance and want to be part of a company making a difference to vulnerable people, this could be for you!

What you’ll be doing:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, including the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Fire Safety Regulations, Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, and the Control of Asbestos Regulations.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, inspections, and audits to ensure properties meet health and safety standards.
• Investigate health and safety incidents, near‑misses, and complaints, ensuring appropriate remedial actions are taken.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventative action plans to mitigate identified risks.
• Deliver health and safety training and briefings to staff, contractors, and residents as required.
• Promote a culture of safety awareness across the organisation and encourage good health and safety practices.
• Ensure that all contractors comply with the organisation's health and safety policies and risk management procedures.
• Monitor contractor performance through site visits and audits, ensuring work is carried out safely and in compliance with legal requirements.
• Work closely with fire safety officers and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Act and associated regulations.
• Ensure fire risk assessments are up to date and that identified remedial actions are completed within required timescales.
• Ensure all activities comply with safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable residents and employees.
• Work with safeguarding teams to identify and mitigate potential risks related to property and community safety.

You will have:

• Proven experience in governance, compliance, or risk management within the property or housing sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK property management regulations, housing laws, and health and safety standards, particularly fire safety, gas safety, asbestos management, EICRs, and broader property health and safety compliance.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., IIRSM, NEBOSH, or similar) preferred.
• A strong understanding of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and related housing safety regulations.

What you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days of annual leave
• Blue Light Card
• Referral programme

We believe our values should reflect in our behaviour towards our colleagues, partners and residents while we work to achieve our Strategy 2024>29. These values are to be: Innovative, Dynamic, Dependable, Respectful, and Kind. The Housing Network is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst the workforce. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. As an employer we welcome applications from candidates with lived experience, demonstrating our commitment to capturing the value of 'expertise by experience' and providing More than a Voice for our residents. All job offers are subject to a DBS check (level to be advised through the hiring process) and references.