Head of Corporate Performance and Risk

Are you passionate about driving excellence in risk management and performance reporting? The National Archives is seeking an innovative and proactive Head of Corporate Performance and Risk to help us embed a culture of positive risk management and performance framework in the organisation. In this pivotal role, you'll act as a trusted advisor to Directors, Heads of Department and stakeholders across the organisation, guiding the organisation through the intricacies of risk identification, mitigation, and performance improvement. You will facilitate the implementation of our risk management framework, ensuring its integration within strategic decision‑making processes, and lead the development of a robust corporate performance reporting system.

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate risk management and collaborate with senior colleagues to develop a comprehensive understanding of key organisational risks.
• Oversee the maintenance and update of the organisation's risk register, supporting stakeholders with the identification and mitigation of new and emerging risks.
• Prepare and present updates to the risk management policy and risk management processes to senior management and TNA Governance Committees, ensuring queries are handled with professionalism.
• Manage the relationship with the Internal Audit team, help shape the audit plans for the coming year and ensure swift resolution of any audit issues.
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of the Corporate Performance framework and PowerBI dashboards.
• Coordinate the development of the annual business priorities, ensuring they are linked to TNA's 2025‑30 strategy and monitor progress as part of corporate performance reporting, including providing quarterly updates to the Board and Finance and Performance Committee.
• Keep abreast of best practice and central government guidance on risk and performance management, updating frameworks and policies as needed.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of risk management and performance management reporting at organisational level, demonstrating contribution to effective corporate governance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HM Government's 'Orange Book'.
• Track record of building strong relationships and effectively influencing stakeholders at senior level and in other organisations.
• Ability to work through others to deliver objectives and constructively challenge teams and senior leaders, ensuring risk is considered in all key decision making.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate team and stakeholders and build organisational capability.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills at all levels; articulate communicator.
• Practical experience with data analysis and visualisation tools such as Power BI.

Desirable Criteria

• Professional compliance or risk‑related qualification/membership or willingness to obtain such qualification/membership.

Benefits

Alongside a salary of £55,000, the National Archives contributes £15,933 towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. You will also receive a generous benefits package that includes pension, sports and social club facilities, an onsite gym, discounted rates at the on‑site café, and opportunities for training and development.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require adjustments to the recruitment process, contact the National Archives as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the "Assistance required" section in the additional requirements page of the application form, specifying any support you might need during the recruitment process.

Legal & Equality

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We recruit by merit on the basis of a fair and open competition. The Civil Service also offers a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria and a Redeployment Interview Scheme for civil servants at risk of redundancy.

Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete checks.