Head of Governance

Head of Governance

Full-Time 72135 - 80150 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Nursing and Midwifery Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Governance Team to ensure transparency and accountability at the NMC.
  • Company: Join a vital organisation dedicated to public interest and high-quality governance.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, enhanced pension, hybrid working, and more.
  • Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Shape governance practices and make a real impact in a respected organisation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in governance with strong communication and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 72135 - 80150 € per year.

The Governance Team sits at the centre of how we ensure transparency, accountability and effective oversight at the NMC. We support the Executive, Council and its committees, uphold our statutory and regulatory responsibilities, and safeguard the integrity of our decision‑making. From organising Executive Board and Council business to overseeing statutory reporting and member recruitment, we play a vital role in ensuring the NMC delivers on its public‑interest mission with clarity and credibility.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the NMC’s Governance Team and shape how we deliver high‑quality governance at every level. As Head of Governance, you’ll provide expert support to the Council, committee chairs, partner members and senior leadership. You’ll oversee everything from constitutional compliance and statutory reporting to member recruitment, induction and development. Your leadership will ensure our governance structures are not only robust and efficient but also reflect best practice and the highest standards of public service.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the delivery of Council and committee business, ensuring it is timely, high‑quality and aligned with organisational priorities.
  • Oversee recruitment, induction, development and appraisal processes for Council, committee and partner members.
  • Produce and coordinate key statutory outputs, including the Annual Report and Accounts and the Annual Fitness to Practise report.
  • Act as secretary to the Audit Committee and other committees as required.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including charity law and PSA standards, and maintain accurate records of interests.
  • Lead a team of nine colleagues, fostering a positive, proactive and high‑performing team culture.
  • Deputise for the Assistant Director of Governance as needed.
Qualifications
  • Significant experience working in governance, ideally within a regulatory, public or charitable organisation.
  • Strong understanding of statutory and constitutional frameworks, with the ability to interpret and apply complex governance requirements.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience advising senior leaders and board members.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage complex priorities, and deliver continuous improvement.
  • A collaborative, confident and detail‑focused approach, with a commitment to high standards and public service values.
Salary Details

London: £72,135 – £80,150
Edinburgh: £67,087 – £74,451

Benefits
  • 30 days annual leave
  • Enhanced Pension Contributions via our attractive Pension Scheme – with a basic 8% employer contribution as standard which increases up to 14% with optional added Employee Contributions
  • Life Insurance – 4× current salary
  • Hybrid working
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • 24 Hours Employee Assistance Programme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Perkbox membership
  • Subsidised restaurant in our Portland Place office
  • Season ticket loans
Additional Information

The role is flexible and may require movement between teams as work dictates. This does not change your terms and conditions and will be discussed with you before you take up the post. Hybrid Working Policy: Office attendance for two days per week with the rest working from home. Part‑time roles will have pro‑rata office attendance. Pay Policy: Staff new to the NMC are ordinarily appointed at the bottom of the relevant pay band, with possible adjustments and annual reviews. Reasonable adjustments: We will provide reasonable adjustments to support disabled candidates throughout the recruitment process. Screening and vetting: All roles are subject to pre‑employment checks. This role may be subject to DBS and further vetting checks in future.

Head of Governance employer: The Nursing and Midwifery Council

The NMC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where transparency and accountability are at the forefront of our mission. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide extensive benefits including enhanced pension contributions, generous annual leave, and a supportive hybrid working policy. Our collaborative culture fosters growth and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in governance.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council

Contact Detail:

The Nursing and Midwifery Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Governance

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in governance or regulatory roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the NMC and its governance structure. Show us you understand their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! As a Head of Governance, you'll need to engage with senior leaders and stakeholders. Mock interviews with friends can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance

Governance Expertise
Statutory Compliance
Constitutional Framework Understanding
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Governance role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our Governance Team!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can foster a positive and high-performing culture, so let us know how you've done that in the past.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Nursing and Midwifery Council

Know Your Governance Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance frameworks, especially those relevant to regulatory and public organisations. Familiarise yourself with the NMC's statutory responsibilities and recent developments in governance practices to show that you're not just a candidate, but a well-informed leader.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex priorities. Think about specific situations where you've fostered a positive team culture or implemented continuous improvement initiatives. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Governance Team effectively.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since the role involves advising senior leaders and board members, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past, and be ready to share strategies for effective communication and collaboration.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex governance issues. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, particularly around statutory reporting and compliance.