Head of Governance (Maternity Cover) in London

The Royal Society of Arts is the home of creativity for the common good.

Since 1754 it has championed ingenuity and innovation and turned possibility into progress.

From pioneering invention and design to shaping social change, we are a place for action and connection, where the brilliance of people drives change.

And today, this organisation is more vital than ever.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Head of Governance to lead our governance function during an exciting period of organisational transformation.

Working closely with Trustees, the Executive Team and senior leaders, you'll ensure governance arrangements are effective, proportionate and support organisational progress.

This role is based at RSA House, London, with a minimum of three days per week onsite and hybrid flexibility for the remainder.

What You'll Do

• Governance & Board Support
• Lead the governance function, supporting the Board, committees and senior leadership.
• Ensure governance arrangements remain effective and aligned with charity law and best practice.
• Oversee Board and committee meetings, including agendas, papers and actions.
• Provide trusted governance advice to Trustees and senior leaders.
• Maintain governance policies, delegations, Terms of Reference and governing documents.
• Risk, Assurance & Internal Audit
• Lead and continually improve the RSA's enterprise risk management framework.
• Support the identification and management of strategic and operational risks.
• Maintain an effective organisational risk register.
• Oversee the internal audit programme and manage the Internal Audit Manager.
• Monitor audit recommendations and provide assurance reporting to leadership and Trustees.
• Support an integrated approach to governance, risk and assurance.
• Charity Governance & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law obligations.
• Monitor governance developments and advise on regulatory and legislative changes.
• Support relationships with regulators, including the Charity Commission.
• Work across Governance, Finance, HR and Safeguarding to ensure a coordinated approach to compliance.
• Support governance aspects of the Annual Report and Annual General Meeting.
• Business Partnering & Leadership
• Build trusted relationships across the organisation and provide practical governance advice.
• Support major projects by identifying appropriate governance controls.
• Promote governance as an enabler of effective decision-making.
• Develop governance capability through coaching and guidance.
• Lead and support the Governance Assistant and Internal Audit Manager.
• Contribute to organisational leadership and success.

Who You Are

• A strong relationship builder who enjoys working with senior leaders and Trustees.
• Pragmatic and solutions-focused, balancing robust governance with organisational needs.
• Confident handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Skilled at simplifying complex governance issues for non-specialist audiences.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Committed to using effective governance to maximise charitable impact.
• Key Experience
• Significant experience in governance, company secretariat, risk, assurance or corporate governance roles.
• Strong understanding of charity governance, charity law and Board governance.
• Experience developing or managing organisational risk frameworks.
• Knowledge of the role of internal audit in providing organisational assurance.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 2 September 2026.

However, screening and interviews will be ongoing, so we may close the vacancy early if sufficient exceptional candidates apply.

Please get your application in as soon as possible.

Please note that we cannot accept late, incomplete applications, and we can only consider candidates who apply through the online application process.

Inclusion Statement

As a social change organisation, we believe everyone, regardless of visible or invisible difference should feel welcomed and able to contribute to creating a better future.

You can read our full inclusion statement on our website.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations.

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