Senior Governance Manager and Council Secretary

We are seeking an experienced and credible governance professional to join us as Senior Governance Manager and Council Secretary. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, helping to ensure effective governance, accountability and organisational assurance across the GPhC.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you will lead the governance and secretariat function, working closely with the Chair, Council, Committees, Chief Executive and Executive Team. You will help ensure that governance arrangements remain effective, proportionate and aligned to the organisation's strategic priorities, whilst supporting high standards of accountability, assurance and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted governance adviser to the Chair, Council, Committees, Chief Executive and Executive Team.
• Help shape and continuously improve governance, assurance and decision‑making arrangements across the organisation.
• Bring experience of supporting Boards, Councils, Committees or other senior decision‑making bodies within a regulatory, public sector or similarly complex environment.
• Demonstrate excellent judgement, credibility and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex issues with confidence and discretion.
• Build strong relationships and influence effectively with senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Have an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Benefits when joining our team

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to buy an additional 5 days.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Career breaks and sabbaticals.
• Life assurance, season ticket loan, bike loan and many more.

About the GPhC

We are a respected regulatory body that regulates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies in Great Britain. We work to assure and improve standards of care for people using pharmacy services. Our organisation has a long‑term vision and a desire for highly skilled and specialist staff. We are committed to providing workforce learning and development opportunities. We support flexible and hybrid working. Given the nature of this role and the importance of relationship‑building, leadership visibility and engagement with key stakeholders, the Senior Governance Manager and Council Secretary will be expected to maintain a regular presence in our Canary Wharf office, typically one to two days each week, with flexibility to attend more frequently as business needs require. We are proud of our diverse and inclusive culture and are committed to holding ourselves to the same standards we expect of others.

Applying for this role

If you believe you have the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to review the appointment brief and complete our application form. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria for the role and where you heard about this vacancy. Please note that applications without a supporting statement will not be considered. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and being inclusive in all our work as a health professions regulator.

Important Notice for Applicants

As part of our pre‑employment screening process, this role is subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In addition, the GPhC will conduct Fitness to Practise (FtP) checks for any applicant who is currently, or has previously been, a registrant of the GPhC. Applicants will be asked to declare this during the application process and may be subject to further internal verification. Any findings may be considered as part of the recruitment decision.