Director of Governance

Director of Governance

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Vivid Housing

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead governance and ensure ethical leadership and regulatory compliance.
  • Company: VIVID, a leading provider of affordable homes in the south of England.
  • Benefits: 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on governance and help deliver safe, high-quality homes.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level education and proven experience in governance and leadership.
  • Other info: Join a vibrant culture that values diversity and invests in your development.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

We are VIVID! - We offer a vibrant, friendly, inclusive culture that supports, develops and attracts the best people!

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Governance to serve as the organisation's senior guardian of ethical leadership, regulatory compliance and high‑quality decision‑making. This pivotal role provides strategic oversight of all governance frameworks, ensuring the Board, Committees and Executive operate with clarity, integrity and full accountability in line with the Regulator of Social Housing's standards and wider statutory requirements.

The Director of Governance plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the organisation's reputation, enabling confident decision‑making, and ensuring the organisation delivers safe, high‑quality homes and services for residents while upholding the highest standards of probity and accountability.

Contractually based out of our Portsmouth office, this is a full-time permanent position, working 37 hours per week with a minimum of 20% of this to be office based to promote collaboration and team working.

Want to know what we can offer you?

  • 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays), with the opportunity to buy or sell annual leave
  • A productivity-related bonus scheme to enhance your take-home
  • A generous contributory pension of 6%. We'll match employee contributions between 7% and 10%
  • Life assurance paid at x 3 annual salary
  • Private medical insurance
  • Health care cash plan called Medicash
  • Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
  • Access to counselling, legal and financial information
  • Electric car scheme
  • Huge variety of in-house & e-learning courses and a range of coaching and mentoring programmes

Want to know more about the role:

The Director of Governance will lead the organisational governance shaping a culture of transparency, strong internal controls, and robust organisational stewardship. Key responsibilities include maintaining compliance with the regulatory standards, overseeing company secretariat duties, managing regulatory engagement, and ensuring the organisation's constitutional documents, policies, and governance arrangements remain fit for purpose.

You'll be a member of the senior leadership team (SLT), acting as a trusted advisor to the Chair, Chief Executive and board members, supporting high‑quality governance practice, effective scrutiny, and informed strategic debate.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead on corporate governance, regulatory compliance and company secretariat activity
  • Ensure smooth operation of Board and Committee meetings, with clear and timely papers and minutes
  • Oversee data protection, fraud, whistleblowing and key governance policies
  • Manage our insurance portfolio, renewals, claims advice and risk‑related support
  • Lead on legal matters including disrepair cases, compliance and contract oversight
  • Inspire and develop a high‑performing team
  • Drive strong financial management, budgeting and risk culture
  • Champion equality, diversity and inclusion and maintain the highest health & safety standards

Qualifications & experience:

  • Degree‑level education
  • Strong track record of continuous professional development, particularly in leadership and improving customer outcomes
  • Proven experience managing budgets, leading teams and delivering organisation‑wide projects
  • Senior‑level experience within a complex or evolving organisation
  • Experience working with non‑executive Boards and leading governance in a non‑profit, charitable or regulated environment
  • Exceptional leadership skills with a strong people focus
  • Ability to produce clear, concise and accurate reports to tight deadlines
  • Strong numeracy, analytical capability and sound judgement

This is a high‑impact role for a strategic leader who can safeguard our governance, support our Board and help us continue delivering excellent services for our customers. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you, so please apply now.

We're a leading provider of affordable homes and extensive support services in the south of England. We believe that everyone has the right to a safe and secure place to call home, and from the moment customers move into their VIVID home we're here to help with that and more.

Our customers have access to a wide range of tailored advice to sustain their tenancies and look after their wellbeing. We invest in our homes and communities for the long-term, and this means in the quality, safety and energy efficiency of existing homes and neighbourhoods, with a firm focus on improving services so they're easy to use and access by our customers.

We're addressing the shortage of affordable housing in the south, building the right type of homes to meet the needs of our local communities. We're the sixth largest developer of new homes amongst housing associations in England, having built over 1,500 last year. This is summed up in our vision "More homes, bright futures".

As a 'people' business, we work hard to create a high-performing and fun working environment. We invest in our people's development, whilst looking after their wellbeing with our award-winning initiatives.

  • From 26 days holiday per year
  • Private medical / medicash benefits
  • Enhanced paternity / maternity leave
  • Electric car scheme

We're committed to diversity and inclusion, and want people from all walks of life to apply for our vacancies. We're a disability confident leader with disabled-friendly offices and we'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to help you; please note your needs on your application form.

If you need additional support with your application, please get in touch with us on 02392 896758 or email HRrecruitment@vividhomes.co.uk. We'll be happy to help.

Director of Governance employer: Vivid Housing

At VIVID, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and wellbeing. As a Director of Governance based in our Portsmouth office, you will benefit from generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive training opportunities, all while playing a crucial role in shaping ethical leadership and governance within our organisation. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community by ensuring safe, high-quality homes for our residents.
Vivid Housing

Contact Detail:

Vivid Housing Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Governance

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This way, when you walk into that interview, you’ll impress them with your knowledge and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on how you come across.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the best fit for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Governance

Governance Frameworks
Regulatory Compliance
Company Secretariat Management
Data Protection
Risk Management
Legal Oversight
Financial Management
Budgeting
Leadership Skills
Team Development
Analytical Capability
Report Writing
Stakeholder Engagement
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
Health and Safety Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about being the Director of Governance and how your values align with our mission at VIVID.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in governance and compliance. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong track record in these areas, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.

Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! When crafting your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your key qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Vivid Housing

✨Know Your Governance Inside Out

As a candidate for the Director of Governance, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of governance frameworks and regulatory compliance. Brush up on the Regulator of Social Housing's standards and be ready to discuss how you would ensure these are upheld within the organisation.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role demands exceptional leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in complex environments. Highlight how you inspire and develop high-performing teams while maintaining a focus on ethical leadership.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Expect to engage in strategic debates during the interview. Familiarise yourself with current trends in governance and housing, and be ready to share your insights on how these could impact VIVID. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to informed decision-making at the senior leadership level.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about VIVID's governance challenges and future goals. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also allows you to assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.

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