Head of Governance Services

Job Title: Head of Governance Services

Contract: Fixed Term Contract - 3-4 months

Directorate: Chief Executive

Location: Bernicia House, Newburn / Hybrid (agile working)

Salary: Band 8A - £57,528 to £64,750 (pro rata)

Reporting to: Assistant Director of Corporate Governance

Working pattern:

Full-time preferred; part-time or job share considered by agreement.

Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:00 or 09:00-17:00.

About the Role

Blue Arrow is recruiting an experienced Head of Governance Services on behalf of an NHS Foundation Trust for a 3-4 month fixed-term contract.

This senior leadership role sits within the Chief Executive's Office and is responsible for delivering a high-quality corporate governance function during a period of transition. Acting as Deputy Trust Secretary, the post holder will support the Board, Council of Governors and Executive Management Team, ensuring effective decision-making, regulatory compliance and strong assurance arrangements across the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance Services

• Lead the Corporate Governance, Risk and Assurance and administrative teams, ensuring consistent, high-quality services.
• Act as Deputy Trust Secretary, maintaining and advising on the Trust's Constitution, Standing Orders and Scheme of Delegation.
• Provide expert governance advice and procedural guidance to the Board, Committees and senior leaders.
• Oversee corporate calendars, annual programmes of work and Board and committee planning.

Board, Governors and Regulatory Compliance

• Support Board and committee effectiveness, including meeting management, agendas, minutes and follow-up actions.
• Lead arrangements for the Council of Governors, including appointment, induction, engagement and statutory compliance.
• Support compliance with CQC Well-Led requirements and NHS Foundation Trust regulatory obligations.
• Oversee governance elements of Freedom of Information compliance and statutory publication requirements.
• Lead preparation and coordination of the Trust's Annual Report and Annual Members' Meeting.
• Maintain statutory and governance registers, including Directors' and Governors' interests.
• Support and record Fit and Proper Person checks for Directors.

Risk, Assurance and Improvement

• Lead the Trust's corporate risk management and assurance framework, embedding effective systems and reporting.
• Provide risk management advice, guidance and training across the organisation.
• Evaluate Board and committee effectiveness and support continuous governance improvement.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, auditors and external partners, including the Trust's subsidiary company where required.

Essential Requirements

To be considered, you must be able to:

• Pass a Basic DBS check
• Provide a full employment history back to school-leaving age
• Provide five years of address history
• Provide two satisfactory references
• Complete all mandatory online training modules

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role, requiring weekly attendance at Bernicia House and occasional travel to other Trust sites or meetings to meet service needs.

Professional Standards and Values

The post holder must act with integrity and professionalism at all times and comply with:

• The NHS Code of Conduct for Senior Managers
• Data protection, confidentiality and safeguarding requirements
• Equality, diversity, health and safety and infection control policies

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.