Governance Manager

Job Title: Governance Manager

Contract: Fixed Term Contract - 3-4 months

Recruitment Agency: Blue Arrow (recruiting on behalf of an NHS Foundation Trust)

Pay Grade: Band 6, Agenda for Change - £39,959 to £48,117 (pro rata)

DBS Requirement: No DBS required

Directorate: Chief Executive

Accountable to: Head of Governance Services

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 a Governance Manager on behalf of an NHS Foundation Trust for a 3-4 month fixed‑term contract.

This role occupies a pivotal position within the Trust's governance structure, providing high-quality corporate governance, assurance and secretariat support to the Board of Directors, Council of Governors and standing committees. Reporting to the Head of Governance Services, the post holder will support the Trust to meet its constitutional, statutory and regulatory obligations during a period of change.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Governance and Assurance

• Provide expert corporate governance advice to the Chief Executive, Chair, Board of Directors and Council of Governors.
• Support the development and operation of effective governance systems and internal controls aligned with best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain legally required statutory and governance registers and ensure appropriate public access and reporting.
• Support delivery of key governance processes including the Annual Report, standards of business conduct, Fit and Proper Person requirements and annual declarations.
• Support induction and ongoing development arrangements for Directors and Governors.
• Deputise as required, including attending Board and committee meetings and advising on constitutional and regulatory matters.
• Oversee the Trust's policy management framework and monitor compliance with policy development standards.

Foundation Trust Secretariat Services

• Lead the provision of high-quality Board and committee secretariat services, ensuring meetings are effectively planned, administered and supported.
• Act as a key point of contact and support for Non‑Executive Directors.
• Develop and maintain rolling annual schedules of meetings and business that meet statutory and regulatory deadlines.
• Ensure effective workflow and coordination between the Board, Committees and Council of Governors.
• Support regular reviews of Board and committee effectiveness and governance processes.
• Collate, analyse and present complex and sensitive information for Board and committee consideration.

Council of Governors and Membership

• Oversee constitutionally compliant elections to the Council of Governors.
• Ensure appropriate training, development and engagement arrangements for Governors.
• Support Governor communications and engagement activity in partnership with the Membership Engagement Team.
• Ensure Council of Governors and Members' meetings, including the Annual Members' Meeting, are conducted in accordance with the Trust's Constitution.

People Management

• Line manage and support members of the governance team as allocated, including performance management, development and wellbeing.
• Promote a positive, professional and inclusive working culture within the governance function.

Essential Requirements

To be considered, you must be able to:

• 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

Key Working Relationships

• Chair, Chief Executive and Board of Directors
• Non‑Executive Directors and Executive Team
• Head of Governance Services and Assistant Director of Governance
• Senior leaders and wider NHS colleagues
• Council of Governors, Lead Governor and members of the public

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role, with a mix of on‑site and agile working, aligned to service needs and meeting schedules.

Professional Standards and Values

The post holder will be expected to:

• Act with integrity, openness and professionalism at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Comply with equality, diversity, safeguarding, health and safety, infection control and risk management policies.
• Uphold the principles of Duty of Candour and work flexibly to support organisational priorities within a changing NHS environment.

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