About this role
Job summary
Are you an exceptional governance leader looking for an opportunity to influence organisational strategy, Board effectiveness, and corporate accountability at the highest level?
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is seeking an outstanding Director of Corporate Governance to join our Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this pivotal Board-level role will provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of the Trust's governance, accountability, risk, and decision-making arrangements.
As the Trust's most senior governance professional, you will act as a trusted adviser to the Chair, Chief Executive, Board of Directors and Board Committees, ensuring governance arrangements support the successful delivery of strategic objectives while maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Key recruitment dates
Stakeholder panel discussions and final interviews for this role are scheduled for 26 August. Candidates progressing through the selection process will be expected to be available on this date.
The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a sufficient number of applications be received. Early application is therefore strongly encouraged.
Main duties of the job
This is a high-profile leadership position responsible for:
Leading the Trust's corporate governance strategy and governance frameworkProviding expert advice on governance, accountability, constitutional compliance, and Board effectivenessLeading the development and oversight of the Board Assurance Framework and governance systemsSupporting effective decision-making, organisational accountability, and regulatory complianceLeading the Corporate Governance and Executive Assistant functionsActing as the Trust's senior lead for Information Governance, including data protection, records management, information security, and Freedom of Information complianceProviding objective challenge and assurance to Board members and senior leaders on governance and risk matters
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that is changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means we are working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
We are a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description Job responsibilities
We are looking for a highly credible and politically astute leader with:
Significant senior leadership experience within a large and complex organisation. Extensive experience advising Boards, Chief Executives, Chairs and Executive teams on governance and accountability matters. Experience leading corporate governance, assurance, compliance, or company secretariat functions. Expertise in governance frameworks, risk management, Board assurance, and regulatory compliance. Outstanding communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. The ability to provide independent judgement, constructive challenge, and strategic leadership. For informal conversations please contact Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer via Natalie Howard [email protected]
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Master's degree or equivalent level experience gained through senior governance leadership roles Professional qualification in governance, law, company secretariat, public administration or related field
Desirable
Chartered Governance Institute (CGIUKI) qualification or equivalent Leadership, risk management or information governance qualification
Experience Essential
Significant senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation Extensive experience advising Boards, Chairs, Chief Executives and Executive teams on governance and accountability matters
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)