About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a values-led Director of Corporate Governance and Trust Secretary to provide expert, independent advice to the Chair, Chief Executive, Board and Council of Governors. You will strengthen governance and assurance, support effective and transparent decision-making, and lead the Corporate Governance and Secretariat function.
You will bring senior governance leadership experience from the NHS or another complex, regulated organisation, together with sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to offer constructive challenge. You will have experience of advising Boards, improving governance frameworks and leading teams. You will hold a Chartered Institute of Governance qualification or a master's-level qualification, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience.
We are committed to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and particularly encourage applications from those currently under-represented in senior NHS leadership. We also value relevant, transferable expertise gained in other complex or regulated sectors.
If you share our commitment to excellent governance and inclusive leadership, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Interviews will take place for this role w/c 23rd November 2026.
Main duties of the job
The Director of Corporate Governance is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Trust governance framework, ensuring the Board of Directors and its committees operate effectively, lawfully and in accordance with NHS standards and best practice.
The postholder acts as the Trust Secretary providing independent expert advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Chair and Trust Board on all issues relating to corporate governance, constitutional matters and Board effectiveness.
The postholder is responsible for ensuring the Trust has robust governance, assurance and decision-making arrangements that support high-quality patient and organisational performance.
The postholder is responsible for the Executive administration support to the Executive Team and associated corporate functions.
About us
We are delighted to offer a wide range of benefits to employees including:
Cycle to Work Travel Scheme Childcare Vouchers with Salary Sacrifice Onsite Nursery Buying and Selling Annual Leave Car Leasing Employee Assistance Programme Employee Health and Wellbeing Extensive Reward Scheme Counselling Service Financial packages including Vivup and Wagestream Staff Networks, Enable, Rainbow, Gender, Race Equality Ecoaware & Admin Network.
Our values:
We understand that it's down to the hard work, effort and dedication of our staff that makes a difference for our patients. Our people really do make our Airedale experience - we take pride in fostering a friendly, effective and caring work environment. Our values are part of our DNA, which are:
Committed to Quality of Care Compassion Working together for patients Improving Lives Everyone Counts Respect and Dignity
Got questions before you apply, please contact the recruiting manager to find out more.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification.
We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. We also welcome conversations about flexible working, subject to service needs.
Person Specification
Knowledge Essential
Excellent knowledge of NHS governance arrangements, Board effectiveness and corporate decision-making Detailed understanding of the NHS Provider Code of Governance Knowledge of NHS England's Well-led Framework Knowledge of NHS legislation and regulatory requirements Understanding of risk management principles, Board Assurance Frameworks and integrated assurance Knowledge of standards of business conduct, conflicts of interest and declarations
Desirable
Understanding of Foundation Trust legislation Knowledge of NHS Oversight Framework Knowledge of CQC governance requirements Knowledge of Fit and Proper Person requirements
Qualifications Essential
Chartered Institute of Governance qualification or Masters Degree level
Experience Essential
Significant senior leadership experience within the NHS or similar regulated public sector organisation Extensive experience of advising Boards, Chairs, Chief Executive and Non-Executive Directors on governance matters Experience of acting as Board Secretary Experience of developing and implementing corporate governance frameworks Experience of Board and committee effectiveness reviews Experience of supporting compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements Experience of risk management, assurance frameworks and Board Assurance Frameworks Experience of leading teams and managing corporate governance functions Experience of preparing high-quality Board reports and governance advice Experience of working with regulators and external stakeholders Experience of managing complex governance issues within politically sensitive environments
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
Address Airedale General Hospital / Gateway House
Steeton
BD20 6TD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.airedale-trust.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)