Band 8c - Trust Secretary, Corporate | West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable healthcare organization based in Watford is seeking an exceptional Trust Secretary to lead its governance and assurance activities. The successful candidate will manage Board dynamics, ensuring compliance with NHS regulations and contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust during a pivotal time of national transformation. This key role requires extensive experience in governance within the public or regulated sectors. A deep understanding of corporate governance and outstanding communication skills are essential. This position offers flexible working options for a better work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Focus on staff wellbeing and development

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Trust Secretary or senior governance leader.
• Advanced knowledge of corporate governance and NHS regulatory requirements.
• Ability to influence and communicate with Executives and senior clinical leaders.

Responsibilities

• Manage Board and committee governance.
• Ensure compliance with NHS England regulatory requirements.
• Oversee Board Assurance Framework and corporate governance.

Skills

Trust governance

Communication skills

Leadership abilities

Statutory compliance knowledge

Political awareness

Education

Professional qualification (Chartered Governance Institute/ICSA)

Job description

Are you an exceptional governance professional with the expertise, confidence, and integrity to support our Board at a time of significant national and local transformation?

We are seeking an outstanding Trust Secretary to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and play a pivotal role in shaping our governance, assurance, and strategic direction.

Working closely with the Director of Corporate Affairs, the successful candidate will ensure the Trust operates with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity. As Trust Secretary, you will be the Trust’s lead expert on Board effectiveness, statutory compliance, and the coordination of assurance across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Managing all aspects of Board and committee governance
• Ensuring compliance with statutory, constitutional, and NHS England regulatory requirements
• Overseeing the Board Assurance Framework and corporate governance environment
• Supporting Non‑Executive Director recruitment, induction, appraisals and succession planning
• Leading on the Annual Report, Annual Governance Statement and Annual General Meeting
• Supporting CQC Well‑Led evidence and external governance reviews
• Oversight of key corporate registers, declarations and governance documentation

This is an exciting time to join the Trust as we navigate the next phase of NHS reform. The successful candidate will bring deep insight into the evolving governance landscape outlined in the NHS 10‑Year Plan. Alongside the Director of Corporate Affairs, the Trust Secretary will provide expert advice to the Board, helping the Trust respond to national reforms and positioning our governance arrangements to meet the requirements of future NHS models.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and require support or guidance please contact [e-mail]

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Ideal candidate

• Significant experience as a Trust Secretary, Company Secretary, or senior governance leader in a large, complex public or regulated organisation
• Advanced knowledge of corporate governance, statutory compliance and NHS regulatory requirements
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with Executives, NEDs and senior clinical leaders
• High levels of integrity, judgement and political awareness
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to develop and motivate governance teams
• A relevant professional qualification such as Chartered Governance Institute or ICSA is desirable

This is a high‑profile role that requires confidence, resilience, and the ability to manage complex information, demanding deadlines, and sensitive matters with skill and diplomacy. If you believe you have the expertise, experience, and personal qualities to lead our corporate governance function and help to support our Board through the next chapter of NHS reform, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Advert closes on Sunday 14 Dec 2025