Director of Corporate Governance

NHS; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 91,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization in Greater Manchester is seeking a Director of Corporate Governance to act as Board Secretary and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have substantial senior-level experience within the NHS, demonstrating strong analytical and strategic skills. This full-time, permanent role offers a salary range of £91,342 to £105,337. The closing date for applications is midnight Monday 12th January 2026.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior-level experience in corporate governance within the NHS.
• Significant experience of risk management, Board assurance and regulatory governance.
• Extensive experience of Board and Committee management.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Trust's chief adviser on corporate governance.
• Serve as Board Secretary, ensuring effective governance.
• Lead the Trust's Board Assurance Framework and corporate risk management.

Skills

Risk management

Board assurance

Strategic influencing

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Education

Degree-level education

Post-graduate qualification in Corporate Governance

Job description

Job Summary

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is seeking an experienced Director of Corporate Governance to play a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation. The postholder will act as Board Secretary and provide authoritative advice to the Chair, Chief Executive, Executive and Non‑Executive Directors and Council of Governors on all aspects of corporate governance, assurance and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Trust's chief adviser on corporate governance, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory and best‑practice requirements
• Serve as Board Secretary, ensuring the Board and its Committees are properly constituted, supported and effective
• Lead development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the Trust's corporate governance framework, including Standing Orders, Scheme of Delegation and governance policies
• Oversee effective Board and Committee management, ensuring high‑quality agendas, papers, minutes and forward plans
• Lead the Trust's Board Assurance Framework, corporate risk management arrangements and governance links to internal audit
• Lead on the production of the Annual Report and Governance Statement, working closely with Executive colleagues
• Ensure effective governance and support arrangements for the Council of Governors, including induction and development
• Act as the Trust's accountable officer for the Freedom to Speak Up agenda, providing assurance on organisational response to concerns and overseeing the GM ICB FTSU contract
• Lead and develop the executive support and corporate governance teams
• Represent the Trust in discussions with regulators, system partners and external stakeholders
• Participate as a member of the Executive On‑Call rota

Qualifications – Essential Criteria

• Degree‑level education or equivalent senior professional experience, with evidence of continuous professional development
• Substantial senior‑level experience in corporate governance within the NHS
• Significant experience of risk management, Board assurance and regulatory governance
• Extensive experience of Board and Committee management, including Company Secretary responsibilities
• Strong analytical, strategic, influencing and relationship‑building skills
• In‑depth knowledge of NHS governance frameworks, legislation and healthcare regulation

Qualifications – Desirable Criteria

• Post‑graduate qualification in Corporate Governance and/or Risk Management, or a legal qualification
• Membership of relevant professional bodies
• Experience of leading or supporting the Freedom to Speak Up agenda

Application Details

Closing date for applications: midnight Monday 12th January 2026.

Band 8d – Salary £91,342 to £105,337 a year (subject to Job Evaluation). Permanent – Full‑time, Flexible working. Contract – Permanent. Working pattern – Full‑time, Flexible working. Reference number – 302‑25‑7680798CPR. Job location – Trust Headquarters, Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1 2NN. Person specification and full details are available in the attached job description and person specification.