Director of Governance and Assurance

Plus Dane Housing; Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social housing organization in the UK is seeking a Director of Governance & Assurance to lead governance, risk, and assurance functions during a period of transformation. This role demands a strategic leader with a proven track record in governance, compliance, and performance management. You will be responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, providing expert advice to senior stakeholders, and driving organizational performance improvements. This permanent position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

35 days annual leave

Company pension scheme

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Proven track record in governance and assurance.
• Experience in senior leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with regulations.
• Provide expert advice to boards and committees.
• Lead governance framework development.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Job description

Are you a strategic governance leader ready to shape the future of social housing?

At Plus Dane, we’re seeking a visionary Director of Governance & Assurance to lead our governance, performance and risk functions at a pivotal time of transformation and growth.

Who we are

We live by our values: working together, achieving for our customers, taking ownership, and continuously learning and growing.

What we’re looking for from you to join our team

As Director of Governance & Assurance, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring Plus Dane operates with integrity, transparency, and resilience. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, you’ll act as Company Secretary and Deputy Data Protection Officer, leading our governance, risk, assurance, health & safety, and business continuity functions.

You’ll be responsible for

• Ensuring compliance with constitutional, legislative, and regulatory requirements.
• Providing expert advice to the Board, Committees, and Executive Team.
• Leading the development and implementation of governance frameworks, internal controls, and strategic risk management.
• Driving performance improvement and assurance across the organisation.
• Representing Plus Dane externally with regulators, auditors, and strategic partners.

This is a high-impact leadership role that influences decision-making, organisational resilience, and the delivery of Plus Dane’s social mission.

Key Skills

We’re seeking a strategic leader with a strong track record in governance and assurance, ideally within housing or a regulated environment.

Essential Experience

• Senior leadership in governance, assurance, or risk management.
• Proven ability to develop and implement governance frameworks and internal controls.
• Experience acting as Company Secretary or in a similar regulatory/compliance role.
• Strong understanding of GDPR and data protection responsibilities.
• Leading cross-functional teams and delivering high-performing services.
• Providing expert advice to senior stakeholders and building strong external partnerships.
• Strategic planning and performance management across complex organisations.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks in social housing.
• Familiarity with risk management, internal audit, and business continuity planning.
• Knowledge of legal, statutory, and compliance requirements.
• Insight into the political and operational environment for housing providers.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with commercial insight and problem‑solving ability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High personal integrity and accountability.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and customer service excellence.
• Confident decision‑maker with a performance‑driven mindset.

What you’ll get in return

This is a permanent role working 35 hours per week. Your main base will be our Atlantic Pavilion office in Albert Dock, Liverpool or Shepherd’s Mill, Congleton.

You’ll be generously rewarded with a competitive salary and a great benefits package, including 35 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays. This includes a 3-day Christmas closedown between Christmas and New Year and you have the option to buy up to 5 extra days annually.

You’ll also benefit from a company pension scheme where we contribute 9%, and colleagues can contribute anything from 3% upwards. We’re committed to our people’s wellbeing supported by an excellent management team, wellbeing champions, and mental health first aiders.

We actively encourage personal development, pay for professional membership relevant to the role and offer ongoing training, including formal qualifications and coaching.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.

We plan to conduct interviews during February. If you need any adjustments to apply or attend an interview, please let us know.

If you're passionate about making a difference, influencing decision‑making at the highest level, and building a culture of excellence — we want to hear from you.

Apply now to join a team that’s transforming lives across Merseyside and Cheshire.

We kindly ask recruitment agencies not to contact us about this role.