Governance & Assurance Lead

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Senior Governance & Assurance Lead to develop and lead an integrated approach to corporate governance, delivery assurance, risk management and compliance within a complex health innovation organisation.

You will work closely with Executive Directors and senior leaders to shape assurance that supports effective decision-making and proportionate control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve HInM's governance and compliance arrangements, ensuring effective oversight and readiness for external review.
• Establish proportionate assurance across programmes, services and strategic initiatives, providing independent challenge on delivery confidence, value, risk, resources and budgets.
• Design and operate risk-based assurance across the HInM Path, embedding oversight from opportunity development through implementation, benefits realisation and impact evaluation.
• Develop integrated performance, risk and assurance reporting for executives and committees.
• Lead the corporate risk framework and oversight of strategic and operational risks, challenging the effectiveness of controls.
• Lead the development and use of digital tools, automation and reporting technology to improve assurance quality and timeliness.
• Lead and develop the Governance & Assurance function, strengthening organisational capability and promoting accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and credible Senior Governance & Assurance Lead to develop and lead an integrated approach to corporate governance, delivery assurance, risk management and compliance. This is a specialist role with the opportunity to shape how assurance supports effective decision-making, proportionate control and successful delivery across a complex health innovation organisation. Working closely with Executive Directors, senior leaders, programme and service leads, and corporate functions, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and expert advice. You will design and continuously improve governance and assurance frameworks that give senior leaders and Boards confidence in delivery, compliance, performance and risk. A key focus will be the development and operation of assurance across the HInM Path, our end-to-end commercial and delivery process, from opportunity development and definition through to initiation, delivery and closure. You will ensure that assurance is risk-based, proportionate and embedded within normal business processes, strengthening accountability without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Provisional date for interviews: Friday 4thDecember

• Corporate Compliance Management:Lead and improve HInM's governance and compliance arrangements, ensuring effective oversight, reporting and readiness for external review.
• Programme & Service Delivery Assurance:Establish proportionate assurance across programmes, services and strategic initiatives, providing independent challenge on delivery confidence, value, risk, resources and budgets.
• HInM Path Assurance:Design and operate risk-based assurance across the HInM Path, embedding oversight from opportunity development through implementation, benefits realisation and impact evaluation.
• Performance & Assurance Reporting:Develop integrated performance, risk and assurance reporting that provides executives and committees with clear, actionable insight.
• Risk Management & Internal Control:Lead the corporate risk framework, maintaining oversight of strategic and operational risks and challenging the effectiveness of controls and mitigations.
• Assurance Tools & Technology:Lead the development and use of digital tools, automation and reporting technology to improve assurance quality, consistency and timeliness.
• Leadership & Capability Development:Lead and develop the Governance & Assurance function, strengthening organisational capability and promoting accountability, transparency and continuous improvement., MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we're proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone. Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone. What is a DBS Check? A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role: Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that's considered relevant to the role. Enhanced with BarredLists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children's and/or adults' barred lists. Who Needs a DBS Check Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred. For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - what better place to shape and develop your leadership career. We deliver care to over 1 million patients & users each year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. Our 30,000 plus strong workforce is central to our success and innovation. You will play a pivotal part in supporting our operational excellence and strategic ambitions. You'll work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical teams, driving improvements that enhance patient experience, staff wellbeing, and service efficiency across the Trust. MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, ideas, and expertise are valued. You'll have access to professional development, digital tools and opportunities to contribute to transformational projects that shape the future of healthcare delivery. We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing, recognising the vital role you play in our organisation's success. Join us and help shape the future of our Trust-make a real difference to our teams, our services, and our communities, and fundamentally, our patients.