Governance Lead

Active Partnerships; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A national governance consultancy is seeking a Strategic Lead - Network Governance to enhance governance practices across a network of partnerships. This role involves supporting boards and collaborating with various stakeholders to improve governance effectiveness. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in governance frameworks and the ability to build trust with senior leaders. This position offers competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

30 days holidays plus bank holidays

Home based with travel

Flexible working hours

Health cover

6% employer pension contribution

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of governance frameworks such as the Code for Sports Governance.
• Experience supporting boards to improve governance and strategic effectiveness.
• Ability to connect, guide, and inspire diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the ongoing development of confident governance across the network.
• Create opportunities for boards and leaders to connect and learn.
• Share best practices across different governance models.

Skills

Trust building

Tailoring support

Governance frameworks knowledge

Facilitating learning spaces

Experience in governance

Job description

Reporting to: Director of Relationships

Location: Home based with national travel

Salary: £45,000 - £47,000

Contract: Full Time: Initially Fixed Term until 31st March 2027

Line Management: None currently

Key relationships: Active Partnerships (APs), Sport England Governance Team, Sports Governance Academy, AP board members, AP leadership teams, charity and local authority partners

Do you believe that great governance unlocks confidence, inclusion, and long-term impact?

Active Partnerships are looking for a Strategic Lead - Network Governance to champion and enhance governance practice across a thriving network of 42 Active Partnerships. This is a full-time national role focused on relationships, collaboration, and shared learning.

You'll work alongside brilliant leaders across the country - supporting boards, amplifying great ideas, and helping governance play its full part in the network's success.

About the Role Network Governance Lead

Active Partnerships are independent organisations with a shared commitment to enabling healthier, more active communities. Each has a unique structure - from registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations to partnerships hosted by local authorities.

You'll support governance development that reflects this diversity. Whether it's creating spaces for peer learning, helping teams explore future board skills, or sharing strong practice already in place - your work will strengthen capability, confidence, and connection.

This is a collaborative, strategic role embedded within Active Partnerships National Organisation's Organisational Health programme. You'll help embed governance as a positive and enabling part of how the network leads and grows - aligning strategy, culture, and values.

What You'll Be Doing as Strategic Lead

Supporting the ongoing development of confident, inclusive governance across the network Creating opportunities for boards and leaders to connect, learn, and reflect together Sharing best practice across different governance models and local contexts Helping Active Partnerships embed proportionate, values-led governance approaches Collaborating with the Sport England Governance Team to align with the Code for Sports Governance and support its application Providing tailored advice and 1:1 support to boards and senior leaders across charities, local authorities, and federated partnerships Supporting board recruitment, onboarding and succession planning, respecting local structures and autonomy Providing guidance on topics such as strategic oversight, risk management, board development, and decision-making Contributing to Active Partnerships National Organisation's wider Organisational Health and leadership support efforts Travelling nationally to support and connect with Active Partnerships

What You'll Bring

You'll be someone who:

Builds trust easily and works well with senior leaders and boards Understands how to tailor support to diverse governance structures and organisational contexts Has in-depth knowledge of governance frameworks such as the Code for Sports Governance, Charity Governance Code, or local authority governance standards Brings experience supporting boards to improve governance, culture, and strategic effectiveness Is confident facilitating learning spaces and conversations with varied stakeholders Sees governance as a practical enabler of inclusive leadership, strong culture, and long-term impact

Your background might be in governance consultancy, charity leadership, board development, public service or systems change - what matters most is your ability to connect, guide, and inspire.

Why This Role Matters

Active Partnerships are delivering important work in communities across the country - and strong governance helps make that possible. Your role will help align good governance with the values, leadership, and collaborative spirit that define the network.

What They Offer

30 days holidays (plus bank holidays) Home based with requirement to travel regularly to different locations across England 6% employer pension contribution when you contribute 2% Flexible working hours Health cover

The Process:

To ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process, we are working with as our trusted recruitment partner for this vacancy. Therefore, all applications for this position will be handled and managed exclusively by them.

If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to understand their process further, please contact level=

How to Apply

Submit your CV to register interest by Friday 25th July at 5pm. Complete the anonymised work-related questions by Monday 28th July at midday.