Governance Officer

Canterbury Cathedral; England; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic religious institution in England is seeking a Governance Officer to lead governance strategy and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of charity governance, risk management knowledge, and experience in policy drafting. Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence outcomes are essential for this role, which offers a salary of £50,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of charity governance and legal requirements.
• Experience in policy drafting and implementation.
• Ability to influence others and achieve outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on governance best practices.
• Act as Clerk to Chapter and Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead the development of governance strategy.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and audit preparation.

Skills

Charity governance understanding

Policy drafting experience

Risk management knowledge

Legal or compliance training

Performance data collation

Excellent communication skills

Resilience and flexibility

Job description

Remuneration

£50,000 per annum

Closing Date

07-Dec-25

About Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is the cathedral of the archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Located in Canterbury, Kent, it is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site.

Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic and visionary individual to join Canterbury Cathedral as a Governance Officer. Providing strategic leadership of governance across the organisation, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, promoting best practice, and supporting the effective operation of the Board (Chapter) and its committees.

As a Governance Officer, you will ensure that the organisation operates within the legal, regulatory, and best practice frameworks applicable to the charitable, religious organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative guidance and advice to Chapter, Committees, SLT and staff members on governance best practice and interpretation of governing documents.
• Act as Clerk to Chapter and our Senior Leadership Team, ensuring agendas are focused, meetings are compliant, and decision-making supports strategic objectives, taking responsibility for communicating these throughout the organisation.
• Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s governance strategy, ensuring structures, policies and processes are effective, proportionate, and aligned to the strategic plan and community values.
• Review, develop and maintain governance policies and procedures (e.g. conflict of interest, whistleblowing, risk, delegation of authority), ensuring they are up to date and prepared for audits as required.
• Produce the Cathedrals Annual Governance Statement for approval by Chapter.
• Support recruitment, induction, and training of Chapter and Committee members, fostering an informed and engaged governance community. Oversee systems for board and committee effectiveness reviews including commissioning of external reviews where required.
• Maintain statutory and regulatory compliance: ensure filings with the Charity Commission, Companies House (if relevant), and other regulatory bodies are completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor developments in charity law, regulation, and governance best practices; ensure the organisation's governance practices are aligned.
• Check reports for completeness and quality assurance in terms of content and format, and dispatch agenda in accordance with agreed deadlines.

What We're Looking For

• Good understanding of charity governance, legal and regulatory requirements (e.g. Charity Commission, Companies House, relevant legislation).
• Experience in policy drafting and implementation.
• Knowledge of risk management practices.
• Some legal or compliance training or professional qualification.
• Understanding of the requirements of the Charity Commission.
• Ability to collate accurate and relevant performance data.
• Articulate with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resilient and flexible.
• Ability to influence others to achieve required outcomes.

Please see the full job description and person specification for further details.

Interviews will be taking place on the 16th December 2025 in person at Canterbury Cathedral.

For your application to be considered, you will need to complete the attached application form.

Our recruiting Approach

As applications are received, interviews may take place prior to the advertised closing date.