Head of Corporate Services

Castlefield Recruitment.; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Corporate Services to lead governance, HR / OD, and administrative functions on a six-month interim basis. This role involves leading various frameworks, providing governance advice, and managing teams to ensure effective service delivery. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership experience and knowledge of public sector governance frameworks.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience across governance, HR / OD, or corporate services.
• Knowledge of public sector or NHS governance frameworks.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and complex workloads.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve governance, assurance, and risk management frameworks.
• Provide expert governance advice to senior leaders and manage Board / Committee processes.
• Act as Data Protection Officer and maintain policy and compliance registers.
• Oversee HR, OD, learning and development, and workforce planning activity.
• Support workforce engagement, wellbeing, and performance initiatives.
• Manage administrative services, including document control, meeting support, and records management.
• Lead and develop corporate services staff, ensuring efficient and consistent delivery.
• Support strategic planning and organisational priorities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification (CIPD, CGI)

Job description

Head of Corporate Services | North East | £350–£430 per day | 6-Month Interim

A public sector organisation is seeking an experienced Corporate Services professional to lead governance, HR / OD, and administrative functions during a period of organisational development on a six month, interim basis. This role provides senior leadership exposure and the opportunity to strengthen corporate systems and governance arrangements.

Role Overview

The postholder will oversee governance, risk and compliance, HR / OD, and administrative operations, ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality corporate services. Working with senior leadership, the role supports effective decision-making, organisational culture, and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and improve governance, assurance, and risk management frameworks.
• Provide expert governance advice to senior leaders and manage Board / Committee processes.
• Act as Data Protection Officer and maintain policy and compliance registers.
• Oversee HR, OD, learning and development, and workforce planning activity.
• Support workforce engagement, wellbeing, and performance initiatives.
• Manage administrative services, including document control, meeting support, and records management.
• Lead and develop corporate services staff, ensuring efficient and consistent delivery.
• Support strategic planning and organisational priorities.

Requirements

• Strong leadership experience across governance, HR / OD, or corporate services.
• Knowledge of public sector or NHS governance frameworks.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and complex workloads.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification desirable (e.g., CIPD, CGI).