Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance

Tile Hill Executive Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A social housing organization in Greater London is seeking a Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance to lead assurance frameworks and provide strategic oversight. This role demands expertise in governance and risk management while working collaboratively with senior leaders to ensure regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in a regulated environment, bringing sound judgement and a strong leadership approach to drive improvements and safeguard the organization’s mission. Located in an impactful environment with the chance to make a difference.

Qualifications

• Experience in a housing association or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong technical knowledge across governance and risk.
• Leadership approach that builds trust.

Responsibilities

• Lead the systems that safeguard the organization.
• Ensure risks are well understood and regulatory expectations are met.
• Provide informed, well-reasoned advice to leaders.

Skills

Governance expertise

Risk management

Leadership

Data protection

Audit

Internal controls

Job description

A senior leadership role with purpose, influence and reach

Hightown Housing Association has a clear social mission, with a long‑standing commitment to building safe, affordable homes and providing thoughtful support to its communities. With more than 9,300 homes and 90 care and supported housing schemes, Hightown has grown steadily while keeping customer experience and social purpose at its core. It is also a place where people care about doing the right thing, work collaboratively and take pride in delivering services that genuinely make a difference.

With this strong foundation in place, Hightown is now seeking a Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance. This is a role with broad reach, bringing together governance, risk, assurance and regulatory compliance in a way that supports confident decision making and positive outcomes for customers. It requires someone who brings clarity to areas that need careful thought and offers informed, well‑reasoned advice that leaders can rely on. Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate Services, the role has substantial visibility with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and Board, shaping how Hightown understands risk, strengthens oversight and builds consistent accountability across teams.

Alongside acting as Company Secretary, this role leads the systems and frameworks that safeguard Hightown, spanning audit, data protection, legal case management, anti‑fraud and corruption activity and insurance. The complaints function also sits within the remit, with a clear focus on ensuring that insight and learning prompt improvements and support a culture that listens and responds to customers. This is a role that touches every part of Hightown and carries both influence and trust.

Important work is already underway to strengthen governance and assurance, invest in existing homes, enhance data and insight, and ensure that customer feedback shapes how services develop. The successful candidate will play a key role in guiding this next stage, keeping governance arrangements fit for purpose, ensuring risks are well understood and meeting regulatory expectations while staying true to Hightown’s social purpose. The role offers the opportunity to provide steady leadership, offer considered challenge and support colleagues to work well together.

Working closely with senior leaders and the Board, the Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance will bring sound judgement and a calm, assured presence. They will play a constructive role in a culture that feels open, collaborative and based on shared accountability. The successful candidate will bring both expertise and presence, with experience gained in a housing association or similarly regulated environment. Strong technical knowledge across governance, risk, internal controls, audit, data protection and complaints oversight will be essential, alongside a leadership approach that builds trust, communicates clearly and supports colleagues as they navigate important decisions.

This is an opportunity to join a values‑driven team with a strong sense of purpose and play a genuine part in how governance and assurance support Hightown’s future ambitions. Hightown is ready for the next chapter, and this role offers the chance to contribute in a way that truly matters.

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact Holly Kennedy (07771 109 401 / [e-mail]) or Ella Milward Hamylton (07398 478 852 / [e-mail]) at Tile Hill.

• Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 12th January 2026
• Longlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Tuesday 20th January 2026
• Preliminary interviews: Friday 23rd January & Tuesday 27th January 2026
• Shortlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Thursday 29th January 2026
• Final Interviews: TBC

To apply: Please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact [e-mail].

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period;
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email [e-mail].