PMO Assurance Lead

Integrated Care System; Crawley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Integrated Care System is seeking a PMO Assurance Lead to drive the coordination of programme assurance across strategic portfolios within the NHS. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure governance standards and risks are managed effectively. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree, experience in project assurance within complex organizations, and strong analytical skills.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

27 days holiday

Professional development opportunities

Access to NHS discounts

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Proven experience in coordinating programme assurance activities.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and delivery of assurance activities.
• Report to senior governance groups ensuring compliance.
• Monitor risks and escalate issues as necessary.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree-level qualification

Professional certification in programme assurance

Tools

MS Office

Programme management software

Job description

Are you passionate about driving improvement through strong governance and evidence-based assurance? SECAmb are seeking a proactive and skilled individual to lead the coordination and delivery of programme assurance across our strategic portfolios. This role is essential in ensuring that delivery remains aligned to the Trust's priorities, that risks are identified and mitigated early, and that robust, accurate reports reach key decision-making groups including the Executive Management Board and Trust Board.

You'll be embedded within a supportive and evolving PMO team, working collaboratively across the Trust and with external partners to uphold the highest standards of accountability and governance. If you thrive on detail, enjoy translating complex data into meaningful insight, and want to help shape the future of NHS transformation, we'd love to hear from you.

We're proud to foster a culture of Kindness, Courage and Integrity--and we welcome applicants who bring both professional credibility and personal passion for doing things the right way.

Main duties of the job

• Coordinate and deliver assurance activities across strategic programmes and portfolios.

Lead monthly assurance reporting to senior governance groups including EMB, SMG, and Trust Board.

Ensure assurance processes align with the Board Assurance Framework (BAF) and NHS governance standards.

Monitor programme performance, risks, issues, and interdependencies, escalating where appropriate.

Develop and maintain assurance reporting templates and tools for consistency and clarity.

Support financial assurance activities and provide evidence for internal and external audits.

Collaborate with Corporate Governance and programme leads to ensure compliance and alignment.

Act as a key point of contact for assurance matters with internal stakeholders and external regulators.

Build capability in assurance and governance across the PMO and wider programme teams.

Drive continuous improvement through research, benchmarking, and lessons learned.

About us

• Option to join NHS pension scheme
• A minimum 27 days' holiday each year, increasing after 5 years' service.
• Personal and professional development and training opportunities.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
• Access to occupational health and counselling services.
• Back up buddy App
• Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.

Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.

Job responsibilities

We are seeking a proactive and experienced PMO Assurance Lead to join our Strategy & Transformation Directorate at South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb). This role is central to ensuring that our strategic programmes are delivered effectively, risks are well managed, and governance standards are upheld across the organisation.

Working closely with the Head of PMO, Corporate Governance, programme teams and senior stakeholders, you will lead on the coordination and delivery of assurance activities that support executive decision-making and regulatory compliance. Youll play a key role in reporting to the Executive Management Board, Senior Management Group, and Trust Boardensuring transparency, consistency, and alignment with the Board Assurance Framework (BAF) and NHS governance standards.

This is a critical role for embedding a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and assurance excellence across SECAmbs transformation agenda.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Professional certification in programme assurance or governance frameworks.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Formal training in risk management.

Experience

• Proven experience in coordinating programme or project assurance activities within a complex organisation.
• Experience in developing and implementing governance and reporting frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience in providing assurance for initiatives involving cross-functional or multi-organisation collaboration.
• Experience within the NHS or a similar public-sector environment.
• Experience supporting audits or regulatory compliance activities.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of programme assurance methodologies and governance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt assurance frameworks to suit diverse programme complexities and organisational contexts.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in IT tools, including MS Office and programme management software.
• Knowledge of NHS governance standards, including the BAF.
• Familiarity with risk management tools and techniques.

Personal Attributes

• Resilient, self-motivated, and adaptable to changing demands.
• Collaborative and approachable, with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive and innovative mindset, with a focus on delivering high-quality assurance outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Headquarters

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Headquarters