Go back Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation TrustAssociate Director of Corporate GovernanceThe closing date is 15 October 2025We are seeking an experienced, skilled, and compassionate leader for the role of Associate Director of Corporate Governance which incorporates the responsibilities of Trust Secretary. We are looking for someone who has the skills, knowledge and judgement to act as an independent and impartial advisor to the Board, particularly where challenging issues require resolution.You will be an important and valued member of the Trust's Executive Team. The post reports to the Director of Workforce and Organisational Development and involves close liaison with the Chief Executive, Trust Chairperson, Non-executive Directors and Governors.The postholder will be responsible for Trust wide corporate governance systems and processes, and will take responsibility for the development of a continuous cycle of improvement in good governance.We are actively seeking candidates from a range of diverse and inclusive backgrounds who offer the leadership skills required. Whilst welcoming applications from all suitably experienced candidates, we wish to encourage applications from ethnic minority, disabled and LGBTQ+ people. Applications will be considered on their merits.Main duties of the jobThe Associate Director of Corporate Governance leads the Trust Secretariat function, acting as the lead specialist in the Trust on corporate governance issues, fulfilling the role of Trust Secretary. Responsible for ensuring that there are robust corporate governance arrangements in place to support the effective management of the Trust including the Trust's governance framework and provisions to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This is a key senior role, operating with a high degree of autonomy, to ensure that the Trust's business is conducted with probity, accountability and is compliant.Key areas:-Develop and implement the framework, systems and processes for sound corporate governance across the Trust.Responsible for the development of a continuous cycle of improvement in good governance, developing reporting and assurance processes.- Provide independent advice on highly complex and sensitive issues to the Chair, CX, other Board members and the organisation.- Lead the Trust Secretariat function, ensure high-quality support to the Trust Board and Committees, with a line of accountability to the Chair on Board matters.- Lead and manage the process for the development and review of Trust policies and guidelines.- Lead the review and development of the Board Assurance Framework.About usRoyal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is the UK's leading heart and lung hospital, delivering care to more than 50,000 patients a year in its new state-of-the-art hospital in Cambridge. We perform the most heart and/or lung transplants in the UK and carried out the UK's first successful heart transplant in 1979. It also offers emergency heart attack treatment, sleep centre care and is one of just five centres nationally for those in severe respiratory failure.Based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe the Trust is at the heart of treatments of the future. Royal Papworth became the first hospital trust in the country to be rated outstanding in all five areas assessed by the Care Quality Commission - a rating it still holds today. The Trust holds its values of compassion, excellence & collaboration at its core, and all colleagues joining the team are expected to uphold these in their day-to-day roles & interactions. Royal Papworth is proud of its diverse workforce and encourages people to embrace their individuality.The Trust values difference and welcomes all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion & belief, sex and sexual orientation. Providing they meet the minimum post criteria, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview.For a street view tour: https://royalpapworth.nhs.uk/virtual-tourJob responsibilitiesOn this page you will find a Role Profile which provides information about the hospital and full details about the role. We recommend that you review this and refer to it as you complete your application. Please include how you will meet the Trust Values Compassion, Excellence and Collaboration. If you would like more information about the role or working at Royal Papworth Hospital, please get in touch with the contact for this role.Person SpecificationQualificationsEducated to master's degree level or equivalent professional specialist knowledge and experienceExperienceProven significant experience as a Company Secretary or in a senior governance role in a large complex organisation.Experience of supporting Boards and Committees and working at Board level, particularly with non-executive directors.Evidence of creating successful partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.Experience of successfully handling sensitive situations effectively and confidentially.Evidence of managing complex arrangements to a high degree of assurance, timeliness and effectiveness.Experience of effectively managing the preparation of board papers (or similar) and of high-level briefing to internal and external audiences.Evidence of a sound grasp of Corporate Governance.Evidence of the ability to work as a team member at a variety of professional levels.Evidence of continued professional development. Excellent understanding of NHS organisation and policy frameworks.In-depth professional knowledge and understanding of corporate governance legislation, guidelines and best practice, including specific to the NHS, and their application through Standing Orders, Schemes of Delegation, Standards of Business Conduct, etcIn-depth knowledge and understanding of risk management and use of Board Assurance Frameworks.Understanding of other relevant legislation, e.g. the Data Protection Act, the Freedom of Information Act and the Human Rights ActThorough understanding of internal and external audit processes.Understanding of non-clinical insurance and indemnity issues.The proven ability to work with significant autonomy and to make decisions based on sound, well-informed judgement.Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand issues rapidly, and to explain them clearly and succinctly.An understanding of NHS legislation, governance frameworks for Foundation Trusts statute and constitution; and of their impact on NHS organisations.Drafting and communication skills of the highest quality.Additional CriteriaPlease provide evidence of your commitment to uphold the Trust's values: Compassion, Excellence, CollaborationDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Employer nameRoyal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust #J-18808-Ljbffr