Job summary
Are you an experienced Executive Support professional whos worked closely with Boards and Committees? Are you ready to take your skills to the next level in a values-led organisation where governance truly matters?
Were looking for a confident and proactive Corporate Governance Lead to join our dedicated team at Ashgate Hospice. In this pivotal role, youll support and help shape our governance framework, enabling the Board of Trustees and Leadership Team to deliver our strategic goals and maintain high standards of compliance and accountability.
Our Governance Team is small but mighty made up of a Head of Corporate Governance, a Corporate Governance Officer, and this Lead role. Together, were passionate about supporting the smooth and effective running of the hospice behind the scenes, always focused on delivering the best possible care to our community.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to something truly meaningful, work closely with senior stakeholders, and make a visible impact in an organisation that values compassion, respect and teamwork.
If youre a motivated professional with experience in executive support and a strong grasp of governance, wed love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As Corporate Governance Lead, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of effective, compliant and high-quality governance across the hospice. Working closely with the Head of Corporate Governance, Chief Executive, Board of Trustees and senior leaders, you will help to maintain strong governance systems and processes that enable strategic oversight and excellent care delivery.
Youll be responsible for co-ordinating and administering Board and Committee meetings, managing governance documents, supporting trustee recruitment and development, and helping to embed a culture of continuous improvement. Youll also provide high-level executive support to the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive, ensuring strong links between governance and day-to-day operations.
This is a varied and rewarding role, ideal for someone who thrives on structure, collaboration and making a behind-the-scenes difference.
About us
Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end of life care for adults with life-limiting or incurable illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and advanced heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Last year, we cared for over 2,400 people. Our aim is to support our patients by keeping them informed, managing their symptoms, and improving their quality of life from diagnosis onwards.
We also provide vital support to the people who are important to them, offering practical assistance and emotional support, including bereavement services.
Were more than a care provider. Were a campaigner for sustainable end of life care funding in the UK, and we continually invest in our services and workforce.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key responsibilities:
- Provide the full range of specialist company secretarial services to the Board of Trustees, Ashgate Hospicecare Shops Board and other meetings/groups allocated to the post holder.
- Drive continuous improvement in governance structures, aligning with best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Create and oversee risk management processes, support the development of our risk management policy, ensuring that the Board and the Leadership Team are supported in identifying the key areas of operational risk and assist in the regular review of risk.
- Manage the recruitment of new trustees ensuring the Fit & Proper Persons Test is carried out, ensure a robust induction programme.
For the full details, you can read the attached job description or give the recruiting manager a call on 01246 568801for an informal chat (it may be possible to arrange a visit to the hospice).
What youll bring:
We are looking for someone who is proactive, can identify opportunities for improvement, facilitate connections across the Governance Framework and enable conversations. You'll have the insight to connect the dots and the drive to implement positive changes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key responsibilities:
- Provide the full range of specialist company secretarial services to the Board of Trustees, Ashgate Hospicecare Shops Board and other meetings/groups allocated to the post holder.
- Drive continuous improvement in governance structures, aligning with best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Create and oversee risk management processes, support the development of our risk management policy, ensuring that the Board and the Leadership Team are supported in identifying the key areas of operational risk and assist in the regular review of risk.
- Manage the recruitment of new trustees ensuring the Fit & Proper Persons Test is carried out, ensure a robust induction programme.
For the full details, you can read the attached job description or give the recruiting manager a call on 01246 568801for an informal chat (it may be possible to arrange a visit to the hospice).
What youll bring:
We are looking for someone who is proactive, can identify opportunities for improvement, facilitate connections across the Governance Framework and enable conversations. You'll have the insight to connect the dots and the drive to implement positive changes.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in a similar role with strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, risk and assurance processes.
- Has a clear understanding of Corporate Governance and its importance in the effective running of organisations.
- Knowledge of corporate governance, relevant legislation and best practice
- Knowledge of risk management
- Stakeholder management:experience in building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Knowledge and experience of Companies House and other relevant authorities and professional advisors in company secretarial matters.
- Substantial experience of providing secretarial and administration support at Board and Senior management levels.
- Experience of working with confidential and sensitive material in a professional manner.
- Understanding of the roles and relationships between the Chair, Trustees, Chief Executive and senior leaders.
- Proactive ability to anticipate difficulties and deal with them.
- Experience of organising meetings, workshops, events.
- Experience of managing systems, registers and compliance functions e.g. risk management
- Experience of managing communications and relationships with senior managers.
- Communicate with tact, understanding and discretion with members of the public/patients when dealing with enquiries. Deal with all such communications appropriately, including exchange of sensitive information.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a charity.
- Project management experience
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Corporate governance knowledge:strong knowledge of corporate governance frameworks, policies, and best practices.
- Strategic thinking:ability to provide insights and advice on governance and compliance matters
- Analytical skills:strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to service delivery.
- Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy using initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
- Ability to accept direction particularly in relation to sensitive staffing issues, workload management and complex tasks.
- Ability to work with colleagues, promoting a positive attitude towards working practices and change when needed.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Personal integrity and ability to live the hospice values
- Willingness and commitment to continual professional development
Qualifications
Desirable
- Relevant qualification/training in Corporate Governance or a demonstrable level of knowledge and experience.
- Relevant governance and/or risk management knowledge and experience.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in a similar role with strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, risk and assurance processes.
- Has a clear understanding of Corporate Governance and its importance in the effective running of organisations.
- Knowledge of corporate governance, relevant legislation and best practice
- Knowledge of risk management
- Stakeholder management:experience in building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Knowledge and experience of Companies House and other relevant authorities and professional advisors in company secretarial matters.
- Substantial experience of providing secretarial and administration support at Board and Senior management levels.
- Experience of working with confidential and sensitive material in a professional manner.
- Understanding of the roles and relationships between the Chair, Trustees, Chief Executive and senior leaders.
- Proactive ability to anticipate difficulties and deal with them.
- Experience of organising meetings, workshops, events.
- Experience of managing systems, registers and compliance functions e.g. risk management
- Experience of managing communications and relationships with senior managers.
- Communicate with tact, understanding and discretion with members of the public/patients when dealing with enquiries. Deal with all such communications appropriately, including exchange of sensitive information.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a charity.
- Project management experience
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Corporate governance knowledge:strong knowledge of corporate governance frameworks, policies, and best practices.
- Strategic thinking:ability to provide insights and advice on governance and compliance matters
- Analytical skills:strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to service delivery.
- Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy using initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
- Ability to accept direction particularly in relation to sensitive staffing issues, workload management and complex tasks.
- Ability to work with colleagues, promoting a positive attitude towards working practices and change when needed.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Personal integrity and ability to live the hospice values
- Willingness and commitment to continual professional development
Qualifications
Desirable
- Relevant qualification/training in Corporate Governance or a demonstrable level of knowledge and experience.
- Relevant governance and/or risk management knowledge and experience.
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.
