Associate Director of Corporate Governance
The closing date is 15 October 2025
Job summary
We 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 job
The 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 us
Royal 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-tour
Details
Date posted
29 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
£76,965 to £88,682 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
175-2526-WF1445
Job locations
Royal Papworth Hospital
Papworth Road
Cambridge Bio Medical Campus
Cambridge
CB2 0AY
Employer details
Employer name
Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Papworth Hospital
Papworth Road
Cambridge Bio Medical Campus
Cambridge
CB2 0AY
Employer's website
https://royalpapworth.nhs.uk/working-here (Opens in a new tab)








Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)