Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Corporate Governance Manager

The closing date is 12 April 2026

Job summary

Applications are invited for the post of Corporate Governance Manager at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT).

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the delivery of future governance provision within the Trust. The post holder will provide leadership of the Office of the Board, ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance practice and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including those set out in the NHS Code of Governance.

Leading on the implementation of recommendations arising from recent Well-Led and Governance reviews, the post holder will also ensure effective, proactive governance support to the Chair and Board members, including line management responsibility for the Office of the Board and Business Support Teams.

Based at Howard Court, Welwyn Garden City, the post holder will work with colleagues at all levels of the organisation to ensure robust, transparent and effective decision-making, strong assurance processes, and governance arrangements that support the delivery of high-quality patient care and organisational objectives.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will fulfil the leadership responsibilities of the Trust Secretary, including management of the Office of the Board and Business Support Team.

This is a pressured role where the post holder will work autonomously, exercising judgement and initiative on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chair and members of the Board working to short deadlines and dealing with complex, confidential, challenging and rapidly changing issues in a calm and professional manner.

The post holder will be responsible for the development of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and good governance practice, including oversight of corporate registers, the oversight and management of support to the Trust Board, including Board subcommittees and other Board events including the Trust's Annual General Meeting and Board development programme.

The post holder will also manage the internal processes relating to medicolegal claims and inquests involving the Trust.

The post holder will exercise a high degree of independent judgement, flexibility and personal initiative, be able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and be able to prioritise and delegate workload whilst managing other competing priorities in a calm, positive and supportive manner.

About us

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Details

Date posted

02 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Reference number

812-26-LBB-CGM

Job locations

Howard Court

14 Tewin Road

Welwyn Garden City

AL7 1BW


Job description

Job responsibilities

Board and Subcommittees

To oversee all aspects of management of the high-profile Board and Subcommittee meetings, requiring a high level of attention to detail including taking and transcribing complex minutes to meet good governance requirements.

To support Public and Private Board meetings, Board Development Days and Shadow Board meetings and oversee support for a number of delegated Board subcommittee meetings and the Executive Committee meeting to ensure that they are conducted efficiently and effectively and in accordance with best governance practice.

To act as a point of contact for the Office of the Board, dealing promptly and professionally with enquiries and to respond informatively to enquiries from Board / Committee members, Trust staff, external stakeholders, patients, service users and the public.

To be responsible for the development, maintenance and monitoring of annual business cycles, terms of reference and self-assessments for the Board and its sub-committees.

To be responsible for the maintenance and review of the master library of all Trust Committee Terms of Reference.

Corporate Governance, Compliance and Claims

To be responsible for the development, maintenance and review of the Trust Governance Manual and updating of all relevant policies, procedures and schemes and other required corporate documents in response to any regulatory changes.

To be responsible for all Trust registers, ensuring they are kept up to date, published, and available for public inspection where necessary and preparing periodic reports relating to the registers to comply with regulatory requirements and best practice.

To lead the coordination and collation of information produced to support the resolution of legal claims. To liaise directly with panel solicitors and the coroners office to provide access to comprehensive legal services on behalf of members of the Executive team and Trust staff as required.

To draft relevant sections and provide information for key corporate documents and publications including the Annual Report, the Delivery Plan and Integrated Business Plans.

To develop and implement service improvements which arise from internal audit reports and Well-Led reviews of governance practice.

To draft responses to relevant requests made under the Freedom of Information Act.

Chief Executive Officer, Chair and Non- Executive Directors

To manage Chair and Non-executive Directors time, making informed judgements based on the understanding of competing demands, taking the initiative to deal with issues on their behalf to ensure that their time is focussed on key priorities and work programmes.

To be the internal and external first point of contact for the Chair and Non-Executive Directors on Board matters, ensuring full day-to-day executive level administration support and guidance is provided, where required.

To be responsible for working closely with the Board and Executive Directors to collate, quality check and distribute complex and sensitive corporate documentation. Ensure the publication of those papers that are required to be made publicly available on the Trust website (or elsewhere) and staff intranet.

To draft high quality correspondence, responses, briefings and presentations by analysing complex information on behalf of the Trust as directed by members of the Executive team or Board.

To ensure that all issues are dealt with in line with the Chair and Chief Executive Officers views, exercising judgement in their absence and referring appropriately to other Executive team members.

To be responsible for providing executive level support for all meetings chaired by the Chair and Non-Executive Directors internally and externally.

To be responsible for a delegated budget to support the procurement of supplies and facilities required by the Board and sub-committees to ensure smooth and effective operation.

To be responsible for authorising procurement and expenditure as delegated by the Chief Executive Officer.

To ensure periodic cover is provided for the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and Chair in the exercise of their functions during periods of absence.

Information Management

To act as a source of advice on best practice and compliance with corporate guidelines when preparing committee papers and other corporate documents.

To make best use of available technology to facilitate the smooth running of the Board, Board sub-committees and Office of the Board and associated meetings, including videoconferencing, and the implementation and maintenance of effective electronic filing systems which adhere to the Trusts Records Management and Information Governance policies.

The post holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the Trusts policies, procedures, and schemes.

Management and Leadership

To proactively facilitate the effective running of Board-level communications, ensuring cohesion and good governance between the Board and Board sub-Committees, the Office of the Board and the communications team.

To assist other members of the Corporate Governance team and wider teams in HCT in prioritising and meeting objectives of the Board, working flexibly across duties at times of operational necessity.

To provide effective leadership and management of the Office of the Board within the Corporate Governance function, ensuring that relevant policies and procedures are implemented consistently.

To be responsible for the recruitment and retention of staff within own area of responsibility, acting in accordance with recruitment guidelines and ensuring proactive management of vacancies within the designated budget.

To ensure that frameworks and systems are in place for the appraisal, supervision and personal development of staff and participate in annual appraisal process for own areas of responsibility.

To ensure that performance management, grievance and disciplinary procedures are followed in accordance with the organisation's recognised procedures.

To ensure that full account is taken of all issues of equality and diversity in all areas of leadership and management.

To manage own time effectively and delegate responsibilities and functions responsibly.

To take an active part in developing skills commensurate with the requirements of the Trust Secretary role and ensuring mandatory training is fully up to date.

To undertake any other duties as required, in accordance with the grade and nature of the post.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Board and Subcommittees

To oversee all aspects of management of the high-profile Board and Subcommittee meetings, requiring a high level of attention to detail including taking and transcribing complex minutes to meet good governance requirements.

To support Public and Private Board meetings, Board Development Days and Shadow Board meetings and oversee support for a number of delegated Board subcommittee meetings and the Executive Committee meeting to ensure that they are conducted efficiently and effectively and in accordance with best governance practice.

To act as a point of contact for the Office of the Board, dealing promptly and professionally with enquiries and to respond informatively to enquiries from Board / Committee members, Trust staff, external stakeholders, patients, service users and the public.

To be responsible for the development, maintenance and monitoring of annual business cycles, terms of reference and self-assessments for the Board and its sub-committees.

To be responsible for the maintenance and review of the master library of all Trust Committee Terms of Reference.

Corporate Governance, Compliance and Claims

To be responsible for the development, maintenance and review of the Trust Governance Manual and updating of all relevant policies, procedures and schemes and other required corporate documents in response to any regulatory changes.

To be responsible for all Trust registers, ensuring they are kept up to date, published, and available for public inspection where necessary and preparing periodic reports relating to the registers to comply with regulatory requirements and best practice.

To lead the coordination and collation of information produced to support the resolution of legal claims. To liaise directly with panel solicitors and the coroners office to provide access to comprehensive legal services on behalf of members of the Executive team and Trust staff as required.

To draft relevant sections and provide information for key corporate documents and publications including the Annual Report, the Delivery Plan and Integrated Business Plans.

To develop and implement service improvements which arise from internal audit reports and Well-Led reviews of governance practice.

To draft responses to relevant requests made under the Freedom of Information Act.

Chief Executive Officer, Chair and Non- Executive Directors

To manage Chair and Non-executive Directors time, making informed judgements based on the understanding of competing demands, taking the initiative to deal with issues on their behalf to ensure that their time is focussed on key priorities and work programmes.

To be the internal and external first point of contact for the Chair and Non-Executive Directors on Board matters, ensuring full day-to-day executive level administration support and guidance is provided, where required.

To be responsible for working closely with the Board and Executive Directors to collate, quality check and distribute complex and sensitive corporate documentation. Ensure the publication of those papers that are required to be made publicly available on the Trust website (or elsewhere) and staff intranet.

To draft high quality correspondence, responses, briefings and presentations by analysing complex information on behalf of the Trust as directed by members of the Executive team or Board.

To ensure that all issues are dealt with in line with the Chair and Chief Executive Officers views, exercising judgement in their absence and referring appropriately to other Executive team members.

To be responsible for providing executive level support for all meetings chaired by the Chair and Non-Executive Directors internally and externally.

To be responsible for a delegated budget to support the procurement of supplies and facilities required by the Board and sub-committees to ensure smooth and effective operation.

To be responsible for authorising procurement and expenditure as delegated by the Chief Executive Officer.

To ensure periodic cover is provided for the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and Chair in the exercise of their functions during periods of absence.

Information Management

To act as a source of advice on best practice and compliance with corporate guidelines when preparing committee papers and other corporate documents.

To make best use of available technology to facilitate the smooth running of the Board, Board sub-committees and Office of the Board and associated meetings, including videoconferencing, and the implementation and maintenance of effective electronic filing systems which adhere to the Trusts Records Management and Information Governance policies.

The post holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the Trusts policies, procedures, and schemes.

Management and Leadership

To proactively facilitate the effective running of Board-level communications, ensuring cohesion and good governance between the Board and Board sub-Committees, the Office of the Board and the communications team.

To assist other members of the Corporate Governance team and wider teams in HCT in prioritising and meeting objectives of the Board, working flexibly across duties at times of operational necessity.

To provide effective leadership and management of the Office of the Board within the Corporate Governance function, ensuring that relevant policies and procedures are implemented consistently.

To be responsible for the recruitment and retention of staff within own area of responsibility, acting in accordance with recruitment guidelines and ensuring proactive management of vacancies within the designated budget.

To ensure that frameworks and systems are in place for the appraisal, supervision and personal development of staff and participate in annual appraisal process for own areas of responsibility.

To ensure that performance management, grievance and disciplinary procedures are followed in accordance with the organisation's recognised procedures.

To ensure that full account is taken of all issues of equality and diversity in all areas of leadership and management.

To manage own time effectively and delegate responsibilities and functions responsibly.

To take an active part in developing skills commensurate with the requirements of the Trust Secretary role and ensuring mandatory training is fully up to date.

To undertake any other duties as required, in accordance with the grade and nature of the post.

Person Specification

Essential and Desirable

Essential

  • Degree or experience at post graduate diploma level.
  • NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Business & Administration plus significant secretarial skills acquired through training and experience.
  • Specialist knowledge of corporate governance procedures and practices acquired through a degree or equivalent experience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of National Health Service policy and direction.
  • Knowledge of health service governance law / regulation.
  • Experience of supporting Directors, senior managers or otherwise providing Board/Committee
  • Prioritisation and complex Executive level diary management.
  • Experience of Board level minute taking.
  • Drafting corporate documentation, management papers, correspondence, and reports.
  • Experience of line management a busy team, including carrying out staff appraisals.
  • Experience of communicating and building effective relationships with staff, and other key stakeholders.
  • Experience of working autonomously, using a high degree of initiative to identify problems.
  • Ability to produce and follow through on formal, complex minutes, action trackers and business cycles.
  • Ability to draft policies and reports for presentation to Exec meetings and Board.
  • Excellent organisational and planning skills; meticulous attention to detail and quality of work.
  • Ability to exercise initiative and work to tight deadlines by prioritising workload and remaining calm under pressure.
  • Ability to deal with sensitive / confidential issues and balance the need for transparency and confidentiality.
  • Ability to address and resolve conflict with tact and diplomacy.

Desirable

  • Evidence of self-development. (vocational / professional training or qualification(s) over and above the essential requirements.
  • Specialist governance training to post graduate diploma level.
  • Qualification in claims management or equivalent experience.
  • Presentation and teaching skills.
  • Committed to personal development and keen to learn and develop skill base.
  • Reliable, open, and friendly attitude.
Person Specification

Essential and Desirable

Essential

  • Degree or experience at post graduate diploma level.
  • NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Business & Administration plus significant secretarial skills acquired through training and experience.
  • Specialist knowledge of corporate governance procedures and practices acquired through a degree or equivalent experience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of National Health Service policy and direction.
  • Knowledge of health service governance law / regulation.
  • Experience of supporting Directors, senior managers or otherwise providing Board/Committee
  • Prioritisation and complex Executive level diary management.
  • Experience of Board level minute taking.
  • Drafting corporate documentation, management papers, correspondence, and reports.
  • Experience of line management a busy team, including carrying out staff appraisals.
  • Experience of communicating and building effective relationships with staff, and other key stakeholders.
  • Experience of working autonomously, using a high degree of initiative to identify problems.
  • Ability to produce and follow through on formal, complex minutes, action trackers and business cycles.
  • Ability to draft policies and reports for presentation to Exec meetings and Board.
  • Excellent organisational and planning skills; meticulous attention to detail and quality of work.
  • Ability to exercise initiative and work to tight deadlines by prioritising workload and remaining calm under pressure.
  • Ability to deal with sensitive / confidential issues and balance the need for transparency and confidentiality.
  • Ability to address and resolve conflict with tact and diplomacy.

Desirable

  • Evidence of self-development. (vocational / professional training or qualification(s) over and above the essential requirements.
  • Specialist governance training to post graduate diploma level.
  • Qualification in claims management or equivalent experience.
  • Presentation and teaching skills.
  • Committed to personal development and keen to learn and develop skill base.
  • Reliable, open, and friendly attitude.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Address

Howard Court

14 Tewin Road

Welwyn Garden City

AL7 1BW


Employer's website

https://www.hct.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Address

Howard Court

14 Tewin Road

Welwyn Garden City

AL7 1BW


Employer's website

https://www.hct.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

AD Governance & Business Support

Jackie Davenport

jackie.davenport@nhs.net

07957490726

Details

Date posted

02 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Reference number

812-26-LBB-CGM

Job locations

Howard Court

14 Tewin Road

Welwyn Garden City

AL7 1BW


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)