Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Trust Secretary & Head of Corporate Governance to support the Board on its journey to becoming an Advanced Foundation Trust. This is an exciting time for the organisation as it navigates government proposals to deliver more care in communities.
In this key role, the Trust Secretary will ensure that our governance remains robust during this period of change, supporting new models of care and decision-making that are as close to our neighbourhoods as possible. You will play a pivotal role in driving organisational development, working with colleagues to support change, while maintaining a clear focus on governance.
CLCH is committed to enabling thriving communities to achieve the best possible outcomes. The Trust Secretary will embody our values ofAccountability, Inclusion, Compassion and Empowerment, ensuring they are reflected across the Board and Divisional Boards. You will work collaboratively with partners to deliver the very best of the NHS.
The Trust Secretary will also work closely with the Executive Directors (Governance and Strategy) to build a strong framework for governance, monitoring and reporting.
We are looking for someone with a track record of leading governance in complex organisations and experience of working with partners across the NHS and local government to drive delivery and change. The successful applicant will understand how the NHS operates and be able to navigate government policies and regulatory requirements.
Main duties of the job
You will lead governance teams and work closely with the Executive and Non-Executive Directors to support them in discharging their governance responsibilities efficiently & effectively. You will:
- Advise the Chief Executive, Chair and Vice Chair on governance matters, both current and emerging.
- Collaborate with Trust partners to ensure governance frameworks support service delivery and integration within local communities.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of how the Trust works with both the NHS and local government, partnering with NHS England and Health & Wellbeing Boards to support service integration
- Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of corporate governance policies and strategies with a particular focus on charitable funds.
As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will report directly to the Chief Executive and the Chair/Vice Chair ensuring the Trust complies with regulatory frameworks and continuously improves its governance standards.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a deep understanding of NHS governance, public sector policy and regulatory frameworks
- Demonstrate experience in leading teams and supporting Directors to ensure robust governance and compliance
- Be skilled in working with internal and external stakeholders, including NHS partners, local government and regulatory bodies
- Navigate governance complexities in healthcare, especially during organisational change
- Be aligned with CLCH's values
About us
We are proud to be one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, with more than 4,500 colleagues caring for over four million people across London and Hertfordshire. Every day, our teams bring their skill, compassion, and determination to the people who depend on us.
What inspires us is at the heart of who we are: when we work together, we can help people move forward in ways that truly matter. Our teams support children as they take their first steps in life, and they stand beside adults as they rebuild strength, confidence, and independence. From newborn health visiting to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care, we are there for people through some of life's most important moments.
Joining Central London Community Healthcare means becoming part of a community that lifts each other up. It means working in an organisation that values compassion, welcomes new ideas, and believes in the potential of every colleague. Your development matters here. Your wellbeing matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the care we provide.
We offer a competitive employment package because the work you do matters. At Central London Community Healthcare, you will join an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, supports development, and helps you thrive while delivering high-quality care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trusts values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trusts values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- Educated to Degree level qualification in Relevant Field (e.g. Law, Governance)
- Educated to Master's Degree Level in a field demonstrating advanced reasoning skills and expertise in a relevant field (e.g. Law, Governance)
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators or equivalent
Desirable
- Other recognised management qualification at diploma or above
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience in understanding and applying the principles of legal and governance frameworks to complex organisations
- Demonstrable advanced knowledge and experience in advanced specialist knowledge of Board structures and responsibilities and Organisation governance arrangements
- Track record of dealing with corporate governance and business conduct principles in a large organisation
- Experience of dealing with a wide range of stakeholders
- Significant experience working in a large organisation, including at least three years' experience in a senior position
- Working at senior management level on a multidisciplinary basis
- Liaison with senior staff
- Experience of presenting reports to meetings
- Experience of organising and servicing meetings
- Understanding of corporate governance requirements
- Previous experience of working as a Board Secretary or equivalent role either within an NHS, public or private sector organisation
Desirable
- Line management experience
- Experience in the NHS
- Experience in a Foundation Trust
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Impeccable interpersonal, communication and facilitation
- General appreciation of Foundation Trust structure and well-developed political awareness, influencing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent communication and influencing skills. Ability to be logical and concise, both orally and in writing
- Thorough understanding of corporate legal requirements and Trust Boards
- Developed influencing, persuading and communication
- Excellent report writing skills
- Excellent minute-taking ability
- Ability to work independently with minimal time management support and to adapt to changing circumstances
Desirable
- Broad understanding of the NHS and its regulatory environment together with general knowledge of Foundation Trust status
- A good working knowledge of applicable corporate governance frameworks
- Understanding of NHS legislation, governance frameworks, statute and constitution and of their impact on NHS organisation
- Knowledge of clinical governance, risk management and project management
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- Educated to Degree level qualification in Relevant Field (e.g. Law, Governance)
- Educated to Master's Degree Level in a field demonstrating advanced reasoning skills and expertise in a relevant field (e.g. Law, Governance)
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators or equivalent
Desirable
- Other recognised management qualification at diploma or above
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience in understanding and applying the principles of legal and governance frameworks to complex organisations
- Demonstrable advanced knowledge and experience in advanced specialist knowledge of Board structures and responsibilities and Organisation governance arrangements
- Track record of dealing with corporate governance and business conduct principles in a large organisation
- Experience of dealing with a wide range of stakeholders
- Significant experience working in a large organisation, including at least three years' experience in a senior position
- Working at senior management level on a multidisciplinary basis
- Liaison with senior staff
- Experience of presenting reports to meetings
- Experience of organising and servicing meetings
- Understanding of corporate governance requirements
- Previous experience of working as a Board Secretary or equivalent role either within an NHS, public or private sector organisation
Desirable
- Line management experience
- Experience in the NHS
- Experience in a Foundation Trust
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Impeccable interpersonal, communication and facilitation
- General appreciation of Foundation Trust structure and well-developed political awareness, influencing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent communication and influencing skills. Ability to be logical and concise, both orally and in writing
- Thorough understanding of corporate legal requirements and Trust Boards
- Developed influencing, persuading and communication
- Excellent report writing skills
- Excellent minute-taking ability
- Ability to work independently with minimal time management support and to adapt to changing circumstances
Desirable
- Broad understanding of the NHS and its regulatory environment together with general knowledge of Foundation Trust status
- A good working knowledge of applicable corporate governance frameworks
- Understanding of NHS legislation, governance frameworks, statute and constitution and of their impact on NHS organisation
- Knowledge of clinical governance, risk management and project management
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Central London Community Health Trust
Address
Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
15 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5JD
Employer's website
https://clch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
