Head of Governance and Compliance

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families, and their carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so that the needs of people with MND, as well as everyone who cares for them, are recognised and addressed by the wider society.

About the role

We're looking for a Head of Governance and Compliance to work closely with our CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees. This is a vital role at the centre of the organisation, supporting a wide range of influential individuals. The Head of Governance and Compliance will need to adapt to varied working styles and expectations, with the ability to approach all relationships with professionalism, clarity, and care.

As Head of Governance and Compliance, you will lead our governance function, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance while enabling effective decision-making. With strong governance experience, sound judgment,t and the ability to build trust at all levels, you will support effective leadership and accountability across the MND Association.

Responsibilities

Governance Leadership:

• Lead and continuously develop the governance function, embedding best practices aligned with strategy and values.
• Ensure governance frameworks are practical, proportionate, and aligned with the organisation's culture and values.
• Champion a culture where governance is seen as a supportive and facilitative function, enabling the organisation to achieve its mission with confidence and integrity.
• Develop and maintain governance structures, frameworks, and policies, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and delegation.
• Ensure effective Board and Committee meetings through structured agendas, timely papers, accurate minutes, and action tracking.
• Oversee planning and delivery of governance cycles, including Board evaluations, the AGM, and other governance events.
• Identify and support trustee learning and development needs, ensuring effective onboarding and succession planning.

Company Secretary Duties:

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements from Companies House, the Charity Commission, and other relevant bodies.
• Maintain statutory registers and ensure governing documents are accessible and current.
• Prepare and submit annual reports and returns within regulatory deadlines.

Governance Support:

• Provide calm, behind-the-scenes counsel on governance risks and sensitive issues.
• Support the development of constructive and respectful relationships between governance and operational leadership.
• Provide counsel on governance risks and sensitive issues.
• Prepare governance reports, terms of reference, and corporate policy papers.
• Ensure that Committees are effectively constituted and supported.
• Support ELT in aligning Board materials with strategy and governance expectations.
• Develop systems to evaluate governance quality and performance, reporting insights, and driving improvements.

Risk and Compliance:

• Develop and oversee the Association's risk management framework aligned with the Board's risk appetite.
• Lead on governance-related compliance, including the organisational policy framework.
• Manage serious complaints on behalf of the Chief Executive/Chair of the Association, leading on the conduct of enquiries as required according to policy and procedure, working in partnership with appropriate staff, and oversee lessons learnt.
• Ensure adherence to schemes of delegation, operating procedures, and governance protocols.

Resources and Reporting:

• Lead on recruitment, election or selection, and induction of new Board members, ensuring succession planning in line with terms of office.
• Develop and manage the governance budget and properly report and evaluate on progress.
• Monitor and report on governance performance to the Chair, CEO, and Board.
• Provide horizon-scanning on emerging legal, regulatory, and sector developments.

Other Requirements:

• Undertake other duties aligned with the role's purpose and the Association's mission and values.
• Undertake any other task relevant to the job purpose and ensure that all functions performed reflect the Association's mission and core values.

Qualifications and Knowledge:

• CGI qualified or working towards qualification (desirable).
• Evidence of continuing professional development in corporate governance.
• Strong knowledge of UK charity and company law.
• Good level of financial acumen within a governance role.

Experience:

• Experience operating in a governance role requiring high levels of discretion and emotional intelligence, preferably in a charity or membership organisation.
• Proven ability to work with Boards and senior leadership.
• Experience developing governance frameworks and policies.
• Experience supporting volunteers in a governance setting (desirable).
• Skilled in preparing complex Board-level reports.

Skills and Behaviours:

• Discreet and diplomatic, comfortable working behind the scenes to influence and support rather than direct or control.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Pragmatic and solutions-focused, with the ability to balance compliance with flexibility.
• Strong relationship builder with sensitivity to complex issues.
• Ability to guide and train on legal and ethical responsibilities.
• Excellent planning, prioritisation, and time management skills.
• Works autonomously with strong judgment.
• Emotionally intelligent and attuned to organisational dynamics.
• Committed to ethical leadership, inclusion, and organisational learning
• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to the Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development

Conditions of employment

• You need to have the right to work in the UK

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in theNorthampton office and remotely
• Willingness to travel within the UK and stay overnight as required.

How to apply

• Please submit a CV and supporting statement via our (online )
• To support an inclusive application process, we are open to receiving alternative applications from candidates who may find it difficult to complete our online form. If you would like to apply via video or audio file, please send your recorded application, ensuring you cover the supporting statement aspect, to emailprotected

Interviews

• First stage interview: Thursday 17th July, in-person at our Northampton office
• Second stage interview: Thursday 24th July, in-person at our London office.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND: employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

The job vacancy information provided here is from third-parties and the AAE can not guarantee the accuracy of the information.