Head of Governance and Compliance

Are you confident working with senior leaders and navigating complex relationships? Do you have the diplomacy and judgement to support strong governance in a fast-paced environment?

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 judgement and the ability to build trust at all levels, you will support effective leadership and accountability across the MND Association.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and continuously develop the governance function, embedding best practices aligned with our strategy and values.
• Act as the primary trusted advisor on governance, risk and regulatory matters to the Chair, Board, CEO and Executive Leadership Team.
• Lead and develop governance frameworks, policies and structures that reflect best practice.
• Oversee planning and delivery of all governance activities, including Board meetings, Committee meetings, and the AGM.
• Provide clear structured agendas, timely papers and accurate minutes to support effective governance meetings.
• Maintain governance records and ensure regulatory compliance with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• Monitor and report on governance performance, risks and improvement areas.
• Take a leading role in managing and enabling constructive and challenging relationships between the Board, Chair, and ELT.
• Manage trustee recruitment, induction, training and succession planning.
• Oversee the organisation’s policy framework and serious complaints process, ensuring appropriate enquiry and learning.
• Lead the development and implementation of the risk management framework in line with Board expectations.
• Stay informed on legal, regulatory and sector developments and advise the organisation on implications.

About You:

• Strong knowledge of UK charity and company law.
• Proven experience working with Boards and senior leaders in a governance role.
• Skilled in developing governance policies, frameworks and risk management processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Good level of financial acumen within a governance role.
• High levels of discretion, judgement and political awareness.
• Able to work independently, make sound decisions and prioritise effectively.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build strong relationships and influence sensitively.
• Committed to inclusion, ethical practice and continuous learning.
• CGI qualified or working towards qualification (desirable).

About Us:

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and 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 the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

What We Offer:

• 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 Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack.

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.

Hybrid Working and Flexibility: This role offers hybrid working, with the expectation to attend the office 2 days per week.

This role can be based from Northampton or London.

Interview Dates:

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

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

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• Substantial experience in governance, preferably in a charity or membership organisation.
• Proven ability to work with Boards and senior leadership.
• Experience developing governance frameworks and policies.

Important Information:

• We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
• If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
• Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
• If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.

If you have the expertise and approach to support the work of our Board and senior team, we would love to hear from you!