Director of Governance and Compliance

SALARY: Negotiable

LOCATION: Hybrid working partly from the office in Ealing, West London (W5) and the remaining time from home

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

DBS Level: Basic

Why the organisation exists

For over 70 years, the organisation has provided affordable homes across London and the South of England. With a portfolio exceeding 38,000 properties, they offer diverse housing options helping individuals and families find the right. Today, they are dedicated to rebuilding and enhancing their services, ensuring that every home they provide supports the wellbeing of their residents.

Why this role matters

This role is about delivering confidence in governance, decision-making, and ability to protect residents and the organisation. As Director of Governance and Compliance you will lead 5 direct reports and 35 indirect reports to align the Group’s approach to governance, legal, compliance, risk, internal audit, health and safety, insurance, and business continuity.

Your work as Director of Governance and Compliance will ensure these functions are not only compliant but fully embedded, enabling better decisions, stronger assurance, and improved outcomes for residents.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll be a visible and trusted leader bringing strategic insight, technical credibility, and the ability to influence at every level. This role plays a key part in strengthening the culture of integrity, accountability, and resident focus across the organisation.

Where you'll add value

Governance Leadership

• Provide strategic direction on all matters of governance, regulatory compliance and organisational assurance

• Ensure governance frameworks are robust, proportionate and aligned with sector expectations and internal ambition

• Act as a senior advisor to the CFO, CEO, Executive Team, Board and Committees on governance, risk, and compliance matters

• Oversee Board and Committee effectiveness, succession planning, skills audits and development

• Ensure all regulatory and statutory returns are delivered accurately and on time

Regulatory Assurance & Compliance Culture

• Lead the organisation’s approach to regulatory compliance - ensuring clear systems of control, evidence, and assurance

• Act as the Data Protection Officer and Fraud Reporting Officer for the Group

• Ensure whistleblowing arrangements are clear, confidential and well-managed

• Support the development of a culture of transparency, accountability, and resident-focused compliance across all directorates

Risk, Legal & Audit Oversight

• Own the Group’s risk management strategy and processes - ensuring risks are understood, reported, and acted upon

• Oversee the internal audit programme - ensuring it aligns with strategic and operational risks and drives improvement

• Provide strategic oversight of legal services ensuring legal risks are managed proactively and the internal legal provide quality services and value for money

• Ensure corporate records, including the assets & liabilities register and the delegated authorities are effectively maintained

Health & Safety, Insurance & Business Resilience

• Ensure the Group is compliant with all health & safety legislation - with clear focus on landlord compliance and resident safety

• Lead on the Group’s insurance portfolio, ensuring adequate cover and risk transfer

• Oversee business continuity planning, testing, and incident management

Leadership & Influence

• Lead and develop a large, multi-disciplinary team across governance, risk, legal, compliance, and assurance functions

• Be an active member of the Operational Management Team, contributing to organisational leadership and change

• Work closely with regulatory bodies, external auditors, legal advisors, and risk partners to ensure transparency and strong working relationships

• Foster collaboration across directorates to embed compliance into day-to-day decision-making

What you’ll bring

• Degree-level education or equivalent

• Relevant professional qualification in governance, risk, audit or compliance

• Chartered Company Secretary (ICSA) or equivalent

• Substantial experience in a director-level governance, risk or compliance leadership role within a regulated organisation

• Track record of building or strengthening governance frameworks and control environments

• Experience of engaging with regulators, auditors, and Boards - with credibility, insight and clarity

• Strong working knowledge of regulatory expectations and assurance frameworks in sectors such as housing, charity, or public services

• Proven ability to lead complex change and influence cross-organisational improvement

Why this organisation?

The organisation values fresh ideas and diverse perspectives. Whether you're experienced or looking to take the next step, you’ll find a supportive, inclusive team ready to help you thrive. They welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage anyone excited by the role - even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria - to apply.

Inclusive & Supportive Culture

The organisation is a Disability Confident Employer and committed to making reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process. They embrace diversity and inclusivity - everyone belongs.

This role closes on Sunday 20th April 2025

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JOB REF: AWDO-P13298

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