Head of Corporate Secretariat and Legal – Band 8c

Job Purpose

To lead the Group’s Board Secretariat and healthcare legal functions, ensuring effective corporate governance, Board decision-making and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The post holder will provide expert advice to the Group Director of Corporate Governance, Executive team and Board, ensuring the Group’s corporate affairs are managed to the highest standards of probity and in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The role provides leadership across both Trusts and requires a significant on-site presence to support and manage teams across multiple locations.

Location: Portsmouth

Job Type: Temporary

Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: £43.50 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

Sector: Healthcare

Based: Office / Hospital

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Governance and Board Secretariat

Lead the Group’s secretariat service, supporting the Board, committees, Executive team and governance forums.
Manage the annual Board and committee business cycle, ensuring timely agendas, papers, minutes, follow-up reports and information flow.
Monitor NHS governance developments and improve the Group’s governance framework.
Support Board development and succession planning.
Lead the annual report, committee effectiveness reviews, Standing Orders, terms of reference and insurance renewals.
Oversee business conduct, declarations and conflicts of interest.
Lead the development, implementation and review of corporate governance and legal services policies.

Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance

Lead the Group’s healthcare legal service and ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
Oversee litigation, inquests, Court of Protection matters and legal advisory work.
Arrange legal representation for the Trusts at courts and tribunals.
Advise the Board, Executive team and senior leaders on legal and governance matters.
Support a unified legal service with effective Group-wide reporting.

Leadership and People Management

Lead the Secretariat and legal teams, including daily work allocation, supervision, training, development and performance management.
Build governance expertise through training, best practice and learning from inquests and claims.
Contribute to the Corporate Governance Directorate’s senior leadership team.
Deputise for the Group Director of Corporate Governance on governance and legal matters.

Strategic Development and Stakeholder Engagement

Deliver strategic initiatives directed by the Group Director of Corporate Governance.
Build relationships with Executive and Non-Executive Directors, Trust Leadership Teams, senior staff and external stakeholders.
Represent governance and legal services at meetings across both Trusts.

Performance, Risk and Financial Management

Maintain accurate, auditable records and information systems, ensuring appropriate data storage, processing and use of the Trust’s risk management systems.
Monitor key performance indicators, escalate risks and report to the Group Director of Corporate Governance, divisions, committees and Trust Leadership Teams.
Manage portfolio budgets as required.
Prepare reports for internal governance and external reporting requirements.
Conduct surveys and audits to support service development.

Communication and Professional Responsibilities

Communicate highly complex, sensitive and contentious information, overcoming barriers and securing agreement.
Present complex information to large staff groups and senior stakeholders.
Analyse highly complex information, assess options and make informed judgements.
Plan and coordinate complex activities and programmes, adapting plans as needed.
Independently interpret and apply broad organisational and professional policies.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant subject or equivalent level.
Corporate governance qualification or equivalent experience.

Experience

Significant experience in a senior corporate governance role.
Experience of NHS-specific structures, provisions and social care policies.
Experience supervising junior legal staff.
Senior-level line management and team management experience.
Expertise in one or more legal disciplines.

Skills and Knowledge

Extensive knowledge and practical experience of corporate governance and law.
Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.
Strong influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills.
Ability to analyse and interpret complex data and information.
Excellent report-writing skills, including preparation of Board-level reports.
Strategic experience, including the development and implementation of strategies and initiatives.
Expert knowledge of coronial processes, litigation and claims management.
Knowledge and application of data protection, confidentiality, the Human Rights Act, Mental Health Act and health and safety legislation.

Desirable Requirements