Job summary
This dual-role combines
governance oversight with the leadership of organisational quality systems,
ensuring that SJAC remains a trusted, safe, and high-performing organisation.
The postholder will serve as Company Secretary to the Board and also lead operational
governance initiatives across the charity.
Main duties of the job
The Head of Governance, Risk & Company Secretary is a pivotal leadership role within St John Ambulance Cymru (SJAC), responsible for ensuring the charitys governance, legal compliance, risk management, and quality assurance functions are robust, effective, and strategically aligned with our goals.
About us
We have supported people and communities across Wales since 1880. We
existed before the NHS in Wales and provided the earliest medical support to
those who were sick or injured.
Since March 2020, weve worked closely with NHS Wales, increasing our capacity and
developing new innovative ways of working to assist and relieve the
overwhelming pressure on the frontline healthcare. We are first responders and
provide services for people who have fallen and those in crisis. We look after
hundreds of thousands of people at over 1000 events per year from football
crowds to marathon runners and night time revellers.
We continue to play a major role in strengthening community resilience
and ensuring people are trained in first aid so they can be the difference
between a life lost and a life saved with a blend of St John People, both
employees and volunteers.
We provide the opportunity for people from all backgrounds to volunteer
with us and develop their personal skills and confidence to support our
charitable and income generating services whilst assisting their own career
development and their community.
Its an exciting time to join
us as we embark on a modernisation programme to deliver our ambitious strategy
for 2025-2030 and beyond.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Governance and Secretariat
- Lead the governance function, ensuring excellent support and strategic guidance to the Board, Committees, CEO and SLT.
- Manage statutory duties including Companies House and Charity Commission filings.
- Oversee Trustee induction, development, and ongoing governance training.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of agendas, minutes, and decision records.
- Act as the primary liaison for legal, constitutional, and regulatory matters.
Quality, Risk and Assurance
- Develop and maintain quality assurance systems to monitor performance and learning.
- Line manage the Health, Safety & Environment Business Partner and National Facilities Manager.
- Oversee investigations into complaints, serious incidents, and whistleblowing concerns.
- Maintain and report on the Board Assurance Framework and Risk Register.
- Lead preparation and coordination for audits (including ISO, Home Office, and other regulators).
- Ensure that actions taken in pursuit of the Quality, Risk and Assurance agenda link to a budget and engage with the relevant budget holders as required.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- Serve as the organisations Data Protection Officer.
- Ensure organisational compliance with relevant legislation (charity, company, GDPR, health & safety, etc.).
- Review internal policies and procedures to maintain regulatory alignment.
- Advise departments and project leads on relevant compliance and risk issues.
Culture and Continuous Improvement
- Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure that quality, governance, and assurance practices reflect the charitys commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Support alignment across St John Councils and internal departments with national standards and policies.
Embody and exemplify the charitys values at all times and hold others to account for the same
Perform any other duties commensurate with these responsibilities, the band of the post and skills and qualifications of the post-holder.
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in light of the changing needs of St John Ambulance Cymru. It is expected that the post holder will be as positive and flexible as possible in this regard.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Governance and Secretariat
- Lead the governance function, ensuring excellent support and strategic guidance to the Board, Committees, CEO and SLT.
- Manage statutory duties including Companies House and Charity Commission filings.
- Oversee Trustee induction, development, and ongoing governance training.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of agendas, minutes, and decision records.
- Act as the primary liaison for legal, constitutional, and regulatory matters.
Quality, Risk and Assurance
- Develop and maintain quality assurance systems to monitor performance and learning.
- Line manage the Health, Safety & Environment Business Partner and National Facilities Manager.
- Oversee investigations into complaints, serious incidents, and whistleblowing concerns.
- Maintain and report on the Board Assurance Framework and Risk Register.
- Lead preparation and coordination for audits (including ISO, Home Office, and other regulators).
- Ensure that actions taken in pursuit of the Quality, Risk and Assurance agenda link to a budget and engage with the relevant budget holders as required.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- Serve as the organisations Data Protection Officer.
- Ensure organisational compliance with relevant legislation (charity, company, GDPR, health & safety, etc.).
- Review internal policies and procedures to maintain regulatory alignment.
- Advise departments and project leads on relevant compliance and risk issues.
Culture and Continuous Improvement
- Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure that quality, governance, and assurance practices reflect the charitys commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Support alignment across St John Councils and internal departments with national standards and policies.
Embody and exemplify the charitys values at all times and hold others to account for the same
Perform any other duties commensurate with these responsibilities, the band of the post and skills and qualifications of the post-holder.
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in light of the changing needs of St John Ambulance Cymru. It is expected that the post holder will be as positive and flexible as possible in this regard.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a leadership role within governance, compliance, or quality assurance, preferably in a charity or healthcare setting.
- Demonstrable experience acting as Company Secretary or equivalent.
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage risk, especially without direct line management responsibilities.
Desirable
- Experience in healthcare or safeguarding governance frameworks.
Qualifications
Desirable
- Chartered Governance Institute (ICSA) or equivalent qualification.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Strong understanding of UK charity law, governance codes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Skilled in managing sensitive or complex issues with professionalism and discretion.
- Absolute commitment to role modelling our St John Ambulance Cymru values and helping others do the same.
- Ability to work outside normal working hours when absolutely necessary.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Board Assurance Frameworks, internal audits, and risk registers.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a leadership role within governance, compliance, or quality assurance, preferably in a charity or healthcare setting.
- Demonstrable experience acting as Company Secretary or equivalent.
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage risk, especially without direct line management responsibilities.
Desirable
- Experience in healthcare or safeguarding governance frameworks.
Qualifications
Desirable
- Chartered Governance Institute (ICSA) or equivalent qualification.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Strong understanding of UK charity law, governance codes, and regulatory frameworks.
- Skilled in managing sensitive or complex issues with professionalism and discretion.
- Absolute commitment to role modelling our St John Ambulance Cymru values and helping others do the same.
- Ability to work outside normal working hours when absolutely necessary.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Board Assurance Frameworks, internal audits, and risk registers.
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.
