Job summary
Are you a strong leader?
Do you have experience of managing governance frameworks and ensuring high level of probity across organisations?
Are you a highly experienced Governance professional who has worked with Boards in a fast paced and complex environment?
Then we want to hear from you!
CityCare is looking to recruit an inspiring and influential Assistant Director of Governance to work with our Chair, Chief Executive, and Board of Directors on all core governance duties and play a key role in the achievement of the organisations strategic objectives, and mission to make a difference every day to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Nottingham CityCare Partnership is a Social Enterprise, providing commissioned services to the NHS. That means we have all the benefits (Agenda for Change terms and conditions, NHS Pensions etc.) but with more flexibility than a traditional NHS Trust.
To be successful in this exciting role you will need to take initiative, be a good communicator, be dedicated and flexible, but also thrive on providing a good quality professional service whilst promoting all things corporate governance!
Main duties of the job
Reporting to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, the post holder will provide a broad range of specialist advice and is responsible for ensuring the organisations business is conducted with probity, accountability and in accordance with appropriate standards and regulations.
The role will be essential in Committee planning and management. You will ensure that the meetings of Board of Directors and its sub-committees run effectively and in line with their terms of reference, and that proceedings and resolutions are properly recorded. You will ensure that decisions, mandates and actions are appropriately assigned and communicated, and status reports are available internally to the Board, and externally for audit and regulatory matters.
In partnership with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, the post holder will lead on key governance documentation such as the Annual Governance Statement and the formal signing of the annual accounts.
You must be a highly influential team player with strong leadership skills to direct your team to success, but also able to work autonomously, whilst providing an outstanding service to CityCares directorates and Partner organisations. You will be a point of contact for corporate governance and legal queries, and regulatory bodies including CQC, NHS England and Internal and External Auditors.
Attached you will find the detailed job description and person specification for the role which outlines the day-to-day responsibilities.
About us
We are a provider of NHS Community Health Services, CityCare
exists to support the health and wellbeing of all local people, working
alongside other health and care partners to achieve this. We are a value
driven, people business with a passion for excellence. Our vision and social
purpose is to make a difference everyday to the health & wellbeing of our
communities and our values of kindness, respect, trust and honesty lie at the
heart of everything we do, guiding how we work together with partners and each
other to consistently deliver high quality compassionate care. As a social
enterprise we aim to add social value by investing in the future of our local
communities and helping to make a difference in peoples lives.
CityCare value the benefits of a diverse and inclusive
workforce. We encourage applications from candidates who identify as disabled,
LGBT+ or from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background, as they are
currently under-represented within our organisation.
CityCare is an equal opportunities employer. We are positive
about employing people with disabilities. If you require your application in a
different format please contact Human Resources on 0115 8839418. CityCare is
committed to the protection of vulnerable adults and children.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
- The Assistant Director of Governance will need to have the ability to deal with complex and often highly sensitive or emotional issues in a fast-paced health service environment.
- They will lead on all aspects of governance, assurance and probity whilst ensuring that information flows from Board of Directors to point of service delivery in corporate and clinical services.
- The Assistant Director of Governance works directly with the Chief Executive and Chair for all core duties and will provide advice to the Board of Directors individually on a broad range of specialist matters.
- The Assistant Director of Governance will be the conscience and memory of the organisation and is required to act as independent and impartial arbiter to the Board of Directors.
Dimensions
- The responsibility for developing and implementing processes to promote and sustain good corporate governance within the remit of the Assistant Director of Governance.
- Responsible to the Chief Executive with accountability to the CEO and Chair, playing a key role in achieving the organisations strategic objectives.
- The Assistant Director of Governance will establish arrangements for sound corporate governance, including any associated governance frameworks to ensure compliance with the organisations Standing Financial Instructions and the Articles of Association.
- The Assistant Director of Governance is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the organisations decision making and reporting machinery, and for the formal administration of its affairs. The Assistant Director of Governance will provide independent and impartial advice and guidance to the Chief Executive, Chair and other members of the Board of Directors.
- The Assistant Director of Governance will ensure that CityCares business is conducted with probity, accountability, and in accordance with appropriate standards and regulations. They will be an independent and impartial arbiter to the Board on matters of corporate governance, particularly where challenging issues require resolution, and will be involved and co-ordinate the appointment to, and removal from office, of Board Directors.
- They will ensure that meetings of the Board of Directors and its sub-committees run effectively, and that proceedings and resolutions are properly recorded. The Assistant Director of Governance will ensure that the decisions, mandates, and actions delegated by the Board are appropriately assigned and communicated and that status reports are available to the Board.
- To have line management and financial responsibility for the organisations secretariat.
Key Responsibilities
Main tasks
Governance, Compliance and Internal Control
The Assistant Director of Governance is the organisations Governance and Compliance lead and will take corporate responsibility for CityCares corporate governance arrangements. In the execution of this responsibility the Assistant Director of Governance will:
- Keep under review all corporate governance arrangements or developments, which might impact the organisation, to ensure that the Board is fully briefed on these matters and has regard to them when taking decisions.
- Provide specialist advice and guidance to Executive and Non-Executive Directors on all matters of governance, legality, risk, compliance, and business conduct.
- Ensure that the organisation remains compliant with applicable standards of corporate governance and has the necessary infrastructure to support the governance rationale and governance framework.
- Establish and monitor procedures to ensure that the organisation meets its Constitution, Standing Orders, and the Schedule of Delegated Responsibility along with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services. In conjunction with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services review the Standing Financial Instructions at least annually and ensure that amendments are drafted and incorporated in line with suitable procedures.
- Advise the Chief Executive and Chair in the effective planning and execution of the role and functions of the Board of Directors and associated sub-committees.
- Ensure that the Board of Directors and each of their committees conduct their business in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks and associated codes of governance and practice, and in a manner, which is otherwise appropriate for a Community Interest Company.
- To obtain the appropriate levels of assurance on committee actions, performance and key risks, which may result from routine matters of business or identified through governance reviews such as Committee Effectiveness Reviews.
- Formulate Terms of Reference for all Board and Board Committees and ensure that Committees are properly constituted and operate in accordance with their Terms of Reference.
- Ensure that there is an annual review of Board Committees so that they remain effective and legally constituted and their membership is regularly refreshed.
- Together with Director of Finance and Corporate Services ensure that the Annual Governance Statement is drafted in line with guidance and supports the formal signing off process for the Annual Accounts.
- Ensuring appropriate, robust action plans are in place to address the findings of governance reviews and that these are effectively monitored as part of performance management arrangements.
- Take corporate responsibility for the formulation and implementation of a framework for the development and management of organisational wide procedural documents (policies, procedures, protocols and guidance) and to ensure its implementation.
- Address any non-compliance with the applicable Board codes of conduct under Fit and Proper Person and the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
- Establish effective arrangements for the induction of Non-Executive Directors and provide advice in order to support their ability to discharge their statutory duties.
- In conjunction with the Chair establish arrangements for evaluating the effectiveness of the Board.
- Develop and ensure the provision of effective training and development Programmes for the Non-Executive Directors, as well as identifying the on-going development needs of the Board of Directors and agree Board development programmes where appropriate.
- Ensure that the Board of Directors has the capacity and capability to effectively discharge its statutory, strategic and leadership duties.
- Provide support to Board on succession planning.
- Ensure that the flow and cycle of business between the Board and its Committees is planned and coordinated, and reports from each Committee Chair are provided to the Board.
- To produce and maintain a forward plan for the Board
- Ensure the necessary disclosures on corporate governance and the workings of the Board and its Committees are included in the necessary annual documentation Declaration of Interest,
- Maintain the registers for declarations of interest and gifts and hospitality.
- Responsible for the development, production, and the delivery of the Board Assurance Framework, ensuring that strategic risks to the delivery of the objectives are identified with mitigating actions and controls in place. Ensure links to the operational risk register.
- Act as a central point of contact for providing corporate governance information for bodies including Internal Audit and External Audit, CQC, NHSE etc.
- Jointly with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services ensure that there is an annual plan for internal audits and that this is presented at the Audit Committee along with the findings and actions.
Board Support
In order to enable the effective running of the Board of Directors and Board sub-committees, the Assistant Director of Governance will:
- Devise and ensure that procedures for the conduct of Board business are complied with
- Manage business arrangements in support of the effective operation of the Board of Directors and ensure good information flows into the Board, and between the Board and its appointed sub-committees.
- Manage business arrangements in support of the effective operation of the Board of Directors and ensure good information flows into the Board, and between the Board and its appointed sub-committees.
- Bring to the attention of the Board of Directors or the Executive Team any areas of unmanaged risk, or unique risks that are not otherwise addressed.
- Ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for the planning and production of agendas, reports and the subsequent minutes for meetings of the Board and sub-committees.
- Provide appropriate legal advice to the Board and Directors on the content and implications of Board reports.
- Ensure that there is an annual appraisal in place for the Board of Directors identifying key development needs.
- Ensure that the Executives objectives are developed and shared and discussed at the Remuneration Committee.
Line Management Responsibilities
- To lead and manage the governance team including the secretariat.
- To promote the optimum standards of professionalism in order to deliver an effective and efficient service to the Executive team.
- To be responsible for the recruitment, development, and motivation of staff to achieve the departments objectives and achieve their personal development plans.
Financial Responsibilities
- To hold the staffing budget for the organisations secretariat team.
- Ensure that arrangements are in place for any payments due to patients or carers who attend meetings of the Board.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
- The Assistant Director of Governance will need to have the ability to deal with complex and often highly sensitive or emotional issues in a fast-paced health service environment.
- They will lead on all aspects of governance, assurance and probity whilst ensuring that information flows from Board of Directors to point of service delivery in corporate and clinical services.
- The Assistant Director of Governance works directly with the Chief Executive and Chair for all core duties and will provide advice to the Board of Directors individually on a broad range of specialist matters.
- The Assistant Director of Governance will be the conscience and memory of the organisation and is required to act as independent and impartial arbiter to the Board of Directors.
Dimensions
- The responsibility for developing and implementing processes to promote and sustain good corporate governance within the remit of the Assistant Director of Governance.
- Responsible to the Chief Executive with accountability to the CEO and Chair, playing a key role in achieving the organisations strategic objectives.
- The Assistant Director of Governance will establish arrangements for sound corporate governance, including any associated governance frameworks to ensure compliance with the organisations Standing Financial Instructions and the Articles of Association.
- The Assistant Director of Governance is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the organisations decision making and reporting machinery, and for the formal administration of its affairs. The Assistant Director of Governance will provide independent and impartial advice and guidance to the Chief Executive, Chair and other members of the Board of Directors.
- The Assistant Director of Governance will ensure that CityCares business is conducted with probity, accountability, and in accordance with appropriate standards and regulations. They will be an independent and impartial arbiter to the Board on matters of corporate governance, particularly where challenging issues require resolution, and will be involved and co-ordinate the appointment to, and removal from office, of Board Directors.
- They will ensure that meetings of the Board of Directors and its sub-committees run effectively, and that proceedings and resolutions are properly recorded. The Assistant Director of Governance will ensure that the decisions, mandates, and actions delegated by the Board are appropriately assigned and communicated and that status reports are available to the Board.
- To have line management and financial responsibility for the organisations secretariat.
Key Responsibilities
Main tasks
Governance, Compliance and Internal Control
The Assistant Director of Governance is the organisations Governance and Compliance lead and will take corporate responsibility for CityCares corporate governance arrangements. In the execution of this responsibility the Assistant Director of Governance will:
- Keep under review all corporate governance arrangements or developments, which might impact the organisation, to ensure that the Board is fully briefed on these matters and has regard to them when taking decisions.
- Provide specialist advice and guidance to Executive and Non-Executive Directors on all matters of governance, legality, risk, compliance, and business conduct.
- Ensure that the organisation remains compliant with applicable standards of corporate governance and has the necessary infrastructure to support the governance rationale and governance framework.
- Establish and monitor procedures to ensure that the organisation meets its Constitution, Standing Orders, and the Schedule of Delegated Responsibility along with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services. In conjunction with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services review the Standing Financial Instructions at least annually and ensure that amendments are drafted and incorporated in line with suitable procedures.
- Advise the Chief Executive and Chair in the effective planning and execution of the role and functions of the Board of Directors and associated sub-committees.
- Ensure that the Board of Directors and each of their committees conduct their business in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks and associated codes of governance and practice, and in a manner, which is otherwise appropriate for a Community Interest Company.
- To obtain the appropriate levels of assurance on committee actions, performance and key risks, which may result from routine matters of business or identified through governance reviews such as Committee Effectiveness Reviews.
- Formulate Terms of Reference for all Board and Board Committees and ensure that Committees are properly constituted and operate in accordance with their Terms of Reference.
- Ensure that there is an annual review of Board Committees so that they remain effective and legally constituted and their membership is regularly refreshed.
- Together with Director of Finance and Corporate Services ensure that the Annual Governance Statement is drafted in line with guidance and supports the formal signing off process for the Annual Accounts.
- Ensuring appropriate, robust action plans are in place to address the findings of governance reviews and that these are effectively monitored as part of performance management arrangements.
- Take corporate responsibility for the formulation and implementation of a framework for the development and management of organisational wide procedural documents (policies, procedures, protocols and guidance) and to ensure its implementation.
- Address any non-compliance with the applicable Board codes of conduct under Fit and Proper Person and the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
- Establish effective arrangements for the induction of Non-Executive Directors and provide advice in order to support their ability to discharge their statutory duties.
- In conjunction with the Chair establish arrangements for evaluating the effectiveness of the Board.
- Develop and ensure the provision of effective training and development Programmes for the Non-Executive Directors, as well as identifying the on-going development needs of the Board of Directors and agree Board development programmes where appropriate.
- Ensure that the Board of Directors has the capacity and capability to effectively discharge its statutory, strategic and leadership duties.
- Provide support to Board on succession planning.
- Ensure that the flow and cycle of business between the Board and its Committees is planned and coordinated, and reports from each Committee Chair are provided to the Board.
- To produce and maintain a forward plan for the Board
- Ensure the necessary disclosures on corporate governance and the workings of the Board and its Committees are included in the necessary annual documentation Declaration of Interest,
- Maintain the registers for declarations of interest and gifts and hospitality.
- Responsible for the development, production, and the delivery of the Board Assurance Framework, ensuring that strategic risks to the delivery of the objectives are identified with mitigating actions and controls in place. Ensure links to the operational risk register.
- Act as a central point of contact for providing corporate governance information for bodies including Internal Audit and External Audit, CQC, NHSE etc.
- Jointly with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services ensure that there is an annual plan for internal audits and that this is presented at the Audit Committee along with the findings and actions.
Board Support
In order to enable the effective running of the Board of Directors and Board sub-committees, the Assistant Director of Governance will:
- Devise and ensure that procedures for the conduct of Board business are complied with
- Manage business arrangements in support of the effective operation of the Board of Directors and ensure good information flows into the Board, and between the Board and its appointed sub-committees.
- Manage business arrangements in support of the effective operation of the Board of Directors and ensure good information flows into the Board, and between the Board and its appointed sub-committees.
- Bring to the attention of the Board of Directors or the Executive Team any areas of unmanaged risk, or unique risks that are not otherwise addressed.
- Ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for the planning and production of agendas, reports and the subsequent minutes for meetings of the Board and sub-committees.
- Provide appropriate legal advice to the Board and Directors on the content and implications of Board reports.
- Ensure that there is an annual appraisal in place for the Board of Directors identifying key development needs.
- Ensure that the Executives objectives are developed and shared and discussed at the Remuneration Committee.
Line Management Responsibilities
- To lead and manage the governance team including the secretariat.
- To promote the optimum standards of professionalism in order to deliver an effective and efficient service to the Executive team.
- To be responsible for the recruitment, development, and motivation of staff to achieve the departments objectives and achieve their personal development plans.
Financial Responsibilities
- To hold the staffing budget for the organisations secretariat team.
- Ensure that arrangements are in place for any payments due to patients or carers who attend meetings of the Board.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience.
- Qualification in corporate governance or as Company Secretary (ICSA).
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
Desirable
- Legal background.
- Membership of Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working at a senior level within a complex environment or the Health/Social Care/Public Sector.
- Proven significant experience as a Company Secretary or in a senior governance role in a large complex organisation.
- Experience of supporting Boards and Committees and working at Board level, particularly with non-executive directors.
- Significant experience of strategic change management within a large complex organisation.
- Experience of continuous organisational improvement in organisational systems and processes.
- Experience of successfully handling sensitive situations effectively and confidentially.
- Experience of effectively managing the preparation of board papers (or similar) and of high-level briefing to internal and external audiences.
- A track record of building and maintaining excellent internal and external relationships working to deliver shared goals.
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Ability to secure appropriate organisational governance, influencing and successfully advising staff at all levels.
- Ability to provide counsel and advise to Board Members and challenge when necessary.
- Ability to see the bigger picture without losing sight of the detail.
- Effective problem solving.
- Ability to operate confidently under pressure, dealing with uncertainty as a safe pair of hands.
- Appropriate risk management skills.
- Strategic planning and management of resources.
- Politically aware, demonstrates gravitas and quickly gains confidence.
- Must be able to demonstrate leadership attributes.
- Must have the competency to discharge corporate responsibilities fully.
- Understanding of legal, regulatory and corporate governance requirements.
- Communicates effectively to a range of groups and individuals.
- Able (if called upon) to provide a comprehensive minute taking service to the highest standard
Desirable
- Knowledge of national NHS strategy and policy.
- Understanding of Community Interest Companies and Company Law.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience.
- Qualification in corporate governance or as Company Secretary (ICSA).
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
Desirable
- Legal background.
- Membership of Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working at a senior level within a complex environment or the Health/Social Care/Public Sector.
- Proven significant experience as a Company Secretary or in a senior governance role in a large complex organisation.
- Experience of supporting Boards and Committees and working at Board level, particularly with non-executive directors.
- Significant experience of strategic change management within a large complex organisation.
- Experience of continuous organisational improvement in organisational systems and processes.
- Experience of successfully handling sensitive situations effectively and confidentially.
- Experience of effectively managing the preparation of board papers (or similar) and of high-level briefing to internal and external audiences.
- A track record of building and maintaining excellent internal and external relationships working to deliver shared goals.
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Ability to secure appropriate organisational governance, influencing and successfully advising staff at all levels.
- Ability to provide counsel and advise to Board Members and challenge when necessary.
- Ability to see the bigger picture without losing sight of the detail.
- Effective problem solving.
- Ability to operate confidently under pressure, dealing with uncertainty as a safe pair of hands.
- Appropriate risk management skills.
- Strategic planning and management of resources.
- Politically aware, demonstrates gravitas and quickly gains confidence.
- Must be able to demonstrate leadership attributes.
- Must have the competency to discharge corporate responsibilities fully.
- Understanding of legal, regulatory and corporate governance requirements.
- Communicates effectively to a range of groups and individuals.
- Able (if called upon) to provide a comprehensive minute taking service to the highest standard
Desirable
- Knowledge of national NHS strategy and policy.
- Understanding of Community Interest Companies and Company Law.
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.
