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Governance, Risk and Assurance Lead

NHS Business Services Authority

The closing date is 09 May 2025

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Job summary

If you have a thorough knowledge of corporate governance, risk management and assurance, are an experienced team leader and are looking for a role that can make a difference, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) have the opportunity for you! If you take a proactive approach to your work, love leading and inspiring a team, and have a high degree of personal integrity, you have what this role needs! You will join the Corporate Governance Team, managing key areas including risk management, audit, assurance mapping and assessment of internal controls, management of agreements with other organisations, and compliance with key regulations and guidance such as the Corporate Governance Code.You will be responsible for the coordination of policies and procedures, and for recommending changes across the organisation. You will need to be thorough, proactive and committed to being the go-to specialist for corporate governance!

What do we offer?

o Hybrid working - offering flexibility to work predominantly from home with the opportunity to be office based should you prefer, or if business needs require it.

o 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays.

o Opportunities for development

o Active wellbeing and inclusion networks

o Excellent pension

o Various salary sacrifice schemes

o Employee Assistance programme, offering free 24/7 support for you and your loved ones

o Access to a wide range of benefits and high street and online discounts

Main duties of the job

  • Leading the Corporate Governance Team to implement appropriate assurance, analysis and reporting activity and establishing reviews to drive safe and compliant delivery of the NHSBSA's Strategy.
  • Driving best practice governance, risk and assurance practices across the organisation by championing established frameworks and methodologies.
  • Leading the Team and providing direction in planning and management of activities across the NHSBSA, supporting effective and efficient delivery of governance, risk and assurance objectives and benefits - including risk management, design and management of the delivery of the internal audit plan, coordination of annual preparation and audit of the NHSBSA Annual Report, mapping and assessment of key controls and assurances embedded across the business and management of agreements with other bodies.
  • Providing consultancy to Leadership Team members and Senior Managers in determining, reviewing and improving the governance for their areas of responsibility.
  • Active involvement in governance forums with external parties, representing the Authority and speaking as a subject matter expert on behalf of the NHSBSA.

About us

Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we're proud to be part of something meaningful, that touches millions of lives.We design our services around customer needs and place people at the heart of our organisation. That's why when you join us, you'll be empowered and supported to help your career grow.As one of the UK's Best Big Companies to work for, we're connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every colleague is heard, supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, and you can join our Lived Experience Networks who help us bring our authentic selves to work.We're committed to being a flexible employer and we try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible, through hybrid working, flexible hours and more.Alongside a competitive salary with pay progression, we offer a people-centric benefits package, connecting you to the rewards and benefits you value most!Ready to join us in delivering business service excellence to the NHS, helping people live longer, healthier lives? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.We are people connected to care.

Date posted

25 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£62,215 to £72,293 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

914-BSA7124039

Job locations

Stella House

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

NE15 8NY


Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you are accountable for

1. Leadership & Delivery

Establishing the appropriate design of the Corporate Governance Team to provide fit for purpose support to the business to ensure effective systems of control, governance and risk management are in place and manage the operational team budget.

Line management and capability development of the Corporate Governance Team.

Leading the Team to implement appropriate assurance, analysis and reporting activity and establishing reviews to drive safe and compliant delivery of the NHSBSAs Strategy.

Driving best practice governance, risk and assurance practices across the organisation by championing established frameworks and methodologies.

Leading the establishment of the team as a trusted advisor across the NHSBSA, by providing supportive challenge and education at Leadership Team and senior levels with respect to corporate governance, risk and assurance.

Leading the Team in identifying, developing and sharing best practice governance, risk and assurance processes, tools and templates and benchmarks against industry standard.

Providing direction and guidance to colleagues across the Authority, ensuring business areas requiring additional support in establishing controls and appropriate governance are identified, supported, monitored and issues and risks escalated appropriately.

Providing assurance to the Head of Governance & Corporate Secretary and the Leadership Team on the effectiveness of risk and issue management arrangements across the Authority.

Establishing annual reviews of the team, reporting findings and establishing and delivering action plans to drive continuous improvement within the function aligned with best practice, regulations and guidance.

As a member of Corporate Governance management team provide advice on areas for improvement within team and collaborate to continuously improve reporting and delivery methods across the team and wider NHSBSA.

Contributing to Corporate Governance Team and Corporate Secretary strategy and planning, focusing on Corporate Governance.

Maintaining a fundamental understanding of the NHSBSA operational and change environments and external climate to ensure the governance, risk and assurance approach remains aligned to the organisations objectives.

2. Governance, Risk and Assurance

Leading the Team and providing direction in planning and management of activities across the NHSBSA, supporting effective and efficient delivery of governance, risk and assurance objectives and benefits including risk management, design and management of the delivery of the internal audit plan, coordination of annual preparation and audit of the NHSBSA Annual Report, mapping and assessment of key controls and assurances embedded across the business and management of agreements with other bodies.

Driving a culture of critical friend reviews across the Authority that deliver improvements to governance, risk and assurance delivery.

Ensuring the alignment of internal governance, risk and assurance activities to support compliance with external requirements.

Developing and implementing a Corporate Governance Framework for the NHSBSA that includes risk reviews, assurance reviews, and assessments of key controls, ensuring alignment to corporate policies and procedures.

Championing the NHSBSAs governance pathways, driving appropriate use of boards and enabling effective management and decision-making for the Authority.

Providing consultancy to Leadership Team members and Senior Managers in determining, reviewing and improving the governance for their areas of responsibility.

Providing independent assessment and confirmation that service delivery is on track and aligned to agreements with other bodies and remains aligned to NHSBSA strategic goals and objectives.

Active involvement in governance forums with external parties, representing the Authority and speaking as a subject matter expert on behalf of the NHSBSA.

Ensuring appropriate governance is in place and providing professional challenge to Leadership Team members and senior leaders within the NHSBSA at Directorate governance forums.

Continuously reviewing and seeking to improve corporate governance, risk and assurance processes, and reporting and escalating non-compliance to governance forums and Leadership Team.

Involvement in internal and external audits of NHSBSA governance, risk and assurance processes and ensuring policies, processes and frameworks are improved in line with recommendations from audits.

3. Reporting

Ensuring provision of robust, timely and accurate reporting of governance, risk and assurance positions to bodies including Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and NHSBSA Board, and other internal and external committees and forums.

Using evidence-based insight and assurance activity to drive timely interventions with escalation to the Head of Corporate Governance & Corporate Secretary, Leadership Team and other senior managers, as appropriate.

Driving consistent and accurate data collection, analysis and reporting, and a single source of truth for all governance, risk and assurance information and metrics.

Reporting the outcomes of assurance reviews and audits to Leadership Team and senior governance forums, providing recommendations and confirming resulting actions.

Presenting contentious information, supported by robust analysis and insight, to Leadership Team and senior governance forums to drive resolution and best practice in governance, risk and assurance.

4. Stakeholder Management

Acting as a trusted advisor to Leadership Team members, in their capacity as senior leaders and accountable officers for their directorates, with consultation and assurance of delivery approach for their services.

Working with key stakeholders to prioritise and document NHSBSA assurance activity (e.g. audit plans etc.) as part of the NHSBSA business planning process with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Leading the team in advising and providing assurance to Leadership Team and other senior management on effectiveness of stakeholder management arrangements.

Leading the team in working with stakeholders to agree appropriate governance and reporting structures.

Advising senior stakeholders and Leadership Team members in establishing appropriate governance, risk and assurance arrangements for services to ensure all relevant stakeholders are represented.

Supporting Leadership Team members and other senior management in understanding the Corporate Governance Framework, associated roles and responsibilities including accountability.

5. Information Management and Knowledge Sharing

Championing and driving the Corporate Governance Framework in senior forums and challenge the teams and the business to support, implement and own agreed processes.Embedding quality assurance of the Corporate Governance Framework and provide expert guidance, support and insight.

Driving implementation and sharing of best practice and disseminating lessons learned across the organisation.

Developing networks within wider health and care family and DHSC colleagues to share best practice and collaborate to improve frameworks and products.

Ownership of Corporate Governance tools used for the management of governance, risk and assurance and management of contracts with tool/ system suppliers (including management of contract expiry and amendments), and ensuring tools are utilised in accordance with licensing arrangements.

Educating colleagues across the business in governance, risk and assurance processes, ensuring understanding of the quality standards expected.

In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to

1. Act as delegate for the Head of Governance & Corporate Secretary, representing the function at Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARC), NHSBSA Board and senior governance forums across the NHSBSA.2. Provide peer support and formal mentoring to colleagues to support capability development.3. Actively contribute to the governance, risk and assurance professions within, and outside, the NHSBSA.4. Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.5. Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.6. Encourage an environment where your own and colleagues safety and well-being is promoted.7. Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.8. Follow NHSBSA policies, procedures, and protocols as they apply to your role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you are accountable for

1. Leadership & Delivery

Establishing the appropriate design of the Corporate Governance Team to provide fit for purpose support to the business to ensure effective systems of control, governance and risk management are in place and manage the operational team budget.

Line management and capability development of the Corporate Governance Team.

Leading the Team to implement appropriate assurance, analysis and reporting activity and establishing reviews to drive safe and compliant delivery of the NHSBSAs Strategy.

Driving best practice governance, risk and assurance practices across the organisation by championing established frameworks and methodologies.

Leading the establishment of the team as a trusted advisor across the NHSBSA, by providing supportive challenge and education at Leadership Team and senior levels with respect to corporate governance, risk and assurance.

Leading the Team in identifying, developing and sharing best practice governance, risk and assurance processes, tools and templates and benchmarks against industry standard.

Providing direction and guidance to colleagues across the Authority, ensuring business areas requiring additional support in establishing controls and appropriate governance are identified, supported, monitored and issues and risks escalated appropriately.

Providing assurance to the Head of Governance & Corporate Secretary and the Leadership Team on the effectiveness of risk and issue management arrangements across the Authority.

Establishing annual reviews of the team, reporting findings and establishing and delivering action plans to drive continuous improvement within the function aligned with best practice, regulations and guidance.

As a member of Corporate Governance management team provide advice on areas for improvement within team and collaborate to continuously improve reporting and delivery methods across the team and wider NHSBSA.

Contributing to Corporate Governance Team and Corporate Secretary strategy and planning, focusing on Corporate Governance.

Maintaining a fundamental understanding of the NHSBSA operational and change environments and external climate to ensure the governance, risk and assurance approach remains aligned to the organisations objectives.

2. Governance, Risk and Assurance

Leading the Team and providing direction in planning and management of activities across the NHSBSA, supporting effective and efficient delivery of governance, risk and assurance objectives and benefits including risk management, design and management of the delivery of the internal audit plan, coordination of annual preparation and audit of the NHSBSA Annual Report, mapping and assessment of key controls and assurances embedded across the business and management of agreements with other bodies.

Driving a culture of critical friend reviews across the Authority that deliver improvements to governance, risk and assurance delivery.

Ensuring the alignment of internal governance, risk and assurance activities to support compliance with external requirements.

Developing and implementing a Corporate Governance Framework for the NHSBSA that includes risk reviews, assurance reviews, and assessments of key controls, ensuring alignment to corporate policies and procedures.

Championing the NHSBSAs governance pathways, driving appropriate use of boards and enabling effective management and decision-making for the Authority.

Providing consultancy to Leadership Team members and Senior Managers in determining, reviewing and improving the governance for their areas of responsibility.

Providing independent assessment and confirmation that service delivery is on track and aligned to agreements with other bodies and remains aligned to NHSBSA strategic goals and objectives.

Active involvement in governance forums with external parties, representing the Authority and speaking as a subject matter expert on behalf of the NHSBSA.

Ensuring appropriate governance is in place and providing professional challenge to Leadership Team members and senior leaders within the NHSBSA at Directorate governance forums.

Continuously reviewing and seeking to improve corporate governance, risk and assurance processes, and reporting and escalating non-compliance to governance forums and Leadership Team.

Involvement in internal and external audits of NHSBSA governance, risk and assurance processes and ensuring policies, processes and frameworks are improved in line with recommendations from audits.

3. Reporting

Ensuring provision of robust, timely and accurate reporting of governance, risk and assurance positions to bodies including Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and NHSBSA Board, and other internal and external committees and forums.

Using evidence-based insight and assurance activity to drive timely interventions with escalation to the Head of Corporate Governance & Corporate Secretary, Leadership Team and other senior managers, as appropriate.

Driving consistent and accurate data collection, analysis and reporting, and a single source of truth for all governance, risk and assurance information and metrics.

Reporting the outcomes of assurance reviews and audits to Leadership Team and senior governance forums, providing recommendations and confirming resulting actions.

Presenting contentious information, supported by robust analysis and insight, to Leadership Team and senior governance forums to drive resolution and best practice in governance, risk and assurance.

4. Stakeholder Management

Acting as a trusted advisor to Leadership Team members, in their capacity as senior leaders and accountable officers for their directorates, with consultation and assurance of delivery approach for their services.

Working with key stakeholders to prioritise and document NHSBSA assurance activity (e.g. audit plans etc.) as part of the NHSBSA business planning process with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Leading the team in advising and providing assurance to Leadership Team and other senior management on effectiveness of stakeholder management arrangements.

Leading the team in working with stakeholders to agree appropriate governance and reporting structures.

Advising senior stakeholders and Leadership Team members in establishing appropriate governance, risk and assurance arrangements for services to ensure all relevant stakeholders are represented.

Supporting Leadership Team members and other senior management in understanding the Corporate Governance Framework, associated roles and responsibilities including accountability.

5. Information Management and Knowledge Sharing

Championing and driving the Corporate Governance Framework in senior forums and challenge the teams and the business to support, implement and own agreed processes.Embedding quality assurance of the Corporate Governance Framework and provide expert guidance, support and insight.

Driving implementation and sharing of best practice and disseminating lessons learned across the organisation.

Developing networks within wider health and care family and DHSC colleagues to share best practice and collaborate to improve frameworks and products.

Ownership of Corporate Governance tools used for the management of governance, risk and assurance and management of contracts with tool/ system suppliers (including management of contract expiry and amendments), and ensuring tools are utilised in accordance with licensing arrangements.

Educating colleagues across the business in governance, risk and assurance processes, ensuring understanding of the quality standards expected.

In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to

1. Act as delegate for the Head of Governance & Corporate Secretary, representing the function at Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARC), NHSBSA Board and senior governance forums across the NHSBSA.2. Provide peer support and formal mentoring to colleagues to support capability development.3. Actively contribute to the governance, risk and assurance professions within, and outside, the NHSBSA.4. Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.5. Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.6. Encourage an environment where your own and colleagues safety and well-being is promoted.7. Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.8. Follow NHSBSA policies, procedures, and protocols as they apply to your role.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Ability to influence, change and impact decisions.
  • Ability to establish and develop excellent stakeholder relationships at leadership team level and internally and externally.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
  • Able to use initiative and determine priorities and prioritise work for team.
  • Ability to engage, motivate and coach colleagues.
  • Significant consultancy skills.
  • Ability to lead in a changing environment.
  • Excellent presentation skills and ability to clearly explain complex and contentious information.

Desirable

  • Acts as a role model, using motivational skills to inspire others.
  • Ability to foresee potential challenges and determine appropriate solutions.

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience of senior stakeholder management, influencing, collaborating and appropriately challenging leadership.
  • Considerable experience of providing contentious information and feedback.
  • Working at a strategic level and designing and implementing assurance frameworks to realise strategic objectives.
  • Providing consultancy, education and advice on appropriate governance across an organisation.
  • Team leadership and management and people development.
  • Team design and budget management.
  • Experience of dependency, risks and issues management.
  • Experience and understanding of applying programme, project and change management techniques and best practice.
  • Significant assurance experience or appropriate experience from a different area within an operational or project environment.
  • Experience of establishing and chairing boards, drafting Terms of Reference and designing reporting and dashboard processes.
  • Experience of managing a Governance and Assurance Team and implementing best practice.
  • Implementing assurance standards and internal reviews within a business environment.

Desirable

  • Successful track record in corporate governance, risk and assurance management using recognised methodologies.
  • Worked in the NHS or other large organisation.
  • Experience/knowledge of UK Government financial controls.
  • Experience of formal mentoring, coaching and development of colleagues.
  • Experience of benefits management and realisation.
  • Experience of product management.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in leadership or management discipline or relevant demonstrable experience
  • Formal governance/ risk/ assurance qualification (e.g. CIPFA Diploma, PRINCE2, AMP, Agile PM)
  • Management of Risk Practitioner

Desirable

  • Masters or post-graduate level in leadership, management or governance/ risk / assurance discipline
  • Formal qualification in a change/project related discipline (eg Change management, Better Business cases)
Person Specification

Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Ability to influence, change and impact decisions.
  • Ability to establish and develop excellent stakeholder relationships at leadership team level and internally and externally.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
  • Able to use initiative and determine priorities and prioritise work for team.
  • Ability to engage, motivate and coach colleagues.
  • Significant consultancy skills.
  • Ability to lead in a changing environment.
  • Excellent presentation skills and ability to clearly explain complex and contentious information.

Desirable

  • Acts as a role model, using motivational skills to inspire others.
  • Ability to foresee potential challenges and determine appropriate solutions.

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience of senior stakeholder management, influencing, collaborating and appropriately challenging leadership.
  • Considerable experience of providing contentious information and feedback.
  • Working at a strategic level and designing and implementing assurance frameworks to realise strategic objectives.
  • Providing consultancy, education and advice on appropriate governance across an organisation.
  • Team leadership and management and people development.
  • Team design and budget management.
  • Experience of dependency, risks and issues management.
  • Experience and understanding of applying programme, project and change management techniques and best practice.
  • Significant assurance experience or appropriate experience from a different area within an operational or project environment.
  • Experience of establishing and chairing boards, drafting Terms of Reference and designing reporting and dashboard processes.
  • Experience of managing a Governance and Assurance Team and implementing best practice.
  • Implementing assurance standards and internal reviews within a business environment.

Desirable

  • Successful track record in corporate governance, risk and assurance management using recognised methodologies.
  • Worked in the NHS or other large organisation.
  • Experience/knowledge of UK Government financial controls.
  • Experience of formal mentoring, coaching and development of colleagues.
  • Experience of benefits management and realisation.
  • Experience of product management.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in leadership or management discipline or relevant demonstrable experience
  • Formal governance/ risk/ assurance qualification (e.g. CIPFA Diploma, PRINCE2, AMP, Agile PM)
  • Management of Risk Practitioner

Desirable

  • Masters or post-graduate level in leadership, management or governance/ risk / assurance discipline
  • Formal qualification in a change/project related discipline (eg Change management, Better Business cases)

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Business Services Authority

Address

Stella House

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

NE15 8NY


Employer's website

https://careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Business Services Authority

Address

Stella House

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

NE15 8NY


Employer's website

https://careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Governance and Corporate Secretary

David Jukes

david.jukes@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

01912035635

Date posted

25 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£62,215 to £72,293 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

914-BSA7124039

Job locations

Stella House

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

NE15 8NY


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