Head of Governance and Assurance

James Stevens Associates are delighted to be exclusively working with a small but mighty Social Housing organisation based in West London.

This is new role for a recently formed Social Housing Association at a defining part in their journey.

• Head of Governance and Business Assurance
• West London
• £85,000 | Hybrid
• 3 days in the office X 2 days from home

• 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days with service
• SHPS pension scheme, with employer matching up to 5%
• Annual corporate bonus linked to organisational and individual performance
• Flexible working options
• Professional membership reimbursement and funded development where relevant
• Perkbox discounts and benefits
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Extended leave scheme, with the option to take up to a year away after a qualifying period

Formed through merger in 2024 of two established community-led housing providers, the organisation is building one culture, one operating model and one clear direction for the future.

At their first and very recent regulatory judgement the organisation has been given the grading of C2 for Consumer, G2 for Governance and V2 for Financial Viability. This will give the new incumbent a chance to improve and shape the organisations new regulatory position from a place of strength.

This is therefore a genuinely important appointment: not simply to maintain governance processes, but to help strengthen assurance, sharpen oversight and support a focused improvement agenda.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board and Executive Team, you will combine strategic influence with operational ownership.

You will lead on:

• Board and Committee effectiveness, reporting and decision-making
• Governance, risk, internal controls and business assurance
• Regulatory compliance and engagement
• Company secretarial responsibilities
• Internal audit, policy management and performance reporting
• Data governance, GDPR and business continuity
• Building a practical, credible assurance framework that supports delivery

You will also manage one direct report, providing leadership, development and clarity within the governance function.

This role will suit an experienced governance professional that has worked in a broad role within a well regulated environment, someone comfortable advising and constructively challenging at Board level, while remaining close enough to the detail to ensure actions are followed through.

You will bring a strong understanding of the regulatory environment for registered providers, excellent judgement and the ability to turn complex risk, performance and compliance information into clear, meaningful assurance.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a pivotal function helping a values-led organisation move forward with confidence, transparency and accountability.