Band 8c - Associate Director of Corporate Affairs / Trust Secretary

Job overview

We are seeking an outstanding Associate Director of Corporate Affairs who will also fulfil the role of Trust Secretary. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Affairs, you will lead the Trust’s corporate governance, statutory compliance, and Board and committee management.

This pivotal role will help shape the governance environment at the highest level, within a Trust which was awarded NHS Trust of Year in the HSJ 2025 Awards.

You will ensure transparency, integrity, and excellence in everything we do and be a trusted advisor to the Chair, Chief Executive, and Board, providing expert guidance.

Visibility and building strong relationships are key to the success of this senior leadership position, therefore, the role is office-based (minimum four days per week) with flexibility for early or evening meetings and requires travel across Trust sites.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly skilled governance professional committed to excellence.

Main duties of the job

You will lead on the Trust’s Corporate Governance Framework, ensuring it is robust, modern, and aligned to national best practice.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment as the Associate Director of Corporate Affairs/Trust Secretary leads the full Board and committee cycle, driving high‑quality papers, effective meetings, and strong assurance flows.

You’ll oversee key statutory responsibilities, from the Annual Report and Accounts, to compliance with NHS England, CQC and regulatory standards, while shaping Board development, NED recruitment, and governance transformation.

You will play a pivotal role in interpreting emerging NHS policy, ensuring the Trust is ahead of the curve and equipped for future system models.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are looking for an exceptional individual who brings:

• Significant experience as a senior governance leader  in a large, complex public or regulated organisation.
• Advanced knowledge of corporate governance, statutory compliance and NHS regulatory requirements.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with Executives, NEDs and senior clinical leaders.
• High levels of integrity, judgement, and political awareness.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to develop and motivate governance teams.
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., Chartered Governance Institute / ICSA) is desirable.

This is a high-profile role that requires confidence, resilience, and the ability to manage complex information, demanding deadlines, and sensitive matters with skill and diplomacy.

If you believe you have the expertise, experience, and personal qualities to lead our corporate governance function and help to support our Board, we would be delighted to hear from you.