Job overview
The Royal Free London (RFL) is entering an exciting new chapter, as one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, following the integration of North Middlesex University Hospital into our group. Together, we now deliver world-class care across four major hospitals and more than 70 satellite sites, reaching communities across north London and beyond.
Our executive office is at the heart of our organisation, ensuring its smooth running and supporting our most senior leaders as they drive forward the trust’s strategy and objectives.
Working in a fast-paced, high-profile environment, where no day is the same, the team provides a professional, calm and reassuring presence in our trust headquarters.
You will lead the trust's executive office, helping to ensure it delivers the best possible service, managing the highest levels of corporate governance, acting as an expert advisor to the group chief executive and group chair, along with all members of the trust board.
You will ensure the trust's corporate affairs are undertaken and directed to the highest standards, in keeping with the Royal Free London's status as one of the most prestigious trusts in England.
Main duties of the job
Leads the Royal Free London executive office, with management responsibility for the trust’s executive support managers and committee secretaries
- - Is responsible for establishing and managing the highest levels of corporate governance, acting as the expert advisor to the group chief executive and group chair and the trust board on issues relating to corporate governance - Ensures the trust’s corporate affairs are undertaken and directed to the highest standards of probity and according to statutory and legislative requirements, and in accordance with the regulatory framework (statute, terms of authorisation and constitution) enforced by NHS regulators - Is responsible for working with, and in support of, all of the group’s executive and non-executive directors to deliver an efficient and well-organised trust committee structure, in keeping with the RFL constitution and accountability framework - Responsible for ensuring that the board and its committees, including those established in wholly owned subsidiaries, provide a comprehensive and robust governance structure. The postholder is required to act as an independent and impartial arbiter to the trust board and council of governors. -
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of corporate governance, relevant legislation, and best practice
- Knowledge and understanding of risk management systems and processes.
- Knowledge of best practice administration for Boards and committees
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as a company secretary or in a senior governance role in a large and/or complex organisation
- Experience of supporting Boards and Committees and working at Board level, particularly with nonexecutive directors
- Evidence of creating successful partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders
- Evidence of managing complex arrangements to a high degree of accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness
- Evidence of successfully handling sensitive situations efficiently and confidentially
- Experience of taking a corporate lead on key organisation-wide projects
Skills/ Abilities
Essential
- Well-developed interpersonal and facilitation skills, with ability to gain and sustain credibility with Board of Directors/CoG
- Able to present well reasoned and structured argument orally and in writing
- A track record of effectively managing the preparation of Board and committee papers and of high-level briefing to internal and external audiences
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand issues rapidly and to explain them clearly and succinctly
- Ability to work successfully with a variety of different people and well- developed influencing skills
- Evidence of the ability to work as a team member at a variety of professional levels
- Ability to understand issues quickly and explain them clearly and succinctly
- Excellent minute-taking skills
- Able to prioritise workload to achieve deadlines
- Able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or confidential information
- Good presentation skills
- Ability to explain complex matters to non-experts
- IT Skills
Personal Qualities
Essential
- High degree of personal integrity
- Ability to work under pressure to demanding timetables
- Confident in working with high profile organisations
- Strong attention to detail
- Able to build excellent relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and partners
- Methodical with high level organisational and administrative skills
- Ability to work as part of a team at a variety of levels
- Excellent team player with skills to develop collaborative relationships
- Able to work autonomously
Education / Qualification
Essential
- Post graduate professional / management qualification or equivalent experience
Trust Values, Equal Opportunities & Other Requirements
Essential
- Trust Values, Equal Opportunities & Other Requirements
- Commitment and adherence to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Able to work in evenings to attend Board and Governor meetings
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 8c RFL Trust Secretary with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £88,250 - £100,355 per annum inclusive of HCAS. The contract type is Fixed term: 8 months (Limited funding). The application deadline is 30 Jun 2026.
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