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Job requirements
Essential
24 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Qualifications
Educated to master's degree level or evidence of relevant and significant experience working at a senior level within the field of corporate governance and risk
- Qualifications
Specialist communications qualification or equivalent experience and knowledge
- Qualifications
Evidence of on-going personal and professional development
- Skills and Abilities
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Skills and Abilities
Able to influence. Demonstrating tact and diplomacy when dealing with potentially difficult and sensitive issues
- Skills and Abilities
High standard of presentation both verbal and written. Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines Ability to gain and sustain credibility with Board of Directors Good team building and people management skills
- Skills and Abilities
Able to explain complex matters to lay persons
- Skills and Abilities
Proficiency in the use of ICT applications to support efficient work activity, including the analysis, interpretation and presentation of complex data
- Skills and Abilities
Excellent organisational skills
- Skills and Abilities
Ability to work under pressure and manage a varied and often challenging workload
- Skills and Abilities
Strong interpersonal skills
- Skills and Abilities
Ability to manage information in a confidential manner Well-developed negotiating and influencing skills
- Skills and Abilities
Willing to maintain and uphold accountability of self and others High level of discretion and integrity
- Skills and Abilities
Ability to travel readily throughout the operating region of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and occasionally further to attend meetings, conferences etc.
- Experience and Knowledge
Relevant experience of working within an NHS Mental Health Trust in a senior management role, or in Company Secretary/Corporate governance role
- Experience and Knowledge
Experience of working in an organisation under public and political scrutiny
- Experience and Knowledge
Demonstrable track record of dealing effectively with business issues in a large/ complex organisation
- Experience and Knowledge
Experience of servicing Board and committee meetings
- Experience and Knowledge
Experience of devising and implementing effective communications and engagement strategies
- Experience and Knowledge
Knowledge of operational NHS issues
- Experience and Knowledge
Working knowledge of NHS standards of corporate governance, and legal issues relating to governance
- Experience and Knowledge
Knowledge of wider NHS and political environment
- Experience and Knowledge
Thorough understanding of FT governance requirements and ability to uphold the principles of effective corporate governance
- Experience and Knowledge
Experience of managing staffExperience of working with partner agencies from the public, voluntary and private sectors
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job overview
Exceptional leadership. Outstanding governance. Meaningful impact.
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional and influential leader to join our Executive Team as Director of Corporate Affairs.
This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role at one of the largest and most ambitious mental health trusts in the country. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will help shape the strategic direction of the Trust, ensuring the highest standards of governance, risk management, communications and corporate affairs as we continue our journey towards becoming a leading organisation for both patient care and colleague experience.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Communications and Board Secretariat services. You will ensure the Trust meets its statutory, regulatory and legal obligations while enabling effective, transparent and confident decision-making at Board and Executive level.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Main duties of the job
The Opportunity
This is far more than a governance role.
We are looking for a strategic leader who can build trusted relationships, provide expert advice at the highest level, and help shape the future direction of the Trust. Working alongside Executive and Non-Executive Directors, you will provide authoritative governance leadership, drive improvement and ensure robust systems are in place to support effective and accountable decision-making.
You will lead a high-performing team responsible for governance, risk, communications and corporate affairs, championing excellence, innovation and improvement across the function.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
About You
You will be an experienced and credible senior leader with substantial expertise in corporate governance and a track record of operating successfully within complex and highly regulated environments.
You will bring:
- Significant experience in a senior corporate affairs, governance or company secretariat leadership role
- Outstanding influencing, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Strong leadership capabilities with experience of developing high-performing teams
- A proven track record of delivering complex governance and organisational improvement programmes
- Excellent analytical, strategic and communication skills
- A relevant Master's degree or significant equivalent corporate governance experience
Most importantly, you will be a collaborative, values-driven leader who is passionate about governance excellence and motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Director of Corporate Affairs with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, England. It is listed as a Corporate affairs manager role. The advertised salary is £100,000 - £200,000 Pro rata per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 01 Oct 2026.
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