Job overview
At West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, we are proud of our reputation for high-quality care, strong leadership, and a values-driven culture. Behind this success is effective, transparent governance—and we are looking for an outstanding Trust Secretary to help us support and continually deliver these intentions
This is a pivotal role at the centre of the organisation. You will work closely with the Chair, Chief Executive, and Board to ensure the highest standards of corporate governance, supporting effective decision-making that ultimately benefits our patients and communities.
As our Trust Secretary, you will lead the delivery of Board and committee business, provide expert advice on governance and statutory requirements, and act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders. You will play a key role in shaping Board effectiveness, ensuring we meet regulatory expectations while staying true to our values.
We are looking for someone who combines strong technical governance expertise with excellent judgement, credibility, and relationship-building skills. You will be confident operating at senior level, calm under pressure, and committed to public service.
This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a forward-thinking Trust, helping us continue to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.
If you are passionate about good governance and want to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The Trust Secretary is the Trust’s lead officer for corporate governance, providing expert advice to the Board, Chair, Chief Executive, and senior leaders on governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
The postholder ensures the effective operation of the Board and its committees, supports high-quality decision-making, and maintains compliance with NHS legislation and best practice governance standards.
As a senior leader, the Trust Secretary promotes transparency, accountability, and effective organisational assurance, ensuring governance arrangements support the delivery of the Trust’s strategic objectives.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification attached for more details on the job role.
Person specification
skills
Essential
- Excellent political awareness and judgement
- Ability to build credibility with Board members and regulators
- Strong communication with high-level report writing and presentation skills
Experience
Essential
- Significant senior-level governance experience including developing governance frameworks
- Experience of supporting and advising Boards and Board Committees, Chief Executives and Directors
- Experience of risk governance and assurance reporting
Desirable
- Experience working in governance for an NHS Trust or Foundation Trust
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Chartered Governance Institute qualification (formerly ICSA) or equivalent governance qualification, or substantial equivalent experience
Desirable
- Legal, governance or corporate compliance qualification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Act with independence and impartiality
- Champion good governance and accountability
- Promote openness and transparency
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Trust Secretary with West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in Bury St Edmunds, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 9 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £112,782 - £129,783 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 21 Jul 2026.
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