10th December 2025
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* Job Description & Person Specification
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We are looking for an exceptional head of governance to lead the governance function at Sense and ensure we remain effective, ethical and compliant as we deliver our ambitious strategy.
Reporting to the chief strategy and governance officer, you will work closely with the Board of Trustees, chief executive and senior leaders as a trusted adviser, safeguarding Sense's reputation and enabling strong decision-making, transparency and accountability.
You will lead and inspire a high-performing governance team, develop organisation-wide capability, and champion our values and inclusive culture across everything we do.
What you’ll do
* Lead the design and delivery of best‑practice governance frameworks that support effective decision‑making.
* Provide strategic advice and expert guidance to Trustees and senior leaders on governance and regulatory matters.
* Manage all Board and committee activity, ensuring high‑quality reporting, accurate minutes and timely papers.
* Act as the key point of contact for regulators, auditors and legal advisors.
* Project manage the Sense Group's annual report and financial statements.
* Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, Ofsted and other regulatory bodies.
* Drive a culture of good governance, co‑production and inclusive leadership across the organisation.
Who we're looking for
* Proven experience leading governance or compliance functions in a complex, regulated organisation (ideally charity, health or social care).
* Deep knowledge of charity law, governance codes and regulatory frameworks.
* Experience supporting Boards and senior leadership teams at strategic level.
* Strong relationship‑building, influencing and communication skills.
* A collaborative, people‑centred leadership style that empowers others.
* Excellent organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
About Sense
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability confident leader.
Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.
To apply
Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.
Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.
No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 415 6735 or recruitment@sense.org.uk
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from under‑represented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/jobs/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-recruitment/
Closing Date
23/11/2025
Contact us
Sense
101 Pentonville Road
London N1 9LG
750 Bristol Road
Birmingham B29 6NA
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