West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Band 8c - Associate Director of Corporate Affairs / Trust Secretary
The closing date is 22 April 2026
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 will 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.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital health. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.
We offer a variety of flexible working options. For more information, visit our flexible working page.
Job 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.
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.
Person Specification
Education
* Master's degree or equivalent experience.
* Evidence of ongoing CPD.
* Expert knowledge of corporate governance and statutory requirements.
* Chartered Governance Institute (CGI/ICSA) membership, or equivalent legal/accounting qualification.
* Formal training in risk management or board governance.
Knowledge
* Expert understanding of corporate governance, risk, assurance and regulatory frameworks.
* Highly developed analytical, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
* Ability to synthesise complex information into clear recommendations.
* Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills.
* Ability to operate with political awareness and discretion.
* Knowledge of CQC well‑led requirements.
Experience
* Significant experience as Company/Trust Secretary or senior governance leader in a large, complex or regulated organisation.
* Extensive experience managing board and committee processes.
* Proven track record of developing governance frameworks.
* Experience working with auditors, regulators and external assurance bodies.
* Experience managing a team.
* Experience of digital transformation of board systems.
* Experience of preparing organisations for regulatory inspections.
* Experience of NHS governance.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
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