Job Summary
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'll 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 healthcare. 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. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick 'Member of the Armed Forces Community' on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Details
Date posted
12 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
£79,163 to £90,880 a year inc HCA
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
360-E-10746-A
Job locations
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB
Job Description
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.
A relevant professional qualification (e.g., Chartered Governance Institute / ICSA) is desirable.
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.
If you believe you have the expertise, experience, and personal qualities to lead our corporate governance function and help to support our Board, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Job Description
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.
A relevant professional qualification (e.g., Chartered Governance Institute / ICSA) is desirable.
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.
If you believe you have the expertise, experience, and personal qualities to lead our corporate governance function and help to support our Board, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
Master's degree or equivalent experience.
Evidence of ongoing CPD.
Expert knowledge of corporate governance and statutory requirements.
Desirable
Chartered Governance Institute (CGI/ICSA) membership, or equivalent legal/accounting qualification.
Formal training in risk management or Board governance
Knowledge
Essential
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.
Desirable
Knowledge of CQC well-led requirements.
Essential
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.
Desirable
NHS governance experience.
Experience of delivering digital transformation of Board systems
Experience of preparing organisations for regulatory inspections.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
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.
Desirable
NHS governance experience.
Experience of delivering digital transformation of Board systems
Experience of preparing organisations for regulatory inspections.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Watford General Hospital
Watford
WD18 0HB
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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