Head Of Governance And Compliance

James Stevens Associates have been retained by First Garden Cities Homes, which is now looking for a new Head of Governance and Compliance.

Key Information

• Role: Head of Governance and Compliance
• Organisation: First Garden Cities Homes
• Location: Letchworth / Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
• Transport: Very close to Letchworth Train station with parking access
• Salary: c. £80,000 – £83,000
• Working pattern: Hybrid working, minimum 3 days per week in office
• Closing date: Wednesday 1st July 2026

Overview

First Garden Cities Homes is an independent social housing organisation with a legacy of over 170 years. The new Head of Governance and Compliance will report to the Finance Director and work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team, Board, Committees and senior colleagues.

This newly created senior role will shape FGCH’s governance, assurance and compliance agenda at a key stage of its development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the governance and assurance framework
• Advise the Board, Committees and Executive Team on governance and regulatory matters
• Support effective Board and Committee arrangements
• Manage governance reporting, annual work‑plans, statutory registers, policies and procedures
• Lead Board succession planning, recruitment, induction, appraisal, training and skills reviews
• Oversee risk management, corporate risk registers and internal controls
• Manage the internal audit programme and track management actions
• Lead horizon scanning of regulation, legislation and sector developments
• Support data protection, business continuity, insurance and corporate compliance arrangements
• Provide procurement governance oversight and promote value for money
• Lead and develop the Governance and Corporate Services team

About You

We are looking for someone with strong experience in governance, assurance, compliance, risk management or company secretarial work. Ideally you have:

• Significant governance, assurance and/or compliance experience
• Knowledge of corporate governance and regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience managing risk frameworks, audit actions and assurance reporting
• Ability to work effectively with Boards, Committees and senior leaders
• Clear, confident communication skills
• Strong relationship building and team‑leadership abilities
• Solutions‑focused, pragmatic and commercially aware approach
• Engagement with both strategic influence and hands‑on delivery
• Motivation by purpose, community and public service

Social housing experience is highly valuable but not essential. Candidates from broader regulated, not‑for‑profit, public sector or governance environments with transferable experience are welcomed.

Benefits

• Salary in the region of £80,000 – £83,000
• 7 % employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Hybrid working, 3 days per week in office
• £600 annual working‑from‑home allowance
• £600 annual health and wellbeing allowance
• Laptop and phone provided
• Flexible working hours by agreement
• Supportive, close‑knit and values‑driven culture