Governance, Compliance and Planning Manager (Leatherhead)

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Governance, Compliance and Planning Manager (Leatherhead)

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Join to apply for the Governance, Compliance and Planning Manager (Leatherhead) role at MARY FRANCES TRUST

The Governance, Compliance and Planning Manager is a vital cross-organisational role at Mary Frances Trust (MFT). As a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the postholder will ensure MFT’s governance structures, compliance, policy framework, and strategic planning processes are robust, legally compliant, and effective.

This role will strengthen our governance culture and work collaboratively with SMT colleagues as well as the Department Leads Group (DLG) to ensure that MFT remains aligned to its mission, values, and strategic ambitions.

The postholder will also act as Company Secretary, supporting the Board of Trustees as well as the Policy Committee and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, and providing internal oversight of governance, risk, and compliance functions.

Role Overview:

The Governance, Compliance and Planning Manager is a vital cross-organisational role at Mary Frances Trust (MFT). As a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the postholder will ensure MFT’s governance structures, compliance, policy framework, and strategic planning processes are robust, legally compliant, and effective.

This role will strengthen our governance culture and work collaboratively with SMT colleagues as well as the Department Leads Group (DLG) to ensure that MFT remains aligned to its mission, values, and strategic ambitions.

The postholder will also act as Company Secretary, supporting the Board of Trustees as well as the Policy Committee and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, and providing internal oversight of governance, risk, and compliance functions.

Job title:Governance, Compliance and Planning Manager

Location:Hybrid working available with a base at Leatherhead and occasional travel across Surrey

Hours:37h per week

Salary:£40,000 (per annum)

Term:Permanent

Reports to:Chief Executive Officer

Holiday:25 days plus bank holidays

Closing date:Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews scheduled as suitable candidates are identified. Early applications are encouraged.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and the successful completion of a probationary period.

Governance and Board Support

• Serve as Company Secretary, ensuring MFT meets all statutory, regulatory, and constitutional governance requirements.
• Support and coordinate governance structures for the Board of Trustees and relevant sub-committees, including preparing and circulating Board papers, minuting meetings, and following up on actions.
• Lead the ongoing development and improvement of governance processes, ensuring compliance with charity law and best practice.
• Provide governance advice and support to Trustees, maintaining up-to-date records (including those with the Charity Commission and Companies House).
• Act as a first point of contact for governance-related queries from staff, Trustees, and external stakeholders.

Compliance, Policy, and Risk Management

• Support and coordinate the Policy Committee (chaired by a dedicated Trustee) to ensure policies are regularly reviewed, updated, and compliant with legislation and organisational standards.
• Support and coordinate the Risk Committee (chaired by a dedicated Trustee), maintaining the organisational risk register and working with colleagues to manage and mitigate risks.
• Leading on Information and Governance Group and acting as MFT’s Senior Information Officer (SIRO) and internal lead for data protection (GDPR).
• Work with the Clinical Lead to ensure safeguarding policy compliance and training are up to date.
• Oversee internal compliance systems and processes, conducting audits and producing compliance reports to the Board and SMT.
• Monitor and update Health & Safety policies and processes, ensuring statutory compliance and providing advice and leadership in this area.

Strategic and Operational Planning

• Work with the CEO and SMT to develop and maintain annual and strategic plans, ensuring they are aligned to MFT’s mission and values.
• Ensure the implementation of performance measurement frameworks and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Facilitate quarterly and annual performance reviews, drawing on data and insights from across the organisation to support continuous improvement.
• Lead on and/or support new contracts and business development opportunities.

Human Resources (in Collaboration with External HR Support)

• Work with an external HR support service to ensure that MFT’s HR policies and practices remain compliant and reflect best practice.
• Provide internal oversight of HR policies implementation, working closely with the Business Support Officer and line managers.
• Advise on HR compliance, supporting the SMT to manage recruitment and staffing processes.

Organisational Systems and Coordination

• Provide leadership on internal systems and processes that underpin good governance and compliance.
• Line manage the Business Support Officer, supporting them to deliver effective administration, recordkeeping, and compliance support.
• Work with colleagues to ensure organisational readiness for audits, tenders, and external evaluations.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance effectiveness and reduce risk across the organisation.

Collaboration and Cross-organisational Leadership

• Actively contribute to the SMT and Department Leads Group, fostering a culture of high standards, learning, and collaboration.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues, Trustees, and external partners.
• Support the organisation’s commitment to co-production, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Lead on external supporting contracts, including but not limited to HR, Data Protection, IT, insurance etc.

This is not an exhaustive list of the duties that may need to be undertaken. It may be necessary to undertake other duties in order to fulfil the objectives of the charity.

Qualifications & Training

Essential:

• Degree level education or equivalent professional experience
• Professional qualification in governance, compliance, risk, or legal (e.g., ICSA/CGI)
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable:

• Qualification in project management, HR, or data protection (e.g., PRINCE2, CIPD, GDPR)
• Health & Safety or safeguarding qualifications (e.g., IOSH, NSPCC)

Experience

Essential:

• Senior-level experience in governance, compliance, or Company Secretary role
• Experience supporting Boards and committees
• Policy and risk management experience
• Compliance with charity/company law and GDPR
• Strategic and operational planning experience
• HR process oversight
• Line management experience

Desirable:

• Managing external contracts (e.g., HR, IT, legal)
• Experience with audits, tenders, or evaluations
• Mental health or social care experience

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential:

• Governance and regulatory frameworks for charities/companies
• Data protection and information governance
• Risk management tools and approaches
• Safeguarding awareness
• Strategic planning and KPIs
• HR and Health & Safety compliance

Desirable:

• Mental health or VCSE sector knowledge
• Understanding of co-production and inclusion in governance

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills
• Excellent organisational and time management
• High-level communication and documentation skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical and problem-solving capability
• Confident using MS Office, digital tools, and databases
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Desirable:

• Workshop facilitation and planning session skills
• Experience with project or compliance tracking tools

Personal Attributes

Essential:

• Alignment with MFT mission, values, and goals
• High integrity and discretion
• Proactive, solution-focused attitude
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production, and improvement

Desirable:

• Lived or professional mental health experience

To apply for this role, please fill in our Online Application Form on our website, where you’ll be able to upload your CV and covering letter (in which you’ll explain how you feel your experience is suitable for the role). Thank you!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Mental Health Care

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