Hello, we’re Starling. We built a new kind of bank because we knew technology had the power to help people save, spend and manage their money in a new and transformative way. We’re a fully licensed UK bank with the culture and spirit of a fast-moving, disruptive tech company. We’re a bank, but better: fairer, easier to use and designed to demystify money for everyone. We employ more than 3,500 people across our London, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester offices. Role overview: Reporting to the Company Secretary, we are seeking a Director of Governance to lead a dedicated team focused on the effective running of the Bank’s board and executive committee framework, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and driving high standards of corporate governance. We are looking for someone who is passionate about governance, continuously seeking improvement and interested in working in a fast-paced environment. This is a high profile role working closely with Bank board members, senior leadership and key stakeholders. You will lead by example and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a skilled communicator, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing the Bank’s governance strategy, whilst also supporting the broader Group strategy of the Company Secretariat team. You will have strong financial services (ideally regulated) and/or banking experience. The Director of Governance will lead a team of four with one direct report (Senior Assistant Company Secretary (UK Bank)). Key Responsibilities Leading and developing a high-performance and dedicated governance team for the Bank, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement. Working alongside the Company Secretary and Deputy Company Secretary to provide high-quality governance support to the Starling Bank Board. Leading on governance support for the Starling Bank Board Risk Committee, including preparing agendas, collating, reviewing and distributing papers, preparing high-quality minutes, and maintaining timely information flows with senior management. Supporting annual effectiveness reviews of the Bank board and board committees, ensuring continuous improvement in governance standards. Overseeing Bank board director onboarding, and ongoing training and development to enhance board effectiveness. Monitoring governance trends, emerging regulatory developments, and industry best practices, and advising the Company Secretary on implications. Contributing to the production of the Group Annual Report and Accounts from a Bank perspective. Requirements Qualifications A qualified chartered secretary (ACG or FCG) or legally qualified with significant governance experience. Minimum 5 years’ proven experience in a regulated financial services environment, ideally within banking. Experience Deep knowledge of UK corporate governance, company law, best practice and regulatory frameworks (FCA, PRA, SMCR etc). Proven track record of engagement with board members and senior executives in a strategic governance role. Strong leadership skills with experience in building and managing governance teams. Excellent minute-taking skills with an ability to write concise and accurate minutes in short order. Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to operate at the highest levels of the organisation. Ability to work in a fast paced, high growth environment. Skills and Competencies Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Attention to detail, with an unwavering commitment to excellence and maintaining high standards of accuracy. Sound judgement and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. Key Behaviours Proactive and solution-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement. Collaborative, able to build strong relationships across diverse teams. Resilient and adaptable to changing priorities and regulatory environments. Benefits 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you) An extra day’s holiday for your birthday Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off 16 hours paid volunteering time a year Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme Life insurance at 4x your salary Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton Generous family-friendly policies Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships About Us You may be put off applying for a role because you don't tick every box. Forget that While we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we're always open to discussion. So, if you're excited about working with us, but aren’t sure if you're 100% there yet, get in touch anyway. We’re on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team. Whatever came before, we’re proud to bring together people of all backgrounds and experiences who love working together to solve problems. Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes. Our Privacy Notice explains what personal information we may process, where we may process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information.