Job summary The Interim Deputy Company Secretary will work as an integral member of the Corporate Governance Team. The post holder will be accountable to the Director of Corporate Governance and deputise on Corporate Governance matters in their absence. The post holder will support the Director of Corporate Governance in their role to ensure that The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust complies with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements and delivers best corporate governance practice. They will co-ordinate and continuously improve effective working arrangements for the Board Committees, working closely with the Risk Manager, in particular with respect to embedding the evolving Trust's Risk Management Framework. They will lead the development of arrangements for the Council of Governors (CoG) and implement all required mechanisms to enable the Trust's CoG to fulfil its statutory responsibilities. The postholder will have line management responsibility and provide leadership and support to the Committee Secretary; Information Governance Officer with dotted-line management responsibility for the Risk Manager; and any other members of the Corporate Governance Team as may be required in line with the staffing structure. The postholder will be expected to deal with issues which arise, which may be unforeseen, urgent, highly complex, contentious and sensitive. Main duties of the job Ensure the Board of Directors and the Council of Governors, and their committees, are properly constituted, operated and supported, according to Standing Orders and the relevant legal and statutory frameworks. Ensure Corporate Policies such as Standing Orders, a Scheme of Delegation and a schedule of matters reserved to the Board are in place, acted upon and reviewed as necessary, and with the Chief Finance Officer, ensure Standing Financial Instructions are similarly in place, reviewed and acted upon by the Board of Directors. Ensure that the Foundation Trust complies with its constitution. Lead on any review of the constitution, and ensure that any changes are appropriately consulted upon, approved and enacted. To deputise for the Director of Corporate Governance on Corporate Governance matters including matters relating to the Board of Directors and Council of Governors in his/her absence as required. This includes attendance at Board of Directors, Board Committee and Council of Governors meetings to present papers on behalf of the Director of Corporate Governance. Support the Director of Corporate Governance in reporting to the Board of Directors through the Chairman and Chief Executive any areas of non-compliance with corporate processes and procedures. About us You will join a dedicated and dynamic team based in Belsize Park (Hampstead) in north-west London. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with up a minimum of 2 days per week in the office particularly for Board of Directors and Council of Governors meetings. We are committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. This role is ideal for someone with experience in Governance within the NHS and looking for the next step in their career. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential, along with attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead and work effectively within a team, with Board members and Governors. If you are a motivated and experienced professional looking for the next step in your career journey, we encourage you to apply for this exciting new opportunity. Date posted 15 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £70,387 to £80,465 a year Per annum inclusive of Inner London HCAS Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 260-TP-901-A Job locations The Tavistock Centre 120 Belsize Lane London NW3 5BA Job description Job responsibilities Please see the person specification/ job description for a detailed description of main responsibilities. Job description Job responsibilities Please see the person specification/ job description for a detailed description of main responsibilities. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to degree level and / or equivalent professional qualification; or Evidence of continuing professional development Desirable Masters level or equivalent Membership of or working towards membership of the Chartered Governance Institute or equivalent Knowledge and Experience Essential Demonstrable experience of working with and influencing senior leaders preferably at Executive/ Board level, and of providing credible advice to colleagues on corporate governance Experience of working in a corporate governance/risk role within the NHS or equivalent organisation Familiarity and experience of using IT packages including a working knowledge of Word, Excel and Powerpoint Experience of ensuring effective mechanisms are provided for servicing Boards and Committees (or other high level meetings), including the production of high-quality meeting minutes and action logs SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES Essential Highly developed professional knowledge and experience across a range of disciplines, including NHS corporate governance, risk management and regulatory functions, gained through training and experience Highly confident and resilient, comfortable asserting yourself with senior management (Executive & Board Level) Drive to deliver high quality work with ability to pay close attention to detail Skilled in analysing and interpreting highly complex facts and situations with the ability to present and compare a range of options Experience of interpreting highly complex facts and situations with the ability to present and compare a range of options Ability to work flexibly with high degree of autonomy, use own initiative and act without direct supervision, and make informed decisions. Ability to influence without authority and to establish and maintain good working relationships across organisational boundaries and with people from wide range of personal and professional backgrounds Demonstrate best practice relating to minute taking Advanced knowledge and operation of all Microsoft Office software and database systems Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to degree level and / or equivalent professional qualification; or Evidence of continuing professional development Desirable Masters level or equivalent Membership of or working towards membership of the Chartered Governance Institute or equivalent Knowledge and Experience Essential Demonstrable experience of working with and influencing senior leaders preferably at Executive/ Board level, and of providing credible advice to colleagues on corporate governance Experience of working in a corporate governance/risk role within the NHS or equivalent organisation Familiarity and experience of using IT packages including a working knowledge of Word, Excel and Powerpoint Experience of ensuring effective mechanisms are provided for servicing Boards and Committees (or other high level meetings), including the production of high-quality meeting minutes and action logs SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES Essential Highly developed professional knowledge and experience across a range of disciplines, including NHS corporate governance, risk management and regulatory functions, gained through training and experience Highly confident and resilient, comfortable asserting yourself with senior management (Executive & Board Level) Drive to deliver high quality work with ability to pay close attention to detail Skilled in analysing and interpreting highly complex facts and situations with the ability to present and compare a range of options Experience of interpreting highly complex facts and situations with the ability to present and compare a range of options Ability to work flexibly with high degree of autonomy, use own initiative and act without direct supervision, and make informed decisions. Ability to influence without authority and to establish and maintain good working relationships across organisational boundaries and with people from wide range of personal and professional backgrounds Demonstrate best practice relating to minute taking Advanced knowledge and operation of all Microsoft Office software and database systems 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 Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust Address The Tavistock Centre 120 Belsize Lane London NW3 5BA Employer's website https://tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)