NHS AfC:
Band 8bContractPermanentHoursFull time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref914-BSA7124039 SiteStella HouseTownNEWCASTLE UPON TYNESalary£62,215 - £72,293 per annumSalary periodYearlyClosing09/05/2025 23:59
Job overview
If you have a thorough knowledge of corporate governance, risk management and assurance, are an experienced team leader and are looking for a role that can make a difference, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) have the opportunity for you! If you take a proactive approach to your work, love leading and inspiring a team, and have a high degree of personal integrity, you have what this role needs! You will join the Corporate Governance Team, managing key areas including risk management, audit, assurance mapping and assessment of internal controls, management of agreements with other organisations, and compliance with key regulations and guidance such as the Corporate Governance Code. You will be responsible for the coordination of policies and procedures, and for recommending changes across the organisation. You will need to be thorough, proactive and committed to being the go-to specialist for corporate governance!
What do we offer?
• Hybrid working – offering flexibility to work predominantly from home with the opportunity to be office based should you prefer, or if business needs require it.
• 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays.
• Opportunities for development
• Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
• Excellent pension
• Various salary sacrifice schemes
• Employee Assistance programme, offering free 24/7 support for you and your loved ones
• Access to a wide range of benefits and high street and online discounts
Main duties of the job
1. Leading the Corporate Governance Team to implement appropriate assurance, analysis and reporting activity and establishing reviews to drive safe and compliant delivery of the NHSBSA’s Strategy.
2. Driving best practice governance, risk and assurance practices across the organisation by championing established frameworks and methodologies.
3. Leading the Team and providing direction in planning and management of activities across the NHSBSA, supporting effective and efficient delivery of governance, risk and assurance objectives and benefits – including risk management, design and management of the delivery of the internal audit plan, coordination of annual preparation and audit of the NHSBSA Annual Report, mapping and assessment of key controls and assurances embedded across the business and management of agreements with other bodies.
4. Providing consultancy to Leadership Team members and Senior Managers in determining, reviewing and improving the governance for their areas of responsibility.
5. Active involvement in governance forums with external parties, representing the Authority and speaking as a subject matter expert on behalf of the NHSBSA.
Working for our organisation
Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.
We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we’re proud to be part of something meaningful, that touches millions of lives.
We design our services around customer needs and place people at the heart of our organisation. That’s why when you join us, you’ll be empowered and supported to help your career grow.
As one of the UK’s Best Big Companies to work for, we’re connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.
We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every colleague is heard, supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, and you can join our Lived Experience Networks who help us bring our authentic selves to work.
We’re committed to being a flexible employer and we try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible, through hybrid working, flexible hours and more.
Alongside a competitive salary with pay progression, we offer a people-centric benefits package, connecting you to the rewards and benefits you value most!
Ready to join us in delivering business service excellence to the NHS, helping people live longer, healthier lives? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.
We are people connected to care.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for
1. Leadership & Delivery
Establishing the appropriate design of the Corporate Governance Team to provide fit for purpose support to the business to ensure effective systems of control, governance and risk management are in place and manage the operational team budget.
Line management and capability development of the Corporate Governance Team.
Leading the Team to implement appropriate assurance, analysis and reporting activity and establishing reviews to drive safe and compliant delivery of the NHSBSA’s Strategy.
Driving best practice governance, risk and assurance practices across the organisation by championing established frameworks and methodologies.
Leading the establishment of the team as a trusted advisor across the NHSBSA, by providing supportive challenge and education at Leadership Team and senior levels with respect to corporate governance, risk and assurance.
Leading the Team in identifying, developing and sharing best practice governance, risk and assurance processes, tools and templates and benchmarks against industry standard.
Providing direction and guidance to colleagues across the Authority, ensuring business areas requiring additional support in establishing controls and appropriate governance are identified, supported, monitored and issues and risks escalated appropriately.
Providing assurance to the Head of Governance & Corporate Secretary and the Leadership Team on the effectiveness of risk and issue management arrangements across the Authority.
Establishing annual reviews of the team, reporting findings and establishing and delivering action plans to drive continuous improvement within the function aligned with best practice, regulations and guidance.
As a member of Corporate Governance management team provide advice on areas for improvement within team and collaborate to continuously improve reporting and delivery methods across the team and wider NHSBSA.
Contributing to Corporate Governance Team and Corporate Secretary strategy and planning, focusing on Corporate Governance.
Maintaining a fundamental understanding of the NHSBSA operational and change environments and external climate to ensure the governance, risk and assurance approach remains aligned to the organisation’s objectives.
2. Governance, Risk and Assurance
Leading the Team and providing direction in planning and management of activities across the NHSBSA, supporting effective and efficient delivery of governance, risk and assurance objectives and benefits – including risk management, design and management of the delivery of the internal audit plan, coordination of annual preparation and audit of the NHSBSA Annual Report, mapping and assessment of key controls and assurances embedded across the business and management of agreements with other bodies.
Driving a culture of critical friend reviews across the Authority that deliver improvements to governance, risk and assurance delivery.
Ensuring the alignment of internal governance, risk and assurance activities to support compliance with external requirements.
Developing and implementing a Corporate Governance Framework for the NHSBSA that includes risk reviews, assurance reviews, and assessments of key controls, ensuring alignment to corporate policies and procedures.
Championing the NHSBSA’s governance pathways, driving appropriate use of boards and enabling effective management and decision-making for the Authority.
Providing consultancy to Leadership Team members and Senior Managers in determining, reviewing and improving the governance for their areas of responsibility.
Providing independent assessment and confirmation that service delivery is on track and aligned to agreements with other bodies and remains aligned to NHSBSA strategic goals and objectives.
Active involvement in governance forums with external parties, representing the Authority and speaking as a subject matter expert on behalf of the NHSBSA.
Ensuring appropriate governance is in place and providing professional challenge to Leadership Team members and senior leaders within the NHSBSA at Directorate governance forums.
Continuously reviewing and seeking to improve corporate governance, risk and assurance processes, and reporting and escalating non-compliance to governance forums and Leadership Team.
Involvement in internal and external audits of NHSBSA governance, risk and assurance processes and ensuring policies, processes and frameworks are improved in line with recommendations from audits.
3. Reporting
Ensuring provision of robust, timely and accurate reporting of governance, risk and assurance positions to bodies including Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and NHSBSA Board, and other internal and external committees and forums.
Using evidence-based insight and assurance activity to drive timely interventions with escalation to the Head of Corporate Governance & Corporate Secretary, Leadership Team and other senior managers, as appropriate.
Driving consistent and accurate data collection, analysis and reporting, and a single source of truth for all governance, risk and assurance information and metrics.
Reporting the outcomes of assurance reviews and audits to Leadership Team and senior governance forums, providing recommendations and confirming resulting actions.
Presenting contentious information, supported by robust analysis and insight, to Leadership Team and senior governance forums to drive resolution and best practice in governance, risk and assurance.
4. Stakeholder Management
Acting as a trusted advisor to Leadership Team members, in their capacity as senior leaders and accountable officers for their directorates, with consultation and assurance of delivery approach for their services.
Working with key stakeholders to prioritise and document NHSBSA assurance activity (e.g. audit plans etc.) as part of the NHSBSA business planning process with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Leading the team in advising and providing assurance to Leadership Team and other senior management on effectiveness of stakeholder management arrangements.
Leading the team in working with stakeholders to agree appropriate governance and reporting structures.
Advising senior stakeholders and Leadership Team members in establishing appropriate governance, risk and assurance arrangements for services to ensure all relevant stakeholders are represented.
Supporting Leadership Team members and other senior management in understanding the Corporate Governance Framework, associated roles and responsibilities including accountability.
5. Information Management and Knowledge Sharing
Championing and driving the Corporate Governance Framework in senior forums and challenge the teams and the business to support, implement and own agreed processes.
Embedding quality assurance of the Corporate Governance Framework and provide expert guidance, support and insight.
Driving implementation and sharing of best practice and disseminating lessons learned across the organisation.
Developing networks within wider health and care family and DHSC colleagues to share best practice and collaborate to improve frameworks and products.
Ownership of Corporate Governance tools used for the management of governance, risk and assurance and management of contracts with tool/ system suppliers (including management of contract expiry and amendments), and ensuring tools are utilised in accordance with licensing arrangements.
Educating colleagues across the business in governance, risk and assurance processes, ensuring understanding of the quality standards expected.
In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to
1. Act as delegate for the Head of Governance & Corporate Secretary, representing the function at Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARC), NHSBSA Board and senior governance forums across the NHSBSA.
2. Provide peer support and formal mentoring to colleagues to support capability development.
3. Actively contribute to the governance, risk and assurance professions within, and outside, the NHSBSA.
4. Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.
5. Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.
6. Encourage an environment where your own and colleagues’ safety and well-being is promoted.
7. Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.
8. Follow NHSBSA policies, procedures, and protocols as they apply to your role.
Person specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
6. Ability to influence, change and impact decisions.
7. Ability to establish and develop excellent stakeholder relationships at leadership team level and internally and externally.
8. Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
9. Able to use initiative and determine priorities and prioritise work for team.
10. Ability to engage, motivate and coach colleagues.
11. Significant consultancy skills.
12. Ability to lead in a changing environment.
13. Excellent presentation skills and ability to clearly explain complex and contentious information.
Desirable criteria
14. Acts as a role model, using motivational skills to inspire others.
15. Ability to foresee potential challenges and determine appropriate solutions.
Experience
Essential criteria
16. Significant experience of senior stakeholder management, influencing, collaborating and appropriately challenging leadership.
17. Considerable experience of providing contentious information and feedback.
18. Working at a strategic level and designing and implementing assurance frameworks to realise strategic objectives.
19. Providing consultancy, education and advice on appropriate governance across an organisation.
20. Team leadership and management and people development.
21. Team design and budget management.
22. Experience of dependency, risks and issues management.
23. Experience and understanding of applying programme, project and change management techniques and best practice.
24. Significant assurance experience or appropriate experience from a different area within an operational or project environment.
25. Experience of establishing and chairing boards, drafting Terms of Reference and designing reporting and dashboard processes.
26. Experience of managing a Governance and Assurance Team and implementing best practice.
27. Implementing assurance standards and internal reviews within a business environment.
Desirable criteria
28. Successful track record in corporate governance, risk and assurance management using recognised methodologies.
29. Worked in the NHS or other large organisation.
30. Experience/knowledge of UK Government financial controls.
31. Experience of formal mentoring, coaching and development of colleagues.
32. Experience of benefits management and realisation.
33. Experience of product management.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
34. Degree in leadership or management discipline or relevant demonstrable experience
35. Formal governance/ risk/ assurance qualification (e.g. CIPFA Diploma, PRINCE2, AMP, Agile PM)
36. Management of Risk Practitioner
Desirable criteria
37. Masters or post-graduate level in leadership, management or governance/ risk / assurance discipline
38. Formal qualification in a change/project related discipline (eg Change management, Better Business cases)
The NHSBSA is passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, which is a great place to work and truly reflects the diversity of our customers. We welcome applications from talented people of diverse characteristics including age, disability, gender identity and expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any marginalised group. We also welcome applications from all those in the Armed Forces Community.
At the NHSBSA we pride ourselves on being a Disability Confident Leader, Stonewall Top 100 employer and we’ve recently been awarded the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion Gold Standard benchmark.
We offer an invitation to the first stage of the selection process for people with disabilities that wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme, and for members of the Armed Forces Community, where all of the essential criteria in the person specification are met.
A copy of our Privacy Notice is available to view at the link below:
NHSBSA Privacy Notice
Employer certification / accreditation badges