Head of Governance

On behalf of PPF , we are looking for a Head of Governance (Inside IR35) for a contract which is 6 months possible extension and is a hybrid role so does require up to 2 days a week in the Croydon office.

The Head of Governance leads and manages the Board Support Team, ensuring it delivers a high-quality, responsive, and professional service within the PPF’s governance framework. The role provides clear direction, develops team capability, and drives continuous improvement so that the service keeps pace with organisational needs and consistently adds value.

Through effective leadership of the team and strong relationships across the PPF, the postholder promotes good governance, appropriate challenge , and continuous improvement, helping the Board and its Committees discharge their responsibilities effectively and in line with statutory requirements and recognised best practice. The scope of the role also provides the opportunity to build the breadth of organisational knowledge, experience and credibility required to take on the wider Board and Company Secretary responsibility over time.

As a Head of Governance , your main responsibilities will be

- Manage the Board Support team to provide timely, high-quality, and hands-on support to the Chair, Board Committee Chairs, and Executive Members. Set clear standards and controls , respond to feedback, and address issues promptly, while providing the team with the direction and development needed to sustain strong performance.
- Provide visible and outward-facing leadership for the Board Support team, building strong relationships across the PPF to understand organisational needs and ensure the team delivers a responsive, professional service that adds value to the Board, Committee Chairs, and Executive members. Lead continuous improvement in the team’s ways of working, making effective use of technology, and streamlined processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and impact.
- Set the vision for the Board Support team and champion its role across the PPF, building a visible and recognised identity so that its purpose, expertise , and value are clearly understood. Ensure the secretariat service to the Board and relevant Executive Committees is delivered to a high standard and reflects recognised public and private sector best practice.
- Act as Secretary (delegating where appropriate) to the PPF Board, Reconsideration.
- Investment, Non-Executive and Risk & Audit Committees, as well as the Executive Committees ensuring that a high quality, responsive and customer focused secretariat service is provided. This will include drafting agendas in agreement with the Chair and Chief Executive, ensuring that clear and concise minutes are written and actions are followed up by the team.
- Act as key point of contact and a communication channel for the Chief Executive, Chair and Non-Executive Members of the Board including co-opted Committee Members, providing advice and induction support as required. Act as a point of contact for any overseas entities owned by the PPF and act as Company Secretary for the PPF’s UK Nominee Companies.
- Maintain high standards of corporate governance and company administration in line with the Companies Act 2006, Pensions Act 2004 and other statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Scheme of Delegations, Chief Executive authorisations, statutory registers and filings, company meetings, and the safe custody and use of the Company seal.
- Produce high-quality governance reports and management information for the Board, Board Committees, and Executive Committees, including drafting the governance reporting section of the Annual Report and Accounts and ensuring that all necessary disclosures are made in line with best practice standards.

Essential Skills

- Substantial experience of managing and leading a highly visible Board Support or Governance team in a fast-paced environment, including coaching and upskilling colleagues, setting clear expectations, driving strong results, and promoting positive behaviours to enable the Board and its Committees to operate effectively.
- Substantial company secretarial experience, including advising and supporting Chairs, Chief Executives, Non-Executive Directors and senior executives in a complex governance environment.
- Experience of working in both public and/or private sector environments, with a strong understanding of differing governance, accountability, and regulatory requirements, including Companies House obligations.
- Ability to build credibility, constructively challenge , and influence senior stakeholders, including Board members, Committee chairs, and Executive Members.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work to deadlines, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality outputs by others.
- Ability to provide sound governance advice and contribute effectively to Board and Committee governance and decision making.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, PPF encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, PPF welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".