Director of Legal and Governance

Work for a charity in London as a Director of Legal and Governance (maternity cover, 9 - 12 months, £90,000 per annum + car allowance: £7,965, flexible working, home based with some UK wide travel).

Role Purpose

This Executive-level role is vital to maintaining the organisation's high standards of governance, legal compliance, and risk management. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board, the postholder acts as:
Board Secretary, ensuring the effective operation of the Board, Audit & Risk Committee, and Council.
Senior Officer accountable for the direction and governance of the organisation's commercial activity, overseeing key contractual and procurement processes.
Data Protection Officer (DPO), leading compliance with GDPR and promoting strong data governance across the organisation.
The role forms part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and line-manages small specialist teams across legal, governance, procurement, quality assurance, and data protection functions.
What we look for

A degree or postgraduate qualification in Law, Governance, Business, Finance, or a related field, or part/full qualification with the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), with relevant experience in a Company Secretary or charity Board Secretary role.
Experience in the public or not-for-profit sector is advantageous.
Understanding of governance practices within public, charitable, or not-for-profit sectors, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Ability to build effective relationships and maintain trust across a variety of internal and external audiences, including Board members, stakeholders, and staff.
Proven ability to manage responsibilities across legal, procurement and risk functions, demonstrating accuracy, attention to detail, and a commitment to governance, compliance, and budgetary oversight.
Proactive and self-directed, with strong problem-solving and planning skills, capable of independently identifying issues, developing solutions, and delivering results to meet objectives.

What we offer

9 - 12 months.
Up to £90,000 and Car Allowance £7,965 (depending on experience).
37.5 hours per week; flexible working opportunities available.
Generous pension contribution.
Full-time, home based with some UK-wide travel.
Company laptop & mobile provided.
25 days holiday including Christmas closure, rising to 30 over the first five years' service.
Cycle to work and e-car lease schemes.
Flexible holiday purchase scheme.
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
Enhanced maternity/paternity pay and leave.
Home office set-up support