Associate Director of Governance

We are seeking an exceptional governance leader to join a respected membership organisation with a long-standing commitment to advancing professional excellence and delivering positive societal impact. This is a rare opportunity to influence organisational strategy at the highest level while leading governance, risk, compliance, audit, and regulatory functions across a complex and evolving organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with Trustees, senior leaders, and key committees, you will play a critical role in ensuring the organisation continues to operate with transparency, integrity, and accountability while supporting ambitious plans for the future. If you are an experienced governance professional who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with practical delivery, this could be your next career-defining opportunity. About the Role This is a strategically important leadership position responsible for overseeing governance, compliance, risk management, internal audit, data protection, and organisational assurance. You will provide expert advice to the Board of Trustees, senior committees, and executive leadership team, ensuring governance frameworks remain effective, proportionate, and aligned with best practice. Leading a specialist team, you will champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and informed decision-making across the organisation. You will also play a key role in supporting organisational change, strengthening risk management capability, and embedding governance excellence throughout the business. This role offers significant visibility and influence, providing the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and contribute directly to organisational strategy and performance. Key Responsibilities * Provide strategic leadership across governance, risk, compliance, audit, and assurance functions. * Act as a trusted adviser to Trustees, Board committees, and executive leaders on governance matters. * Ensure governance structures, constitutional processes, and decision-making frameworks operate effectively and transparently. * Lead the organisation's approach to risk management, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, monitored, and mitigated appropriately. * Oversee internal audit programmes and drive implementation of recommendations that strengthen organisational performance. * Act as the organisational lead for data protection and regulatory compliance. About You * You will be an experienced governance, company secretarial, legal, or regulatory professional with a track record of operating at a senior level within a complex organisation. * You will bring strong strategic thinking alongside the ability to translate governance requirements into practical solutions that support organisational objectives. * Experience within a membership body, charity, professional association, regulator, public body, or similarly governed organisation would be highly advantageous. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds are welcomed. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and encourage applications from individuals who may bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills to the organisation. If you are passionate about governance, leadership, and organisational excellence, we would love to hear from you. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and the role may close early