23090 - Head of Board Secretariat and Deputy Head of Corporate Governance
About The Position
HM Courts & Tribunals Service is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. This role offers an opportunity to lead Board governance at the heart of HMCTS, one of the largest and most complex operational organisations in government. As Head of Board Secretariat and Deputy Head of Corporate Governance, you will serve as Secretary to the HMCTS Board, lead support to the Board, its committees, the Chair and Non-Executive Directors, and act as a trusted governance adviser to senior leaders. You will shape strategic agendas, strengthen the quality of decision-making and ensure that governance arrangements support accountability, organisational performance and delivery. You will also act as the principal deputy to the Head of Corporate Governance on governance matters, leading significant improvement and reform work under delegated authority. The role sits within an evolving function and will require flexibility, sound judgement and confidence operating with senior stakeholders. You will lead a multi-grade team and may oversee separate Board Secretariat and corporate governance portfolios as the future structure and priorities of HMCTS develop.
Requirements
- A strong understanding of corporate governance, accountability and effective decision-making.
- Experience supporting senior decision-making bodies, shaping agendas and forward programmes, and producing high-quality governance products.
- Ability to provide authoritative, impartial advice and build trusted, influential senior relationships.
- Strategic judgement to identify priorities, risks, dependencies and governance routes, with discretion in handling sensitive or high-profile matters.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to analyse complex material and produce clear, concise and accurate advice.
- Experience of leading teams, setting standards and developing capability.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-moving and ambiguous environment.
- Evidence of leading continuous improvement, organisational change or governance reform.
Nice To Haves
- Experience of working directly with a Chair, Non-Executive Directors, judicial office holders, Ministers or senior public servants.
- Knowledge of public body governance, departmental sponsorship or government accountability arrangements.
- Experience of Board or committee effectiveness reviews, developing governance frameworks, delegations and/or terms of reference.
- Knowledge of HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice or the wider justice system.
- Experience of using technology or artificial intelligence to improve governance or corporate services.
Responsibilities
- Serve as Secretary to the HMCTS Board, providing authoritative advice on Board procedure, responsibilities, decision routes and escalation.
- Lead the effective operation and continuing improvement of the Board, its committees and senior executive governance.
- Focus the Board, its committees and senior executive governance on HMCTS’s key priorities by shaping strategic agendas and an integrated forward programme that anticipates dependencies, risks and capacity pressures.
- Ensure Board and committee papers meet the required standard and provide clear advice or challenge where submissions are not decision ready.
- Work with sponsors and senior leaders to assure clear, decision-ready governance proposals and eliminate duplication.
- Provide dedicated support and governance advice to the HMCTS Chair and Non-Executive Directors, enabling their effective contribution to Board business and overseeing their appointment, induction, development and engagement.
- Build trusted relationships with Board and committee members, judicial office holders, Ministry of Justice colleagues and partners, providing impartial advice and influence to improve governance, manage sensitive issues and translate recommendations into practical improvements.
- Act as principal deputy to the Head of Corporate Governance and Board Secretariat, advising senior leaders and translating strategic direction into effective governance, accountability and decision-making arrangements.
- Lead governance improvement and effectiveness reviews arising from organisational or leadership change, using evidence, stakeholder feedback and good practice to strengthen decision-making and forum effectiveness.
- Lead, develop and line manage a high-performing, inclusive and resilient multi-grade team, setting clear objectives, priorities, standards and accountabilities across strategic, delegated governance and operational secretariat delivery.
Benefits
- Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
- A scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year.
- Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day.
- Choice of pension schemes.
- Extensive range of training and development opportunities.
- Opportunity to join employee-run networks.
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
