23764 - Head Of Risk Assurance and Governance
About The Position
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice, is seeking a senior expert and leader to oversee governance, risk, assurance, audit, business continuity and counter fraud. The post holder will provide assurance to the Executive Board and Audit & Risk Assurance Committee that OPG is governed effectively, manages its key risks, and has effective business continuity and counter fraud arrangements. The role manages the OPG Secretariat & Governance and OPG Risk & Assurance teams, leading and developing them to deliver effective services across OPG. It works closely with senior management, non-executive directors and Ministry of Justice colleagues, requiring strong stakeholder management and the ability to influence in a complex environment. The post holder will oversee corporate risk management, governance frameworks, the Annual Report, counter fraud, internal audit arrangements with the Government Internal Audit Agency, the corporate assurance framework, business continuity and security measures, and the OPG Secretariat function. The role also leads improvements to Board and Committee effectiveness, manages and supports staff, contributes as a senior OPG leader, and coordinates key returns to the Ministry of Justice. This is a permanent, full-time Grade 7 role. The post holder is expected to work from their base location weekly and spend at least 60% of working time in an office under the stated hybrid arrangements. Occasional travel to Birmingham and Nottingham may be required. The role is only available to eligible existing Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies.
Requirements
- Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, verbally and in writing, to a wide audience.
- Ability to persuade, influence and diplomatically challenge senior stakeholders.
- Effective problem-solving skills, including reaching solutions and making recommendations based on knowledge and experience.
- Excellent line management and leadership skills, including building diverse, inclusive, high-performing teams and leading through ambiguity and organisational change.
- Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills, with the ability to work across a range of tasks and under pressure.
- Knowledge of risk management and assurance processes.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of Government Internal Audit Agency processes.
- Knowledge of counter fraud processes and understanding of business continuity disciplines.
- Knowledge of Government functional standards.
- Knowledge of assurance mapping.
Responsibilities
- Oversee corporate risk management, ensure the corporate risk register is fit for purpose, and support risk owners through challenge, workshops and regular risk reviews.
- Advise Executives and the Board on risk appetite, risk tolerance and emerging strategic risks.
- Act as the subject matter expert for corporate governance and manage the OPG–MoJ Governance Framework and internal OPG Board Governance Framework.
- Lead production of the OPG Annual Report and facilitate completion of annual governance statements.
- Ensure the Agency has an appropriate and active internal counter fraud process.
- Manage OPG’s relationship with the Government Internal Audit Agency, including ensuring the annual audit plan is fit for purpose and delivered efficiently.
- Ensure audit actions are owned by Executives, resolve findings effectively and meet agreed timescales.
- Lead development and maintenance of OPG’s corporate assurance framework and an integrated approach to governance, assurance and risk management.
- Ensure effective business continuity and security measures, working with the OPG Estates and Health & Safety Team to test and improve arrangements.
- Oversee the OPG Secretariat function and coordinate effective delivery of key committees and meetings.
- Lead planning and delivery of OPG Boards and Committees, ensuring Terms of Reference are in place.
- Quality assure committee papers, minutes, decisions and actions, and ensure actions progress to completion.
- Develop the Secretariat & Governance team and continuously improve governance and secretariat processes.
- Lead continuous improvement of Board and Committee effectiveness and ensure arrangements remain proportionate, efficient and aligned with strategic objectives.
- Lead, nurture and develop two teams, ensuring staff are valued and supported to perform at their best.
- Act as a senior leader across OPG, support staff and engage in cross-agency initiatives as required.
- Coordinate key returns to the Ministry of Justice and ensure quality standards and deadlines are met.
Benefits
- Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service.
- Option for qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days of leave each year.
- Paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day.
- Choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Employee-run networks providing advice, support and representation for employee groups.
- Family-friendly policies, including opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Flexible benefits, including voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
- Flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
