Head of Governance and Compliance

James Stevens Associates have been retained by First Garden Cities Homes, that are now on the hunt for their brand new Head of Governance and Compliance.

* Role: Head of Governance and Compliance

* Organisation: First Garden Cities Homes

* Location: Letchworth / Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

* Transport: Very close to local Letchworth Train station and parking access

* Salary: c. £80,000 – £83,000

* Working pattern: Hybrid working, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office

* Campaign closing: Wednesday 1st July 2026

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced governance, assurance, risk or compliance professional to step into a newly created senior role with real influence, visibility and purpose.

First Garden Cities Homes are a respected independent social housing organisation with deep roots in the Garden City movement. Formed through the amalgamation of two historic housing associations, FGCH brings together a proud legacy of providing homes and services to local people, with a combined history stretching back more than 170 years.

Today, the organisation remains proudly community-focused, values-led and independent. It is an organisation that sees itself as a place-shaper, not just a landlord, with a strong commitment to resident service, affordability, safety, heritage and long-term stewardship.

The opportunity:

The Head of Governance and Compliance will report to the Finance Director and work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team, Board, Committees and senior colleagues across the organisation.

This is a newly created post, offering the successful candidate the chance to shape the governance, assurance and compliance agenda at an important point in FGCH’s development.

The role will lead the organisation’s governance, assurance, risk and compliance functions, ensuring FGCH operates within a strong control and assurance framework and meets its statutory, regulatory and legal obligations.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Leading the governance and assurance framework

• Advising the Board, Committees and Executive Team on governance and regulatory matters

• Supporting effective Board and Committee arrangements

• Managing governance reporting, annual workplans, statutory registers, policies and procedures

• Leading Board succession planning, recruitment, induction, appraisal, training and skills reviews

• Overseeing risk management, corporate risk registers and internal controls

• Managing the internal audit programme and tracking management actions

• Leading horizon scanning around regulation, legislation and sector developments

• Supporting data protection, business continuity, insurance and corporate compliance arrangements

• Providing procurement governance oversight and promoting value for money

• Leading and developing the Governance and Corporate Services team

This is not a role for someone who wants to sit at arm’s length from the detail. FGCH is looking for someone who can operate strategically, but who is also happy to be hands-on, practical and close to the business.

About you:

We are looking to speak with candidates who bring strong experience in governance, assurance, compliance, risk management or company secretarial work.

You may already be working in social housing, or you may come from another regulated environment where strong governance, risk, assurance and Board reporting are central to your role.

You will need to be confident working with Boards and senior leadership teams, able to present complex information clearly, and comfortable offering practical, constructive challenge.

FGCH is particularly interested in someone who can bring structure, clarity and confidence, while also taking time to understand the organisation’s size, culture, values and history.

The successful candidate is likely to be someone who:

• Has significant governance, assurance and/or compliance experience

• Understands corporate governance and regulatory compliance requirements

• Has experience managing risk frameworks, audit actions and assurance reporting

• Can work effectively with Boards, Committees and senior leaders

• Communicates clearly and confidently

• Builds relationships easily and brings people with them

• Is solutions-focused, pragmatic and commercially aware

• Enjoys both strategic influence and hands-on delivery

• Is motivated by purpose, community and public service

Social housing experience would be highly valuable, but it is not essential. FGCH are open to candidates from wider regulated, not-for-profit, public sector or governance environments where the transferable experience is strong.

Why consider this role?

This is a rare opportunity to join a traditional, well-respected and genuinely values-led housing organisation in a role that has real organisational importance.

You will have the chance to shape a new function, influence senior decision-making, support a committed Board and Executive Team, and help strengthen the systems, frameworks and reporting that underpin good governance.

The organisation offers:

• Salary in the region of £80,000 - £83,000

• 7% employer pension contribution

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service

• Hybrid working, with 3 days per week in the office

• £600 annual working-from-home allowance

• £600 annual health and wellbeing allowance

• Laptop and phone provided

• Flexible working hours by agreement

• Supportive, close-knit and values-driven culture

For someone who wants breadth, influence and the opportunity to make a visible impact, this is a fantastic governance leadership role.

For a confidential conversation, please apply within :)