Governance and Compliance Manager

Organisation:
National Galleries of Scotland

Location:

Edinburgh

Full-Time and Permanent
Salary £46,218 – £51,725 per annum
Plus generous benefits package
Hybrid / flexible working

Are you an experienced governance or compliance professional ready to make a real impact? Do you bring expertise in managing governance, compliance, or policy within a complex organisation? Are you passionate about good governance and continuous improvement? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

In this pivotal role within our governance structure, you will lead and develop our corporate governance framework, ensuring we meet all legal, regulatory, and best practice requirements. You’ll have a particular focus on areas such as equalities, Gaelic Language Planning, complaints, and broader organisational compliance.

You’ll bring proven experience in developing and implementing policies, advising senior leaders, and managing statutory responsibilities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to build effective relationships, offer clear and practical guidance, and work independently. Experience supporting boards or committees, coupled with excellent organisational skills and a sharp attention to detail, will be key to your success.

You will enjoy the variety of advising at a strategic level whilst having the satisfaction of delivering tangible, hands‑on results.

Working closely with senior leadership and the Board of Trustees, you will provide expert guidance, assurance, and leadership on all matters of compliance. You’ll play a central part in promoting a culture of openness, transparency, and excellence throughout the organisation.

Reporting directly to the Head of the Director General Office, your main duties will include but are not limited to:

• Leading the development, delivery, and enforcement of corporate governance framework including policies, plans, and processes to ensure compliance with legislation and good practice, working closely with relevant departments.
• Acting as the Data Protection Officer (DPO), advising colleagues, and data processors on data protection obligations, monitoring compliance, and handling data subject requests.
• Undertaking the role of Freedom of Information Officer. You will ensure FOI requests are managed in line with legislation, maintaining the publication scheme, and reporting performance information.
• Monitoring changes to legislation, government guidelines, and ethical standards and embedding these into our frameworks.
• Raising awareness and delivering training on data protection, information governance, and compliance across the organisation.
• Providing expert advice and support to colleagues on governance, compliance, and policy development.
• Deputising for the Head of Director General Office as required ensuring continuity by attending meetings and making decisions within delegated authority.
• Occasionally supporting the Board of Trustees by arranging meetings, preparing agendas, and taking minutes while ensuring the highest standards of governance are maintained.
• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships across the organisation and with external partners, supporting a culture of collaboration and trust.
• Providing strategic support to the Leadership Team, including preparing briefing notes and conducting research as needed.
• Represent National Galleries Scotland on external stakeholder groups and forums as required. Acting as the primary liaison with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a strong blend of technical knowledge, practical experience, and interpersonal skills. You should have:

• A relevant qualification in corporate governance, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Proven experience in a governance, compliance, or policy management role within a complex organisation is essential.
• A strong understanding of key legislation and standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, and equalities legislation are essential.
• Excellent organisational skills with the…