Governance Manager

We’re a values-driven, charitable organisation on a mission to make a real difference in Sunderland. Every day, we provide more than 60,000 people with a place they’re proud to call home.

Our vision is clear: everyone deserves a good-quality home they can afford. We invest millions of pounds each year to keep our homes safe and decent, while also playing a part in tackling the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of modern, energy-efficient homes for rent right here in Sunderland.

If you share our passion for creating thriving communities and want to be part of something that truly matters, we’d love for you to join us and help achieve our vision.

If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments, please let us know—we’re here to support you.

We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a large number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

Salary :£62,000.00

Job Description:

Governance Manager Doxford Park, Sunderland We're looking for an experienced Governance Manager to join our team and help shape and strengthen governance across Gentoo.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Regulatory and Business Services, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our governance framework remains effective, compliant and aligned to organisational priorities. Working closely with Board Members, the Executive Team and senior leaders, you'll support strong decision-making, effective scrutiny and the delivery of high-quality Board and Committee business.,You'll also lead and develop a team of two, a Governance Business Partner and a Governance Assistant, creating a collaborative and high-performing environment that delivers excellent governance support across the organisation.

What you'll be doing

As Governance Manager, you'll lead the delivery and continuous improvement of Gentoo's governance framework, ensuring governance arrangements remaineffective, compliant and aligned to organisational priorities.

You will:

Act as a trusted governance adviser, providing expert guidance that supports effective governance, scrutiny and decision-making across the organisation.

Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of Gentoo's governance framework, ensuring governance processes remain effective, proportionate and fit for purpose.

Oversee Board and Committee activity, ensuring meetings, reports, governance papers and decision-making processes are managed to a consistently high standard.

Ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory and constitutional requirements, maintaining a strong focus on governance assurance and regulatory readiness.

Build and maintain trusted relationships with Board Members, Executive Team colleagues, regulators and key stakeholders, acting as a credible and professional partner.

Produce clear, insightful and high-quality Board and Committee papers, reports and governance documentation for senior audiences.

Identify opportunities to strengthen governance practices, solve challenges and drive continuous improvement across governance processes, systems and reporting.

Champion the effective use of technology to enhance governance, compliance and organisational efficiency.

Promote a culture of openness, integrity, accountability and inclusion, ensuring governance remains at the heart of how Gentoo operates.

Leading a High-Performing Team You will:

Create an environment where colleagues feel supported, empowered and motivated to succeed.

Provide leadership, coaching and development to two Governance Business Partners.

Set clear priorities and expectations, ensuring the team delivers an exceptional governance service across the Group.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Support the professional development and growth of team members, helping them build their expertise and confidence.

Ensure resources and workloads are effectively managed to meet organisational priorities and deadlines.

What we're looking forWe're looking for someone who combines technical governance expertise with strong leadership, relationship-building and communication skills.

You will…