Interim Head of Governance and Corporate Services

Job Title: Interim Head of Governance and Corporate Services

Location: Hybrid / London (1 day per week on site)

Day rate: c.£650 per day (Inside IR35, Umbrella)

Allen Lane is supporting a social housing organisation on their recruitment for an Interim Head of Governance and Corporate Services for a 12-month contract. This organisation is a growing provider of affordable and market-rent housing, delivering high-quality homes and housing services within a large London borough. It plays an important role in supporting local regeneration, community development, and improved housing outcomes.

The organisation manages a substantial and diverse housing portfolio through a complex governance structure, overseen by independent non-executive board members.

Person Specification

The Corporate Services function encompasses a range of areas including Data Protection, Counter Fraud, Digital, Risk & Assurance, and Procurement. The successful postholder will be expected to work collaboratively across these functions, supporting wider organisational projects and activities beyond the core responsibilities outlined in this job description.

This is an agile and evolving organisation, and the role is expected to adapt as the organisation continues to develop and mature. Responsibilities may therefore change over time in line with organisational priorities, agreed objectives, and the postholder's skills and experience.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in a senior Governance, Risk, Assurance, Compliance, or Corporate Services leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience advising Boards, Committees, and Executive Leadership Teams on governance, risk, and regulatory matters.
• Experience leading company secretariat and corporate governance functions.
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining governance, assurance, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience overseeing internal audit programmes, assurance activities, and the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Experience leading, managing, and developing multidisciplinary professional teams.
• Experience operating within a regulated environment, such as social housing, local government, the wider public sector, or similarly regulated industries.
• Experience preparing and presenting high-quality reports, recommendations, and assurance information to Boards and senior stakeholders.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of corporate governance principles, statutory obligations, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong knowledge of risk management, internal control frameworks, and assurance methodologies.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership and influence organisational decision-making at senior levels.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with Board Members, Executive Leaders, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication, report-writing, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to balance risk, regulatory compliance, and organisational objectives in a pragmatic and commercially aware manner.
• Commitment to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

It is expected that interviews will take place in early December, with a start date as soon as is practical (likely early January 2027).

The hiring organisation operates with hybrid working, which is typically 1 day per week in the office - however this may vary depending on business need.