Head of Governance and Secretary

Key Information

Location: Chelsea, London (with hybrid working options and travel to our Sutton site required)

Salary: £71,111 per annum (pro rata to 0.8 FTE)

Contract: Permanent, part time 0.8 FTE

Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees (governance matters) and Chief Financial Officer (operational matters)

Closing Date: 26th October 2026

Job Details

We are seeking an outstanding governance professional to join the Institute as Head of Governance. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of one of the UK's most respected research institutions, working closely with the Board of Trustees, Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

As the Institute's principal adviser on governance, constitutional affairs, regulatory compliance and institutional assurance, you will help ensure that the ICR continues to meet the highest standards of governance while supporting ambitious scientific and educational objectives.

About the Role

The Head of Governance is the Institute's most senior governance professional. You will serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and its principal committees, providing independent, expert advice to the Chair, Trustees and Executive Team on governance, regulatory and constitutional matters. You will serve as Company Secretary. You will help ensure that ambitious scientific objectives are delivered within a framework of strong governance, effective oversight and long-term sustainability. You will have direct access to the Chair of the Board and will be expected to provide independent governance advice to Trustees and senior leaders while fostering effective working relationships across the Institute.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Board Leadership

Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and its principal committees.
Act as principal adviser to the Chair and Trustees on governance, constitutional and regulatory matters.
Ensure the Board and Committees receive high-quality information and advice to support effective decision-making.
Lead governance reviews and continuous improvement activities.
Support Trustee recruitment, induction, development and succession planning.
Ensure governance arrangements reflect sector best practice and regulatory expectations.

Strategic Advice

Advise the Board, Chair and Chief Executive on the governance implications of strategic decisions.
Support effective relationships between Trustees and executive management.
Provide independent advice on governance risks, opportunities and emerging issues.
Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, integrity and continuous improvement.

Regulatory Compliance and Institutional Assurance

Serve as Company Secretary
Lead governance relationships with higher education and other relevant regulators.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and statutory requirements.
Oversee governance policies, compliance registers and reporting arrangements.

Organisational Integrity

Maintain arrangements relating to declarations of interests and conflicts management.
Support governance reporting to the Audit and Risk Committee and other Board committees.

Leadership

Drive continual improvement in governance systems, processes and services.
Develop strong relationships across the Institute and within the wider higher education, research and charity sectors.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and highly credible governance leader with excellent judgement, integrity and relationship-building skills. Essential experience and knowledge requirements include:

Significant senior governance leadership experience within higher education, research, healthcare, charitable, public sector or other complex regulated environments.
Extensive experience supporting Boards, Councils, Governors, Trustees or equivalent governing bodies.
Experience advising Chairs, non-executive board members and senior executives.
Experience of governance, regulatory compliance and institutional assurance.
A track record of leading organisational improvement and governance enhancement initiatives.
UK higher education governance and regulation.
Charity governance and trustee responsibilities.
Board effectiveness and governance best practice.
Risk management and assurance frameworks.
Governance and compliance within complex organisations.

About The Institute of Cancer Research

Why work for us?

As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.

At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.

Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back - if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

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