Head of Corporate Secretariat and Legal

Working as a partnership, both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have a shared vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities; with a set of strategic aims underpinning how we will achieve this. 

The single corporate service is delivered across both organisation.  You may be based at either IWT or PHU and individuals may be required to undertake business travel between sites. For leaders managing staff across multi-site locations, you will need to be visible and provide in person leadership. The arrangements and frequency will be agreed locally.

Contract: Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday)

Grade: Band 8c

Base: Across site working, between Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth and St Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight. 

We are seeking an exceptional governance professional to join our Corporate Governance Directorate as Head of Corporate Secretariat and Legal. This is a high-profile leadership role providing strategic oversight of the Board Secretariat and Legal Services functions across the Group, supporting both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. 

Reporting to the Group Director of Corporate Governance, you will lead a team responsible for delivering high-quality corporate governance and legal services, ensuring the Trusts meet their statutory, regulatory and legal obligations while supporting effective decision-making at Board and Executive level.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader with substantial expertise in corporate governance, excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to operate confidently in a complex and highly regulated environment. You will work closely with Executive and Non-Executive Directors, providing expert advice on governance matters, leading strategic initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across the function.

The successful candidate will bring significant experience in a senior corporate governance role, strong leadership and team management capabilities, and a proven track record of delivering complex governance programmes. A relevant Masters' degree (or equivalent experience) and a corporate governance qualification are essential. Legal qualifications and healthcare law experience would be advantageous.

In return, we offer the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the leadership and governance of two major NHS organisations, working alongside senior leaders to shape best practice, strengthen assurance and support the delivery of outstanding patient care.

If you are a strategic, collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is passionate about governance excellence, we would welcome your application.

Please see enclosed Job Description for further role responsibilities. 

Closing date: Monday 21st September 2026

Essential 

• Masters’ degree in relevant subject (or equivalent level).
• Corporate governance qualification (or equivalent experience).

Desirable 

• Qualified practising Solicitor/Barrister/Legal Executive.
• Chartered Secretariat qualification.

Experience

Essential 

• Significant experience working in a senior role in corporate governance.
• Knowledge and experience associated with NHS specific provisions, structures and social care policies.
• Experience of oversight and supervision of junior lawyers.
• Line management responsibilities at a senior level.
• Team Management.
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Expert in influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data and information at an advanced level.
• Ability to write complex reports at a senior level, including Board level.
• Strategic skills and experience of application, to support with design and implementation of strategy and strategic initiatives.

Desirable 

• Expertise in one or more legal disciplines.
• Experience in healthcare law, coronial law and court of protection proceedings.

Knowledge 

Essential 

• Extensive knowledge and experience of the application of corporate governance and law in a practical setting.

Desirable 

• Expert knowledge of systems and processes relating to the management of the Coronial process, litigation and claims management.
• Expert awareness and application of Data protection and confidentiality, Human Rights Act, Mental Health Act and Health and Safety Law.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. 

For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026