Band 8c - Associate Director of Corporate Affairs / Trust Secretary

We are seeking an outstanding Associate Director of Corporate Affairs who will also fulfil the role of Trust Secretary. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Affairs, you will lead the Trust's corporate governance, statutory compliance, and Board and committee management.

This pivotal role will help shape the governance environment at the highest level, within a Trust which was awarded NHS Trust of Year in the HSJ 2025 Awards.

You will ensure transparency, integrity, and excellence in everything we do and be a trusted advisor to the Chair, Chief Executive, and Board, providing expert guidance.

Visibility and building strong relationships are key to the success of this senior leadership position, therefore, the role is office-based (minimum four days per week) with flexibility for early or evening meetings and requires travel across Trust sites.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly skilled governance professional committed to excellence.

Main duties of the job

You will lead on the Trust's Corporate Governance Framework, ensuring it is robust, modern, and aligned to national best practice.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment as the Associate Director of Corporate Affairs/Trust Secretary leads the full Board and committee cycle, driving high-quality papers, effective meetings, and strong assurance flows.

You'll oversee key statutory responsibilities, from the Annual Report and Accounts, to compliance with NHS England, CQC and regulatory standards, while shaping Board development, NED recruitment, and governance transformation.

You will play a pivotal role in interpreting emerging NHS policy, ensuring the Trust is ahead of the curve and equipped for future system models.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require