Head of Governance

We are currently recruiting a Head of Governance for a Permanent contract. 
This role is hybrid, both working from home and in our Edinburgh hub (at least once per month). Travel to London is required on a regular basis to attend Board and other relevant governance meetings.

We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly between home and the hub to suit their needs and preferences, in line with our hybrid working policy.
Colleagues are able to work their hours flexibly, in line with core business hours and requirements. We also offer formalised flexible working agreements.  

The starting salary is £82,935.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk by the closing date of 4 January 2026.
Interviews will take place on 19 and 22 January 2026.

Main purpose of the job

The senior manager within the Executive responsible for ensuring the IFoA meets high standards of governance and that its governance framework effectively supports the IFoA’s leadership in delivery of its Royal Charter objectives. 

The role is to provide strategic governance advice to the IFoA and to oversee delivery of operational secretariat support to the IFoA Board, Council, Regulatory Board and other key committees. 

The role holder will also be responsible for delivery of successful General Meetings, elections, and member votes, ensuring the highest levels of integrity across all relevant processes.

Dimensions

• Providing strategic governance advice to the IFoA.
• Maintaining strong advisory relationships with the Board Chair, President, and Chairs of agreed key Committees
• Responsibility for the budget for key governance activity and responsibilities
• Governance lead for organisation with c160 staff, and over 32,000 members in over 100 countries
• Oversee delivery of a full secretariat service to Council, IFoA Board, Regulatory Board and key Committees (e.g., Audit and Risk Committee, Appointments Committees, Disciplinary Committee).
• Responsibility for the IFoA’s independent appointments processes.
• Responsibility for operational delivery of the IFoA’s independent disciplinary hearings and tribunals processes. 
• Champion good practice and new governance initiatives across the business. 
• Ensure that an appropriate governance framework (with associated documentation) is maintained and regularly reviewed and updated. 
• Working closely with legal colleagues to ensure compliance legal and regulatory matters, e.g. compliance with governance framework, processes and procedures and also more broadly in relation to anti-bribery, modern slavery, sanctions and other related compliance matters.
• Responsible for engagement with the IFoA’s external oversight body on governance matters. 
• Leading on the governance review project currently underway.
• Leading a team of around 5 people delivering the IFoA’s governance activities.
• Member of the IFoA’s Senior Leadership Team.
• The role requires regular travel (including possible overnight stays), particularly to attend in-person meetings (most frequently taking place in London).

Principal accountabilities

• Advising and supporting the Chairs of the Board, Council, Regulatory Board and key Committees on governance best practice
• Ensuring that the IFoA’s Governance framework (including rules, regulations, governance manuals and authorities) meet high standards and ensuring the IFoA complies with best governance practice, in addition to its legal and statutory requirements
• Leading, identifying and delivering opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governance functions.
• Overseeing the governance team in delivery of secretariat functions for the IFoA Board, Council, Regulatory Board and key committees. 
• Attending and contributing to meeting discussions as and when required, and advising on the governance implications of proposed policies/decisions
• Keeping informed of changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and recommending appropriate action
• Ensuring Board, Council, and Committee members, plus Executive staff and volunteers, are aware of governance requirements and are suitably inducted / trained on their appointment and kept abreast of requirements throughout their tenure
• Building strong internal relationships across IFoA to support and ensure implementation of governance rules
• Instructing external contractors, as required (e.g. to administer elections and member votes)

Main contacts

Internal: 

• IFoA Board Chair
• President (as Chair of Council)
• CEO
• Regulatory Board Chair
• Key Committee Chairs
• Executive Leadership Team 
• Senior Leadership Team
• Regulation, Policy and Risk Group
• Legal Services Team 
• Risk Team
• Other colleagues providing support to Board, Council or key Committees (e.g., Engagement team)

External:

• Legal and professional advisors
• Other service providers (e.g., election administrators) supporting IFoA governance

Decision-making and complexity

• Role holder will be the senior member of the executive responsible for the IFoA’s have governance framework. This includes recommendation of Rules, Regulations and Governance Manual to ensure best (and effective) practice consistent with our Charter objectives
• Providing strategic governance advice to the Chairs of the relevant Boards and Committees as well as to colleagues across the IFoA. 
• Leading and inspiring the governance team in delivery of the IFoA governance functions including secretariat support. 
• Managing any difficult or sensitive issues relating to IFoA governance. 
• Maintaining expertise on good governance practice and ensuring this is rolled out through the IFoA. 
• Ensuring effective communications with members of the Board, Council, and key Committees, and that their views are reflected back to the key leadership
• Making sure the Charter, Bye-laws, Rules, Regulations and Governance Manual are well understood

Impact

The role is visible amongst the senior leadership and office holders, and is key to good governance and decision-making.

Knowledge and experience

Essential:

• Prior company secretary experience within a corporate environment
• Good relationship skills – engaging and approachable while remaining able to “get things done”
• Experience working with Boards
• Understanding of best practice in governance
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable:

• Qualification as a Chartered Secretary or Solicitor 
• Membership body experience
• Professional Regulator experience
• Understanding of financial markets
• Exposure to Public Affairs activity

IFoA’s values

The role holder must be an ambassador for and demonstrate the IFoA Values in all aspects of their work.

• Member-focused: We put members at the heart of everything we do
• Action-oriented: We work hard, we work smart, and we take pride in getting things done, valuing action over perfection
• Forward- and outward-looking: We’re always looking to be bold and improve, innovate and take the next step
• Team-driven: We work in partnership, advancing together as one IFoA

Alternative format and adjustments

Please email the HR Team if you require:

• any information regarding our vacancies in an alternative format
• any adjustments to support you to fully participate in any part of the application and recruitment process

Any information shared will be used only to enable us to make reasonable adjustments to support candidates to participate in the recruitment process. It will not inform selection decisions.

You can reach us at HRsupport@actuaries.org.uk.