Visa sponsorship Home Office sponsor register · Skilled Worker route

This role is listed by an employer that holds a live Home Office sponsor licence on the Skilled Worker route.

Salary for this role£79,504 – £91,609 a year

Health and Care route minimum£25,000 a year

Pay basisNational pay scales (NHS bands)

NHS roles fall under the Health and Care Worker route. Salaries set by national pay scales (NHS bands) at or above the relevant band rate typically meet the occupation's requirement.

Individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. These figures are public reference information, not advice or a verdict on this job.

Role description

Job summary

Contract Type: 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.

Main duties of the job

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.

About us

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.

Date posted

15 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£79,504 to £91,609 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

REF2610M

Job locations

Queen Alexandra Hospital

Southwick Hill Road

Portsmouth

Hampshire

PO6 3LY

United Kingdom

St Mary's Hospital

Parkhurst Road

Newport

Isle of Wight

PO30 5TG

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 the Job Descriptionfor further role responsibilities.

Closing date: Monday 21st September 2026

Person Specification

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.

Qualifications

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.