Chief of Staff and Head of Governance

Chief of Staff & Head of Governance London / Hybrid Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits Girlguiding is the UK's leading charity for girls and young women, supporting nearly half a million members across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Through its network of volunteers, members and supporters, Girlguiding helps girls build confidence, develop skills, find their voice and realise their potential. With a proud history spanning more than 100 years, the organisation continues to play a vital role in empowering the next generation while adapting to meet the challenges and opportunities of a changing world. As part of its ongoing development, Girlguiding is seeking an outstanding Chief of Staff & Head of Governance to work alongside the Chief Executive at the heart of the organisation. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for ensuring effective governance, high-quality executive decision-making and strong organisational alignment. Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO, you will lead the Executive Office, oversee governance functions, shape Executive Committee activity and help translate strategic priorities into coordinated action across the organisation. We're particularly interested in candidates with significant experience of governance, executive leadership support and organisational coordination within complex organisations. Key responsibilities:

• Strategic partner to the CEO, supporting prioritisation, planning and delivery of organisational objectives.
• Lead the Executive Office and provide oversight of governance activity across the organisation.
• Shape Executive Committee agendas, papers and decision-making processes, ensuring focus on strategic priorities.
• Work closely with trustees, senior volunteers and executive leaders to ensure effective governance and organisational alignment.
• Drive organisational planning, accountability and cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee governance, assurance and executive processes, ensuring they support effective leadership and decision-making.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Executive Office and governance team. About you You'll bring:
• Significant experience supporting CEOs, Boards or Executive Committees in a strategic leadership capacity.
• Strong governance expertise, ideally gained within a charity, membership, public sector, regulated or similarly complex environment.
• Experience enhancing executive decision-making, governance frameworks and organisational effectiveness.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• The confidence to challenge constructively and operate credibly at the most senior levels of an organisation.
• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills, with the ability to bring structure and clarity to complex issues. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a nationally recognised organisation and play a key role in helping shape its future impact, governance and effectiveness. For a confidential discussion, please get in touch. Applications from candidates across the charity, public, membership, regulatory and commercial sectors are welcomed.