Director of Governance and Performance

Director of Governance and Performance The closing date for applications is 30 November 2025. We are seeking an experienced senior leader to join us as Director of Governance and Performance. This post is central to the delivery of our Trust strategy and is responsible for developing and leading a robust, responsive corporate governance and performance function. Main duties of the job You will work closely with the Chief Governance and Performance Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive. Lead and direct the corporate governance function for the Trust. Undertake surveys and audits of the standards and operational performance of the corporate governance function to identify quality improvements and implement changes to improve the quality of services provided by the team. Develop and drive excellence, establishing outstanding governance policy and practice across the whole organisation which reflects the strategic intent and direction of the Trust and aligns with NHS standards of good governance. Lead the development and maintenance of the Board Assurance Framework and Annual Governance Statement and ensure they are reviewed regularly. Ensure the effective operational management of the Trust Board, its committees and Executive Committees, following best practice in governance arrangements. Contribute to the formulation of strategy, policy and delivery of statutory and corporate responsibilities. Lead the production of regulatory returns, including the Tiering process for operational performance and the annual Capability Assessment. Manage and develop a high‑performing executive support function for the Trust. About us Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and 1,100 beds, our priorities focus on quality service for patients, staff and partners. Recognised for outstanding care and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission, we are committed to providing accessible, high‑quality healthcare and specialist services for a regional, national and international population. CUH promotes a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy or socio‑economic background. Job responsibilities Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities. Student Visa Information If you are a Student visa holder, a full‑time permanent vacancy cannot be filled unless you have applied for a Graduate visa, completed your course and applied for the visa before the anticipated start date, or have been approved as a Skilled Worker with a start date within 3 months of anticipated employment. This vacancy will close at midnight on 30 November 2025. Interviews are due to be held on 15 December 2025. The post may close earlier if a high number of applications are received. Benefits to you Development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel. Subsidised parking on site for eligible staff. 24/7 hot food available at a reduced cost on campus. Purpose‑created colleague‑only café and break space in the Deakin Centre. Flexible arrangements, including part‑time, job‑share, term‑time and flexible start/finish times. Consideration of alternative working hours for those wishing to discuss required hours. We welcome applications from members of the Armed Forces. Person Specification Qualifications Masters level education or demonstrable equivalent experience. Corporate Governance qualification or sufficient experience that demonstrates equivalent knowledge. Evidence of continuous professional development. Training in quantitative/data analysis or demonstrable experience of conducting quantitative data analysis. Knowledge and Experience Significant experience at a senior NHS governance level, ideally in a large, complex organisation. Proven experience writing and presenting reports at senior (Board) level. Demonstrable experience providing specialist advice to a Board, particularly the Chair and Chief Executive. Proven experience working with and coordinating senior leaders. Strong track record of managing complexity and risk whilst maintaining high standards of service delivery. Experience scrutinising and critiquing governance arrangements developing new governance models. Experience working in partnership with other organisations, including an Integrated Care System. Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders and a successful track record of influence and engagement. Experience working with Directors at board level in politically sensitive environments. Experience using data to drive decision making and prioritisation. Experience identifying and managing risks, issues and dependencies. Experience developing performance indicators to monitor delivery. Experience managing, developing and setting objectives for a broad range of direct reports. Advanced team building skills and achievement of results, including through people not directly managed. Direct experience in a regulatory setting. Skills Exceptional leadership, interpersonal and communication skills including facilitation, and effective presentation of information. Ability to lead, motivate, empower and reassure in a challenging or uncertain environment. Strategic thinker and planner, able to interpret, implement and develop policies and guidance. Analytical skills, able to develop potential options and recommendations, including modelling and financial analysis. Ability to manage workload effectively amidst competing priorities, tight deadlines and a flexible approach. Co‑ordination and delivery of complex programmes requiring excellent management and communication. Proven leadership and influence across internal and external boundaries to achieve outcomes. Meeting management and facilitation skills to chair senior meetings efficiently. Ability to build credibility, influence stakeholders and achieve programme goals. Strong evaluation skills to solve problems, prioritise and recommend actions through assessment of information. Expert negotiation and diplomacy skills to overcome barriers to acceptance. Ability to prepare and present detailed reports to the Trust Board and other audiences. Ability to inspire confidence, command respect and create a sense of community. Adaptability during periods of change and ability to work autonomously. Understanding of information governance. Advanced knowledge of ICT (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and project management tools. Additional Requirements Methodical, organised, analytical and problem‑solving capabilities. Ability to balance detail and big‑picture understanding of complex challenges and solutions. Highly motivated, resourceful and able to work autonomously. Maintains high standards of diplomacy and confidentiality. Accepts responsibility and accountability for own work and defines responsibilities of others. Builds positive relationships and mutual respect at all levels. Contributes effectively and demonstrates empathy and concern for others. Shows respect for others' feelings, views and circumstances. Realistic awareness of personal strengths and areas for development. Learns from mistakes and seeks support where necessary. Behaves according to Trust values of safe, kind, excellent at all times. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Address Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Salary £109,179 to £125,637 per annum, pro rata. Contract Permanent Reference number 180‑F‑ Job locations Cambridge, United Kingdom #J-18808-Ljbffr