Job Description

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD) is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation, with significant investment in major new hospital facilities and a shift toward clearly defined centres of excellence across our campuses. The UHD Patient First Programme provides a focal point for our strong commitment to improvement.



As we transform, corporate governance, led by our Board and Council of Governors, is of vital importance, and we are seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Director of Corporate Governance.



The Director of Corporate Governance role is a senior, high-profile role operating at the heart of UHD. If you bring deep corporate governance expertise, can influence at the highest level, and are motivated by the positive impact good governance has on patient care, we want to hear from you.



This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation that has an ambitious strategic agenda and to help us ensure that our governance keeps pace with our ambition.



Our closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 14th January 2026.



Shortlisting will take place on Friday 16th January 2026.



We will be contacting applicants from Monday 19th January 2026.



The selection process will take place on Thursday 22nd January 2026. Please ensure you are available on that date.



About the Role



Acting on behalf of the Chair and Chief Executive, you will ensure that the systems are in place to evidence that UHD is meeting all statutory, constitutional and regulatory obligations, while supporting and enabling the Board and Council of Governors to fulfil their responsibilities with confidence.



This is a role with significant reach and influence - helping the Chair, Chief Executive, Executive Directors, and Governors to shape how UHD operates, how we partner with our communities, and how we deliver our responsibilities as a major NHS Foundation Trust.



About You



The Director of Corporate Governance must have the credibility and ability to influence that comes with operating at Board level, together with the judgement needed to navigate complex organisational and regulatory environments.

You will bring:

Integrity, resilience, discretion and sound professional judgement Significant experience as a senior governance professional or Company Secretary in a large, complex organisation Highly developed leadership, influencing, relationship-building and organisational skills Extremely well organised and committed to supporting others. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, able to distil complex legislation and provide clear, concise advice Masters-level qualification or demonstrably equivalent levels of knowledge and capability gained through experience. Professional membership of the Chartered Governance Institute.

What we offer



UHD is a great place to work; it is a supportive and ambitious organisation committed to being well-led and continuously improving, with a collaborative culture and engaged executive leadership team.



This is a wonderful opportunity to help us as we strive to make UHD even more effective through making a profound impact on governance, assurance and patient experience, all in a beautiful Dorset coastal setting.



If you are motivated by the difference that can be made through excellent governance, and by public service, and you are ready to join us in shaping and delivering a positive future for our major NHS Foundation Trust, we would be delighted to receive your application.



Please find attached the job description and person specification for further details.



If you would like to talk to us before submitting your application, please contact Melissa Duncan, UHD Head of Workforce Resourcing, at uhd.recruitment@nhs.uk . Please head up your email FAO Melissa Duncan re UHD Director of Corporate Governance