Job Description

Directorate

: Finance & Business Services

Job Title

: Governance Officer (Permanent)

Hours

: *37 hours per week, to be worked flexibly in line with business needs

Salary

: 36,000 per annum, plus Casual User Mileage allowance

Location

: Office based - Gadbrook Park, Northwich and Work from Home


The Trust operates an agile working policy, with flexibility to work from a variety of places including our office at Gadbrook Park, Northwich and home, dependent on the job role and the needs of ourcustomers, our organisation and our teams. This role will require the post-holder to attend the office for meetings as required and it is essential to be able to work outside of core hours to attend Board and Committee meetings.*

Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity working as part of a professional, engaged and friendly organisation? Our values are

CARE - C

ompassionate,

A

ccountable,

R

espectful,

E

xceptional. We are constantly striving to demonstrate these values in our day to day working environment and culture.

The Opportunity

Weaver Vale Housing Trust has an exciting opportunity for someone who is a highly organised, detail focused Governance Officer to join the Governance Team and keen to develop their career with a great organisation recently rated as V1, G1, C1 by the Regulator of Social Housing. The post-holder will play a central role in supporting effective leadership and strong governance across the Trust through the provision of professional and efficient Board, Committee and governance administration services. Working closely with the Governance Manager and Executive PA, the post-holder will support the Governance Team in safeguarding the Trust's regulatory rating of G1 for governance. The role will help ensure the Trust's governance arrangements meet statutory, legal and regulatory requirements and reflect best practice.



This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for good governance, a sharp eye for detail, and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders.

What Will You Do?

*

Support the Trust's governance and assurance functions. Coordinate and service Board and Committee meetings. Act as a key contact for governance-related queries. Prepare and publish meeting packs via a board portal (BoardEffect). Attend meetings and produce accurate, high-quality minutes and action logs. Maintain governance registers and frameworks, ensuring compliance and best practice. Support internal audit, risk management, and assurance activities. Contribute to governance reviews, self-assessments, and regulatory inspections. Work closely with the Executive PA to support the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams.

What Are We Looking For?

*

A confident, highly organised individual with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven experience in a governance or senior administrative support role. Ability to proactively support Boards and Committees with professionalism and discretion. Comfortable working under pressure and managing competing priorities in a regulated environment. Strong attention to detail and experience of preparing agendas, minutes, and governance papers. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint). Experience using board portals (e.g., BoardEffect). Understanding of governance principles and the role of Boards in a not-for-profit or regulated sector. Familiarity with the housing sector, the Regulator of Social Housing's standards, and the NHF Code of Governance.

Minimum Requirements For This Role

*

Due to the nature of the role, a full current driving license and access to a car is essential. A good standard of education - 5 Grade GCSE 4-9/A-C, including English and Maths, or equivalent level of qualification.
At least 2 years' experience working in a similar role, with good knowledge of governance preferably within the social housing sector or another regulated sector. Due to the flexible working arrangements with this role, when not working at Gadbrook the post-holder will need access to a room to work from and a suitable internet connection.

*Please see the Accountability Profile and Person Specification for further information and requirements.

Why Join Us?

Since our formation in 2002, Weaver Vale has grown to own and manage circa 6,500 homes across Cheshire and Warrington. However, our purpose goes far beyond bricks and mortar. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to people; building thriving, inclusive neighbourhoods where everyone has the opportunity to live well.



We are proud to have earned the highest ratings for Viability, Governance, and Consumer Standards (G1, V1, C1) from the Regulator of Social Housing, reinforcing our strong foundation and commitment to making a meaningful difference. Our vision is simple, yet powerful:

"Working together to provide quality homes, places and services, making a positive impact for people."

By joining us, you will be part of a dedicated and collaborative team where good governance is at the core of our success. Your expertise and insight will help ensure we remain accountable, transparent, and resilient as we continue to deliver our Corporate Plan.

Benefits

Competitive salary Generous annual leave entitlement - 24-29 days (entitlement increases 1 day each year, over the first 5 years) plus UK public/bank holidays (based on level of service), part-time pro-rata
Car Allowance Ability to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave (pro rata for part-time) each year
12% employer contribution to our Pension Scheme (minimum 2% employee contribution) with life assurance benefit
Contribution to the cost of nursery or afterschool care to help with childcare costs
Commitment to support your on-going learning and development with the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills. Day off for your Birthday to be taken during your Birthday month (based on contractual hours). One day's paid leave (per year) to support a charity or community group of your own choice
Candidate Referral Scheme
An annual Health & Wellbeing Allowance or the option to enrol in a Health Cash Plan
"Thank you gift" for your continuous service starting at 5 years' service and every 5 years thereafter 24/7, 365 day Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including free counselling. Compensation for professional memberships which are an expressed requirement for the role. Fee annual flu vaccines and free eye care vouchers every 2 years
Discounts on a gym membership and phone contract Cycle to work scheme
Free car park at our office on Gadbrook Park Involvement in regular health and wellbeing initiatives and charity fundraising activities. Opportunities to give feedback and join various colleague forums, to help shape change at the Trust.

Benefits offered providing you meet the eligibility criteria.*

How to Apply:

Closing date for applications - Friday, 19

th

September 2025 (12:00 noon)

(Please be aware that applications received after this time may not be considered and we reserve the right, depending on application numbers, to close or extend the closing dates for this position. We would, therefore, recommend early application).

First Interview (Virtual via Teams) - Wednesday, 24

th

September 2025

If you are shortlisted following the first interview, you will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview on Tuesday, 30th September 2025.

Please review the Job Information Pack Governance Officer - Job Information Pack .pdf for further information. Please submit your CV with a covering letter, maximum 2 pages, demonstrating how you meet the Essential and Desirable criteria in relation to the Accountability Profile and send to careers@wvht.co.uk


Those applicants that consider themselves to have a disability and meet the essential criteria within the Accountability Profile for the role will be guaranteed an interview. Please confirm within your application if you consider yourself to have a disability and if so, what reasonable adjustments may be required for you to attend an interview or assessment.

Disclaimer:

We may conduct social media checks from sources such as Google, Facebook and LinkedIn to assist us in our assessment of your suitability for the role. We reserve the right, depending on application numbers, to close or extend the closing dates for positions; we would, therefore, recommend early application. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The recruiting manager will review your skills and experience to determine if there is a match with the position you have applied for. If there is, we will contact you by telephone or email to schedule an interview/assessment. If not, you will not be contacted. We would love to respond to all unsuccessful applications but due to the number of applications we typically receive this is unfortunately not possible. We will respond to all shortlisted applications within 3 weeks of a vacancy closing. If you have not heard from us during this time, we will not be pursuing your application any further. Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK, evidence of essential qualifications, complete a health questionnaire and undertake a DBS check (if relevant to the role). We reserve the right to refuse applications if they do not have an accompanying covering letter.

We appreciate your interest in Weaver Vale Housing Trust and the time you have invested in applying to us.


The Trust invites applications from all members of the community, irrespective of gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, disability, age, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership.

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Employment Details

Employment Type: Full Time Hours: 37 hours per week Pay: 36,000 Annually End date: 19 Sep 2025 12:00 * Vacancies: 1