Colchester City Council
Governance Manager
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Working hours: 37 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Lead Governance, Risk and Resilience Across the Council
Are you an experienced governance professional looking for a leadership role where you can make a significant impact across a diverse range of services?
We are seeking a proactive and highly motivated Governance Manager to lead our Governance Team and provide strategic leadership on operational risk management, corporate governance, internal audit, insurance, resilience, emergency planning and anti-fraud activity across the Council.
This is a high-profile role that will lead the development of a strong risk-aware culture across the organisation, ensuring that risks are identified, assessed, managed and reported effectively to protect the Council's objectives, assets, reputation and residents. Working closely with senior managers, councillors and external partners, you will play a key role in strengthening governance arrangements, supporting informed decision-making and ensuring the Council remains resilient in a rapidly changing local government environment.
About the Role
As Governance Manager, you will:
- Lead and develop the Governance Team, creating a positive and high-performing culture which supports continuous improvement and excellent service delivery.
- Act as the Council's lead officer for Operational Risk Management, ensuring risk management arrangements are embedded across all services and understood at every level of the organisation.
- Develop, implement and continuously improve the Council's Operational Risk Management Framework, ensuring strategic and operational risks are effectively identified, monitored, mitigated and reported.
- Provide challenge, advice and support to senior managers in managing significant operational, financial, reputational and compliance risks.
- Lead and manage the Council's risk management, insurance, business continuity and emergency planning functions.
- Lead corporate governance arrangements, including anti-fraud and corruption initiatives, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.
- Oversee the National Fraud Initiative, whistleblowing arrangements and fraud prevention activities.
- Manage the Council's internal audit contract and oversee implementation of audit recommendations and improvement actions.
- Lead the development and implementation of governance policies, procedures and frameworks across the Council.
- Undertake and oversee governance investigations, including matters relating to the Councillor Code of Conduct.
- Prepare and present reports, recommendations and assurance updates to councillors, senior management and governance committees.
- Support the Monitoring Officer and Service Director – Governance in preparing for Local Government Reorganisation and future governance requirements.
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About You
We're looking for someone who is:
- An inspiring and supportive leader who can motivate and develop others.
- Organised, analytical and solutions focused.
- Confident working with senior leaders, councillors and external partners.
- Able to influence and challenge appropriately on governance and risk matters.
- Comfortable handling sensitive, complex and confidential issues.
- Committed to high standards of integrity, accountability and public service.
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You will ideally have:
- Significant experience of leading operational risk management, governance, audit, insurance, resilience or compliance functions.
- Experience of developing and embedding risk management frameworks within a complex organisation.
- Experience of managing and developing staff.
- Strong report writing, presentation and communication skills.
- Experience of presenting complex governance and risk issues to senior management teams, boards or elected members.
- Knowledge of local government governance and decision-making processes.
- A degree or equivalent experience and a relevant qualification in risk management, governance or a related discipline
Why Join Us?
At Colchester City Council, you'll have the opportunity to lead a varied and rewarding service that protects public resources, strengthens governance and helps ensure the Council delivers for residents.
We offer:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Free gym membership.
- Employee discounts and wellbeing support.
- Additional leave over the Christmas period.
Interested?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced governance professional to take a leading role in shaping the Council's approach to risk, resilience, assurance and governance at a time of significant organisational change.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Hayley McGrath, Service Director – Governance
Email: hayley.mcgrath@colchester.gov.uk
Telephone: 01206 508902
For a copy of the job description, please click here.
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