Executive Director of Corporate and Governance

Executive Director of Corporate and Governance

The closing date is 05 February 2026

The Executive Director of Corporate and Governance is a senior leader within the Integrated Care Board (ICB), providing strategic leadership for all corporate functions and ensuring robust governance, compliance, and organisational resilience. The postholder will drive cultural and organisational transformation, embed inclusive leadership, and deliver measurable improvements in governance, workforce sustainability, and patient engagement. They will also lead digital and data governance within corporate services, ensure financial stewardship, and champion innovation to support the NHS Long Term Plan and Marmot principles.

The postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the workforce strategy that underpins the ICB's strategic commissioning objectives. This includes ensuring that the health and care workforce is equipped, supported, and aligned to meet the evolving needs of the population and the ambitions of integrated care.

Any NHS Cheshire and Merseyside employee who is currently At Risk of Redundancy will receive preference for this vacancy.

Please note:

This role will be subject to the Annual Fit and Proper Persons Test in line with NHS requirements.

Portfolio responsibilities may vary and adapt over time to respond to the needs and strategic priorities of the ICB/ICS. However, the postholder is expected to fulfil the following key functions:

• Strategic Leadership & Corporate Governance
• Workforce and People Leadership
• Patient Experience and Engagement
• Matrix and System Working
• Estates and Sustainability
• Data Protection
• Governance and Delivery Oversight

Support the CEO, Chair and senior leadership team in developing and implementing the ICB's vision, values and strategy.

Provide advice on matters of probity, legal compliance and business conduct.

Act as the ICB's governance lead with oversight of company secretary, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and best practice.

Ensure assurance in corporate governance systems including Board and Committee effectiveness, risk management and regulatory requirements.

Lead the strategic resource planning and allocation aligned with NHS priorities and local system needs.

Provide Board assurance through robust systems and processes, including regulatory requirements (e.g. CQC Well-Led assessment, annual report).

Act as Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and commission legal advice for the ICB.

Support delivery of the ICB/ICS financial plan through the identification and implementation of cost saving initiatives.

Ensure integrity, transparency and accountability in all ICB activities aligned with Nolan Principles and Model ICB Blueprint.

Provide executive oversight of business support functions including procurement, administration and corporate business continuity planning.

Drive efficiency and resilience in corporate operations through continuous improvement initiatives.

Foster a compassionate, inclusive and values‑driven culture across the organisation.

Support workforce integration across NHS providers, local government, VCSE and academic partners.

Lead and develop high‑performing teams, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability and professional growth.

Oversee internal and external communications, corporate identity and public affairs ensuring transparency and consistency of messaging.

Lead strategic stakeholder engagement including NHS England, local authorities, MPs, Healthwatch, the wider public and media.

Ensure transparent, two‑way communication enabling public voice in ICB priorities and transformation programmes.

Lead on Freedom of Information, information governance and reputational risk management.

Ensure effective branding, public relations and crisis communication protocols.

Act as a strategic advisor on corporate affairs ensuring alignment with public sector values and reputational priorities.

Ensure robust systems for capturing and responding to patient feedback, complaints and PALS input.

Embed patient voice,…