Head of Governance

General Dental Council

Hours
35 hours per week

About the Organisation

GDC carries out its core functions efficiently and in ways that ensure the safety of patients. It is responsible for setting the strategy and direction of the GDC and ensuring that all major decisions are in line with the strategy, taking major policy decisions, and ensuring and monitoring financial integrity. There are 24 Council members.

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity for a proven leader to work closely as a strategic advisor to the Council and Executive team at the GDC. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing corporate governance function in line with our values of respect, transparency, inclusivity, and purpose to support robust, effective decision-making at the UK’s regulator for the dental team. 

As Head of Governance, you will act as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert in corporate governance matters and will lead a team to deliver a strong governance framework, strategic organisational initiatives, and high-quality secretariat support to ensure timely decision making. 

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of secretariat support, including acting as the Secretary to the Council. Ensure that the governance framework is in line with best practice and that the team delivers services to high standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Executive Director, Legal and Governance, and the Chief Executive and Registrar, and the Chair of Council, providing strategic advice and assurance in relation to all governance matters.
• Drafting high-quality briefing documents, including for formal meetings, and proactively identifying and suggesting solutions for organisational issues.
• Develop a strategic forward work plan for the Council, its Committees, and the ELT, aligned to the delivery of the Costed Corporate Plan and GDC’s Corporate Strategy, ensuring that the organisation takes
• decisions in line with its governance framework and statutory obligations.
• Lead and oversee the delivery of key programmes of work in respect of Board development and reviews into the effectiveness of the Council and its Committees – delivering the procurement for, and oversight and quality assurance of, external partners.
• Lead the appointments, reappointments, and induction process for Council and Committees. Working with key stakeholders, including the Professional Standards Authority and the Privy Council.
• Lead and oversee the delivery of key governance functions and policy for the GDC – the laying of the
• Annual Report and Accounts, managing conflicts of interest, declarations of gifts and hospitality, corporate complaints, and unreasonably persistent or habitual correspondence, and the review and updating of the governance framework, ensuring that it is fit for purpose.
• Work with colleagues collaboratively across the organisation to ensure the delivery of key GDC initiatives and the priorities of the ELT and Council.
• Lead the Governance team to deliver high-quality services in relation to both secretariat and strategic projects, managing a budget and risk register, setting the standards for good leadership behaviours, and ensuring the team works proactively and collaboratively across the organisation.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• An appropriate qualification, such as membership (working towards membership) of the Chartered
• Governance Institute of the UK & Ireland (desirable).
• Previous experience of working as a senior leader and Secretary to a Board, Committee Executive to shape and support their strategic work.
• Ability to think strategically and to keep abreast of policy, political, and legislative developments to inform and prioritise the organisation’s work.
• Proven ability to design and implement governance policies and procedures, and significant knowledge of legal processes, statutory frameworks, and behaviours and values, to ensure the Council and Committees run smoothly.
• Ability to lead and oversee the delivery of continuous change and improvement to modernise the GDC’s governance framework, in line with best practice.
• Proven experience of using excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, such as Chairs, Board Members, Chief Executives, and ELT Members, across the wider organisation and external landscape.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate with credibility and conviction, and to adapt style to work effectively with partners to build consensus, trust, and respect. The GDC’s vision for its governance framework.
• Experience of effective line management and leadership for a team of people engaged to provide support services to the Board and to staff at the Executive level, including the ability to oversee staff development, and a drive to motivate and inspire colleagues.
• Evidence of success in business planning processes, competence in budget management and analysis, strategic financial planning, and budgetary and performance management.
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery. 

Compensation & Benefits

• 27 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) - rising to 30 days (plus 8 bank holidays) after 2 years’ service
• Flexi-time scheme
• Employer pension contributions 10%
• Buy/Sell annual leave
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave from 1 year’s service.
• Life assurance, income protection plan
• Enhanced sick leave policy
• Staff discounts for eye care contributions 
• Discounted gym membership

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Apply online
• Please note that we reserve the right to bring this recruitment campaign to an end without notice, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. 

Policies

The GDC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that provides an environment that reflects our values and culture and allows employees to flourish.

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