Director of Governance and Performance (Maternity Cover)NHS

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic senior leader to join Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as Director of Governance and Performance (Maternity Cover).

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a high-performing corporate governance and performance function at one of the UK's leading NHS Foundation Trusts. Reporting to the Chief Governance and Performance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of the Trust's strategic objectives, ensuring robust governance arrangements, effective performance management, and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

You will provide expert advice and assurance to the Trust Board, Executive Team, and senior stakeholders, leading governance and performance improvement across the organisation. The role also acts as Deputy to the Chief Governance and Performance Officer and offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the ongoing success of the Trust during a key period.

Main duties of the job

You will work closely with the Chief Governance and Performance Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive.

Lead and direct the corporate governance function for the Trust.

Undertake surveys and audits of the standards and operational performance of the corporate governance function to identify quality improvements needed, and implement changes to improve the quality of services provided by the team.

Develop and drive excellence, establishing outstanding governance policy and practice across the whole organisation which reflects the strategic intent and direction of the Trust and is in line with the standards of good governance set for the NHS.

Lead the development and maintenance of the Board Assurance.

Framework and Annual Governance Statement and make sure they are maintained and reviewed regularly.

Ensure the effective operational management of the Trust Board, its committees and Executive committees, following best practice in governance arrangements.

Contribute to the formulation of strategy, policy and the delivery of statutory and corporate responsibilities.

Lead the production of regulatory returns including but not limited to the Tiering process for operational performance and the annual Capability Assessment.

Manage and develop a high-performing executive support function for the Trust.

Job description

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can apply for this post as a secondment or fixed term contract. For secondments you must have the approval of your line manager before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed term contract you are able to apply for this as a fixed term position.

All roles in the Trust include a mandatory 12-week training period. Therefore, successful candidates are expected to have the Right to Work for a period of at least 6 months from the proposed start date. Immigration and Right to Work status will be discussed with successful candidates at conditional offer. CUH will not offer sponsorship to candidates that have applied for a fee waiver.

All appointments with a start date on or after 1 October will be subject to a 12-week probationary period. This provides a structured and supportive period to help you settle into your role, with regular reviews and feedback.

This vacancy will close at midnight on 20th September 2026.

Interviews are due to be held on 2nd October 2026.

Please note: this post may be closed earlier if a high number of applications are received.

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

About us

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.