Head of Risk and Compliance

 HEAD OF RISK ANDCOMPLIANCECANDIDATERECRUITMENT PACKContact our recruiter, Jack Hitching, from Taylor Root onjackhitching@taylorroot.com to find out how to apply. A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR CEO,CATHARINE BROWNThis is a pivotal moment for St John’s Foundation - you’ll be joining us at anexciting time.We’re an organisation with more than 850 years of history, but what mattersmost right now is where we’re going next. We’re creating new almshouses,welcoming more people into safe, affordable homes, and strengthening our roleas a leader in our sector. At the same time, we’re investing in how we work -improving our systems, sharpening our operations, and making sure we’re set upto deliver well, now and for the long term.We’re also on the move. Come April 2026, our team will be based in new offices at1 Queen Square - a building that reflects who we are today: purposeful,ambitious and rooted in community.We’re looking for people who want to help shape what comes next at StJohn’s. We’re looking for colleagues who bring ideas, energy and care;people who are prepared to challenge how things are done, while stayinggrounded in what really matters.Our values guide everything we do. Trust - ineach other, and in the people we support.Courage - to make difficult decisions, try newapproaches and keep improving. Kindness -because how we work matters just as muchas what we achieve.If you want to be part of an organisation thatis proud of its past but firmly focused on thefuture - and where your work will make a realdifference - we’d love to hear from you.Catharine Brown, Chief ExecutiveSt John’s FoundationABOUT ST JOHN’S FOUNDATIONFor over 850 years, St John’s Foundation has been changing people’s lives,for good. As one of the UK’s oldest charities, we are proud to serve Bath andthe surrounding area. At the heart of our work is our almshouse community, where we providehousing for older adults in need. Alongside this, we run outreach services thathelp older adults in Bath and North East Somerset to live independently forlonger.With the expertise and resources we have built over centuries, we are now ableto support even more of our community, which is why we offer direct help topeople of all ages facing financial crisis. Our Crisis Programme provides peoplewith essential needs, such as beds, white goods, furniture, counselling, debtsupport and basic employment skills and training.Every aspect of our work is built upon our values of trust, kindness, andcourage, and inspired by our purpose: to change lives. For good. It’s a long-termstrategy, but we’re unwavering. After all, we’ve been around for over 850 years.MOVING TO 1 QUEEN SQUAREIn 2026, St John’s staff will move into the top two floors of 1 Queen Square.Refurbished in 2022 by the Charity’s Trading Company, the House of St John’s wascreated as a flexible, welcoming space for people to work, meet and celebrate. Thebuilding is home to co-working and dedicated desks, meeting rooms, event spaces anda relaxed members’ bar. Thoughtful touches - including showers with complimentarytoiletries, Dyson hairdryers and access to a courtyard garden - make it a place designedaround people, not just desks.Because of the building’s character and setting, the House also hosts intimate weddingceremonies on Saturdays, offering couples a historic yet contemporary space in theheart of the city.As part of the move, St John’s staff will be based on the top two floors, while the lowerthree floors will continue to operate as the House of St John’s for members, clients andevents. This ensures the building continues to thrive as a shared, purposeful space.The move is about more than a change of address. Relocating to Queen Square allowsus to give up our existing offices, freeing up space to invest in new almshouses andwelcome more older people into safe, affordable homes. It’s a practical decision thatdirectly supports our charitable mission.Being based at 1 Queen Square reflects who we are today - ambitious, rooted incommunity, and focused on using our assets in the best possible way to supportpeople across Bath.JOB DESCRIPTIONLocation: Bath (Minimum of 4 days in the office)Hours of Work: Full-time 35 hours per week, Monday–FridayReports to: Director of FinanceResponsible for: Risk and Compliance Manager and Risk and Compliance OfficerContract: PermanentRole PurposeThe Head of Risk and Compliance will play a critical role in ensuring that St John’sFoundation operates effectively, transparently, and in line with all legal andregulatory requirements. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for safeguardingthe charity’s integrity, managing risk, and promoting excellent governance across theorganisation.Under the overall direction of the Director of Finance, the Head of Risk andCompliance will ensure charity operations comply with organisational policies andprocedures, regulatory compliance, and risk management approaches, whichsupport best practice and facilitate efficient and effective functioning of the Executiveand Senior Management Team. Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Governance:Work in partnership with the Board Governance Secretary to implement andmonitor the Assurance Framework and its policies.Ensure the Board of Trustees is supported with accurate, timely, and relevantinformation and reporting, for effective decision-making.Design and embed robust operational governance and reporting of regulatorycompliance to the Executive team, identifying trends and providingrecommendations for action.Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across theorganisation.Risk Management:Create, implement and maintain the charity’s Risk Management Policy andFramework, including risk registers and mitigation plans.Identify, assess, and monitor operational, financial, reputational, and strategicrisks.Work with the Executive and Senior Management Team to embed risk awarenessinto decision-making and planning, including the design and delivery of riskmanagement training.Ensure appropriate internal controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s assetsand reputation.Continuously review systems of risk reporting and monitoring throughdepartmental and organisational risk registers.Work closely with the Executive team and Senior Management Team to providequarterly assessment of operational risk.Liaise with the Board Governance Secretary to provide reporting on strategicrisks for the Board. Compliance and Assurance:Oversee compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and statutory requirements.Lead internal audits and reviews, ensuring findings are addressed promptly andembedded.Support the organisation’s external audits and inspections as required.Create and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure effectiveoperations are in place to comply with organisational policiesLead on and responsible for policy governance, including: the reporting andmonitoring of compliance with organisational policies and procedures acrossall departments; effective implementation of the Policy on Policies;maintenance of the Charity’s Policy Index Complaints/Compliments and Freedom of information requestsDeliver an effective complaints policy and procedure, primarily for residents,and be first point of investigation on any matter of complaint.Data and Information management Ensure compliance with information management procedures to ensure dataand records (electronic and hard copy) are stored effectively and can be easilyaccessed. Be responsible for efficient archiving of data and information, including ourhistorical archives.Ensure compliance with GDPR requirements and policies and, if required,manage the relationship and contract with outsourced Data Protection Officer(DPO) providerLead on Information architecture projects including the effective and compliantuse of Generative Artificial Intelligence.Leadership and Collaboration:Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive and Senior Management Team ongovernance and risk matters.Champion a proactive risk and compliance culture across the organisation.Develop and deliver training and guidance for staff and trustees on governanceand risk issues.Collaborate across teams to integrate governance and risk management intooperational planning and service delivery.Health and Safety responsibilitiesObserve and keep aware of Health and Safety documentation and proceduresin line with our policies.Support the Estates Team in providing assurance reports to Executive andBoard on Health and Safety regulatory compliance and risk issues.Complete identified training as required.Safeguarding ResponsibilitiesDemonstrate a commitment to promoting, and complying with our policies on,the safeguarding of any vulnerable adults.Complete Safeguarding training as required.Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Responsibilities Demonstrate a commitment to positively promoting, and complying with ourpolicies on, equity, diversity and inclusion.Complete equity, diversity and inclusion training as required.General responsibilitiesActively participate in the Appraisal system.Participate in developments including internal and external meetings andtraining programmes relevant to the performance and execution of the role.Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and regulations.Embed our values of trust, kindness, and courage.Undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with role.Person SpecificationQualificationsLevel 5 Qualification (or equivalent experience) Governance, Risk and Compliance qualificationProfessional DevelopmentDemonstrate a willingness to undertake training and development, and skillsupdating, as necessary.Experience Proven experience in governance, risk management, or compliance, ideally withinthe charity or not-for-profit sector.Experience of:Successfully developing and implementing risk management strategies andframeworks.Writing reports on behalf of ExecutivesDesigning and delivering trainingKnowledgeStrong understanding of charity law, regulatory frameworks, and best practicegovernance standards. Proficient and confident computer user – including Microsoft Office. Understanding of GDPR / FOI / DP requirements and policies (Desirable) Skills and qualitiesExcellent attention to detail.Excellent strategic thinking and analytical skills.High integrity, with a commitment to the values and mission of St John’sFoundation.Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive change.Demonstrate an ability to be self-directed with initiative to solve problemswithout supervision.Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team and to develop and sustaingood working relationships with internal and external customers.Proven highly developed communication skills both oral and writtenProject management skills (Desirable) HOW TO APPLYContact our recruiter, Jack Hitchingfrom Taylor Root onjackhitching@taylorroot.com  to find out how to apply. Cycle to Work SchemeWe’re proud to offer a Cycle to Work Scheme through BHN Extras, helping you saveon bicycles and accessories while supporting healthy, sustainable travel. This salarysacrifice scheme allows you to spread the cost of a bike and equipment tax-efficiently, making commuting cheaper and greener.Home & Tech SchemeGet the gear you want for home or work with our Home & Tech Scheme from BHNExtras. Choose from a wide range of tech, furniture and more — all available througha salary sacrifice arrangement that can save you money on everyday essentials.Private Medical InsuranceYour health matters — that’s why we provide comprehensive Private MedicalInsurance with BUPA. This benefit supports quicker access to medical specialists,diagnostics, and treatment when you need it most, giving you peace of mind andbetter control over your care.Life Assurance (3× Annual Salary)We support your loved ones if the unexpected happens. Our Life Assurance benefit,provided by AIG, pays out a lump sum of three times your annual salary, helping toprotect your family’s financial future.Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (10% Employer Contribution)Plan for tomorrow with confidence. Our pension scheme, provided by Aviva,includes a generous 10% employer contribution via salary sacrifice — giving you atax-efficient way to build your retirement savings and benefit from long-termfinancial security.Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Life can be unpredictable — and support should be too. Through BUPA’s EmployeeAssistance Programme, you and your household members can access confidentialwellbeing services, including counselling, advice and resources for everydaychallenges.33 Days Annual Leave (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)We recognise the importance of work-life balance. All employees receive 33 days ofannual leave, inclusive of UK Bank Holidays, so you have plenty of time to rest,recharge and enjoy life outside of work.BENEFITS AT ST JOHN’SREGISTERED CHARITY 201476ST JOHN’S FOUNDATION EST.11744-5 CHAPEL COURT, BATH, BA1 1SQPATRON: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN