Head of Governance and Legal

Opportunity to use your proven experience of delivering successful governance and legal services to provide senior leadership to governance, corporate risk, strategy, policy development and legal across the organisation.

The Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS) provides independent, impartial and fair dispute support and resolution services for nearly 5 million households in England. Through resolving disputes effectively and promoting positive change across the social housing sector, we improve residents' lives and landlords' services.

As Head of Governance and Legal, as part of the Senior Leadership Team, and based within the Corporate Services and Finance Directorate, your remit will include:

• providing advice on effective legal and governance arrangements, corporate risk management, committee secretariat, policy and strategy development, and in particular, in translating the strategic direction into a forward plan for the executive;
• accountability for the performance of the Governance and Legal team, creating and embedding a culture of excellence and continuous improvement and in line with required standards; setting up legal capabilities within the organisation including the effective handling of any judicial reviews and acting as Company Secretary for the new legal entity once stood up;
• developing effective relationships and collaborations with external stakeholders, representing and advocating for HOS, in particular with the Ministry; and
• significantly contributing to the development of strategies, business continuity plans, processes and policies that drive continuous improvement across HOS, with particular responsibility for those relating to the Corporate Services and Finance function.

Core requirements, which ideally will have been gained within the social housing, regulation and / or Ombudsman sectors, for this pivotal leadership role include:

• qualified Company Secretary and/or degree and a track record of relevant CPD;
• demonstrable experience of delivering successful governance and legal services at a senior level;
• a track record of successfully leading at a senior level, managing managers and ensuring staff development across your service area;
• knowledge of company law, housing legislation and other relevant legislation; and
• exceptional stakeholder management skills with the proven ability to influence and persuade internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

If you're looking for an opportunity to champion and drive continuous improvement across an increasingly influential and high-profile national organisation, it's an exciting time to join us and to contribute your skills to making a difference for millions of households.

For further details, please click 'apply' and download the information pack.

CLOSING DATE: midnight on Wednesday 03 June 2026

INTERVIEWS: 24 to 26 June 2026

PLEASE NOTE: Following unprecedented interest in our vacancies, we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date (close it early). The role will be closed to new applications immediately if / when we receive 120 applications or at the stated closing date - whichever occurs first. Applications after the role has closed cannot be accepted. We therefore strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity. We have an environment that is inclusive and recognises the value of difference in the workplace.