Head of Governance (FTC)

Salary: £55,000 per annum (FTE), pro rata

Hours: 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Location: London Coliseum

We’re looking for a mission-driven Head of Governance to help shape and strengthen governance at English National Opera and the London Coliseum.

This is a high-impact senior role at the heart of the organisation, combining hands-on delivery with trusted advice. You’ll work closely with the Board and executive team to ensure decision-making is clear, accountable and aligned with Charity Commission guidance and best practice.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead on coordinating governance activity, enhancing Board and committee effectiveness, and driving continuous improvement. You’ll oversee the annual governance cycle, support trustee development, and champion inclusive, well-informed decision-making that enables our leadership to thrive.

Requirements:

• Significant experience in charity governance, company secretariat or a comparable senior governance role

• Strong understanding of charity law, trustee responsibilities and good governance practice

• Experience supporting Boards and committees, including planning, papers and effectiveness reviews

• Demonstrable experience improving governance frameworks, processes or systems

• Confidence advising senior stakeholders with discretion, diplomacy and authority

• Experience working collaboratively across executive teams to embed effective governance practices

• Clear, credible communicator, both written and verbal

• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines

• Practical and solutions ‑ focused, with a bias for action

• Calm, measured and trusted, with strong professional judgement

• Committed to ENO’s mission, values and public purpose, including equity, diversity and inclusion

Please see our recruitment pack for full details of the role.

Application deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 15 July 2026

Interviews: w/c 27 July 2026

Interviews: w/c 3 August 2026 & w/c 10 August 2026

Feedback: Due to the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to provide individual feedback to those candidates who progress to interview stage.

Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]

English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.