Its passion is ensuring that decisions are made in a way that is accountable, transparent, involves and is inclusive of others. It does this by primarily focusing on governance culture and ways of working, whilst recognising the importance of compliance, structure and processes. Equality, diversity and inclusion is important to CfGS both as an organisation and in its work and it is currently reviewing its approach.
As a charity and social purpose consultancy, CfGS ‘punches above its weight’ in terms of its influence and impact. Within local government and the other sectors, CfGS has been central to significant governance debates and events, for example leading the governance review of Kensington and Chelsea Council post-Grenfell and promoting higher ethical standards following the collapse of Carillion.
Working with a small core team and network of associates and partners it undertakes research, policy development, consultancy and delivers training and events. CfGS is seen as credible, impartial and authoritative, often operating in difficult situations or with organisation’s looking to improve, alongside those wishing to lead the way.
Similar to other charities and public bodies, CfGS has had to work hard to gain financial stability and it has sought to achieve this through diversification, broadening its reach and offer and managing costs. In 2020, it changed its name from the Centre for Public Scrutiny to the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny to reflect its widening sphere of operations. This strategy has helped to build on continued success and delivered a net surplus for the last three years, however there is still much more to do in this area.
To find out more information about CfGS please visit www.cfgs.org.uk
The role
As Chief Executive, the primary purpose of the job is to lead, manage and develop the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) to be an impactful, sustainable and independent organisation.
You would be joining at an exciting and challenging time. Governance change is needed more than ever and there is significant pressure on organisations, in all sectors, to operate more ethically and transparently. You and CfGS must lead and be central this debate.
Crucial to success in this role is an ability to secure and deliver new business. An entrepreneurial mindset, strong interpersonal skills and an ability to use and build your network are essential to ensuring CfGS become more financially sustainable and secure.
The requirements
The application pack contains more details of the job responsibilities, the role requirements are:
- A passion for and in-depth understanding of areas including strategy, governance, scrutiny, involvement, organisational development, democratic decision-making and public policy
- Able to demonstrate the commercial, creative and entrepreneurial mindset and skills required to secure new business and deliver to a high standard
- A record of achievement in leading and motivating successful teams at a senior level and making a positive impact
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – written and verbal – with an ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences from government to public engagement
- Able to lead and deliver successful communications and marketing activities across all channels to ensure impact
- Strong client, project and programme management skills and experience of providing advice and support in sensitive and challenging environments and working flexibly
- The ability to use and build your own networks, maintain a public profile, develop new contacts at a senior level across sectors nationally, regionally and locally
- Intellectual rigour and the ability to command respect for CfGS’s position with a wide range of audiences, both lay and professional
- Experience of working to a Board and operating with a range of accountability models
- Experience of devising and implementing strategies, business and budget plans and effective performance management and reporting to the Board and client
To apply
For further information, including the job application pack, and to apply online, please review links at the bottom of the page.
Please note that your CV and Supporting statement should be three pages each.
Closing date: 5pm, Thursday 25th November 2021
Interviews date: Technical Interview Week Commencing 6th December 2021
Final Interview: Thursday 16th December
CfGS values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.