Ensure strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective decision‑making across Freebridge
We’re looking for a Senior Governance Advisor to join our Governance team at Freebridge Community Housing. In this crucial role, you’ll support the Company Secretary to deliver a high‑quality, professional governance service that ensures our Board and committees operate effectively, decisions are informed and compliant, and our governance practices remain robust and forward‑looking.
You’ll play a central role in maintaining excellent corporate governance, supporting statutory and regulatory compliance, and ensuring that key governance processes—from Board meetings to annual returns—are delivered accurately, efficiently and on time. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how we govern our organisation and ensure we remain accountable to our customers, stakeholders and regulators.
About Freebridge Community Housing:
Our Freebridge Community Housing goal is to provide affordable, safe, and quality homes for current and future generations, for those who need a place to call home. Freebridge was set up in 2006, to receive the transfer of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk’s housing stock. We now have over 7500 properties across west and north Norfolk, in addition to building new homes for social and affordable rent, and to support those who want to move into shared home ownership. We’ve had numerous achievements, including delivering our tenants' promises and bringing homes to the Decent Homes Standard, affording our customers a much better quality of living. At Freebridge, we live by our values: Belong, Own It, Think Customer, One Team One Purpose, and Be the Change.
What you’ll be doing:
· Deliver a high quality and efficient governance service across the organisation.
· Support the Company Secretary, Chair and Chief Executive to ensure the smooth running of the Board and committees.
· Coordinate Board member induction, appraisal, and training and development.
· Support Board recruitment and appointment processes.
· Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, Codes of Governance and Codes of Conduct.
· Support and, where required, deputise for the Company Secretary in delivering:
- Annual returns to the Regulator of Social Housing and Financial Conduct Authority
- Compliance with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime
- Data protection and information governance requirements
- Maintenance of registers, including interests, fraud and anti money laundering
- Review of governance documents such as Rules, Standing Orders and policies
· Provide governance support to Board committees, sub groups and associated companies, including agenda preparation, minute taking and report writing.
· Maintain accurate governance records and ensure statutory obligations are met (including use of the Company Seal and tender processes when deputising).
· Keep up to date with best practice in governance and regulatory compliance.
What we’re looking for:
· Educated to degree level.
· Strong understanding of the role of a Company Secretary.
· In‑depth knowledge of governance within the housing sector.
· High standard of written English and excellent attention to detail.
· Strong ICT skills and experience with governance systems and processes.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
· Ability to summarise complex information clearly and accurately.
· Experience preparing and presenting reports to senior stakeholders.
· Skilled minute-taker with strong organisational and research skills.
· Ability to build strong working relationships with Board Members and senior leaders.
· Self‑starter with resilience, accuracy and the ability to manage routine work to a high standard.
Desirable:
· Chartered Governance Institute qualification
· Data Protection qualification(s)
What’s in it for you?
At Freebridge, we’re appreciative of our team and you can enjoy the following benefits from joining us, among many more:
· Generous Holiday Leave: Enjoy 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service.
· Exclusive Employee Discounts: Access amazing deals through our Reward Gateway.
· Comprehensive Leave Policies: Enjoy 6 months full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave.
· Health and Wellbeing Support: Access physio and counselling services, along with an employee assistance programme.
· Charitable Leave: One day per year to volunteer for a cause you care about.
· Discounted Gym Membership: Stay fit with discounted membership at Alive Leisure.
· Pension Scheme: A company contributory pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Diversity is key to our values and culture. We create a workplace where every voice is heard and respected, embracing diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Our inclusive environment empowers colleagues, ensuring equal opportunities for all. We don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. We’re happy to accommodate reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to enable you to perform your best. As part of this commitment, we also offer accessibility tours for candidates to help ensure an inclusive and welcoming experience from the outset.
Apply now to join our team and make a difference to lives across Norfolk!
Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026