Head of Board Secretariat, Ministry of Justice, UK – Visa Sponsorship Available

This is an exceptional opportunity for a Head of Board Secretariat and Deputy Head of Corporate Governance at the Ministry of Justice, offering a national salary range of £58,511 - £65,329 or a London salary range of £63,343 - £70,725. This prestigious full-time, flexible working role is ideal for experienced professionals seeking to make a significant impact within the UK Civil Service, and notably, visa sponsorship is available for foreign and overseas applicants. The position allows for flexible working arrangements while requiring regular travel to London, making it accessible for those needing a UK work visa.

Job Description

As the Head of Board Secretariat and Deputy Head of Corporate Governance, you will be at the heart of HM Courts & Tribunals Service, one of the largest and most intricate operational organizations within the UK government. Your primary responsibility will be to serve as Secretary to the HMCTS Board, leading the essential support functions for the Board, its committees, the Chair, and Non-Executive Directors. This involves providing authoritative advice on Board procedures, shaping strategic agendas, and ensuring that governance arrangements effectively support accountability and organisational performance.

Beyond secretariat duties, you will also act as the principal deputy to the Head of Corporate Governance. This includes advising senior leaders on governance matters, translating strategic direction into effective decision-making frameworks, and leading significant improvement and reform initiatives under delegated authority. This role demands a high degree of flexibility, sound judgment, and confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders, as you will lead a multi-grade team within an evolving function and may oversee diverse portfolios as HMCTS priorities develop.

Requirements

• A strong understanding of corporate governance, accountability, and effective decision-making processes.
• Demonstrable experience in supporting senior decision-making bodies, including shaping agendas and producing high-quality governance documentation.
• Proven ability to provide authoritative, impartial advice and cultivate trusted, influential relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strategic judgment to identify priorities, risks, dependencies, and appropriate governance routes, with discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Excellent written communication skills, capable of analysing complex material and presenting clear, concise, and accurate advice.
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing, inclusive teams, setting clear objectives and accountabilities.
• The ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Evidence of leading continuous improvement, organisational change, or governance reform initiatives.
• Eligibility to work in the UK, with visa sponsorship available for foreign/overseas applicants who require a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa.

Benefits

• Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working with a requirement to work from an HMCTS office for at least 60% of the time.
• Opportunity to work at the heart of UK justice delivery, making a significant public service impact.
• Access to learning and development opportunities to support career progression within the Civil Service.
• Competitive salary package, with potential for London weighting.
• 25 days annual leave on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus public holidays.

How to Prepare

For this crucial Civil Service role, a Nigerian or African immigrant should focus on showcasing their corporate governance expertise and leadership capabilities. Ensure your CV is meticulously formatted to UK standards, highlighting your experience with senior decision-making bodies, strategic agenda-setting, and team leadership. Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect these strengths, connecting with UK-based professionals in governance or public administration. Your cover letter should explicitly address the essential skills required, providing concrete examples of your achievements in similar high-stakes environments, and demonstrating your understanding of UK public sector governance principles.

Prepare thoroughly for the Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance, understanding its implications for new arrivals. During the interview, confidently discuss your relevant experience and how your skills align with the Ministry of Justice's mission. When the topic of visa sponsorship arises, be prepared to articulate your commitment to long-term contribution and your understanding of the Skilled Worker visa requirements, assuring the panel of your readiness to integrate fully into the UK professional landscape.

• Ensure your CV and cover letter explicitly detail your experience in leading board secretariats and corporate governance, using UK-centric terminology where appropriate.
• Research the HM Courts & Tribunals Service and the Ministry of Justice's strategic priorities to demonstrate informed interest.
• Practice articulating your leadership and team management philosophy, focusing on inclusivity and resilience.
• Be ready to discuss how your international experience in governance can contribute to the UK Civil Service context.
• Prepare for questions about managing sensitive information and providing impartial advice to senior stakeholders.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this position. This role is explicitly OPEN TO FOREIGNERS and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa. If you are unsure about your eligibility or specific visa requirements, it is advisable to consult the UK government's immigration guidance for Skilled Worker visas or seek professional immigration advice before applying.