£69,852 per annum

We currently have a vacancy for a Service Lead – Governance, Risk and Compliance to join our Legal, Governance and Compliance Service.

The Combined Authority’s in-house Legal, Governance and Compliance team forms an important part in the process to enable the delivery of projects within a clear governance framework.

Governance, Risk and Compliance Services provide a dual role of enabling and protecting the authority to deliver on its priorities. It supports the organisation to operate within the appropriate governance and assurance framework, providing the necessary oversight and guidance, working collaboratively with a ‘whole system’ approach. This includes identifying collective issues, inconsistencies and gaps across the Combined Authority and providing holistic solutions.

To support the continued growth of this area, we are expanding our in-house Governance, Risk and Compliance team. As the Service Lead – Governance, Risk and Compliance, you will lead the delivery of a comprehensive, strategic, cohesive and efficient governance, risk and compliance function. Working closely with senior leaders across the Authority, you will shape and influence a function that both enables and protects the organisation, driving a culture of accountability, transparency and robust assurance that supports the successful delivery of our priorities.

Whilst we are seeking candidates with experience in governance, risk and compliance, we recognise that these skills can be developed through a variety of professional backgrounds. We would therefore also welcome applications from legally qualified professionals who can demonstrate strong experience in governance, assurance, regulatory compliance or organisational risk management.

If your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role and you are passionate about driving high standards of governance and accountability, we would love to hear from you.

It is an exciting time to be joining the Mayoral Combined Authority. We have a wide variety of impactful projects that we are working on which will help shape the West Yorkshire region. To find out more about the work the Combined Authority is involved with, take a look at our latest news stories.

It is important that you demonstrate how your breadth of experience, knowledge and skills align with the role when applying. We have therefore created comprehensive guidance for candidates, and you are strongly urged to read this before completing your application form. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage to find this guidance and further support in completing your application form.

This post is subject to vetting clearance.

Due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will be subject to relevant vetting checks at the appropriate level and any job offer will be conditional subject to successful vetting clearance.

Applicants should be aware that it is not possible to make meaningful vetting enquiries in many jurisdictions outside the UK. Vetting clearance cannot therefore be granted if the applicant has not been resident in the UK for the relevant minimum period and comparable vetting enquiries cannot be made in jurisdictions where the individual has been residing.

The Role
Reporting into Assistant Director of Legal, Governance and Compliance your key responsibilities will include:

• Ensure the Authority complies with all national and local statutory requirements. policies and procedures to contribute to the efficiency, effectiveness, reputation, compliance and fiduciary requirements of the Authority and that assurance becomes embedded as a constant management process.
• Drive a culture of assurance and accountability at all levels across the Authority, engaging senior leaders to provide visible and collective ownership and leadership of good governance. This includes leading work on governance improvement and develop streamlined processes that reflect and continuously adapt to support strategic, operational and financial objectives with the level of assurance activity supporting achievement of priority outcomes and proportionate to the level of risk.
• Champion transparency and openness, ensuring that mechanisms to enable member, stakeholder and public scrutiny, oversight and support are operating effectively, and to work collaboratively with other service areas who have complementary responsibilities for assurance and accountability to provide a cohesive whole with clear lines of responsibility and function.

About You:
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience

• Hold a degree in a matter relevant to one or more of the functional areas of the service or relevant demonstrable practical experience.
• Relevant professional qualification related to one or more of the functional areas of the service.
• Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role.
• Substantial knowledge of the governance and legislative environment of public sector organisations, ideally within a local government setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of the CIPFA/SOLACE Governance Framework.

Our Offer
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you – Take advantage of supported professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements under the ‘About You’ section of the advert and criteria within the Role Profile. 

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Sarah Milne via
Sarah.Milne@Westyorks-ca.gov.uk.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 1 September 2026 at Wellington House, Leeds.

Closing date: To be confirmed

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.