Internal Governance Manager

Internal Governance Manager

Professional 1A

Publish date: 15 October 2025

Closing date: Friday 31 October at 12noon

Salary: £53,460-£54,495

Hours: 37

Overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.

Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.

Our Governance and Strategic Planning Team plays a critical role in ensuring that the organisation operates effectively, transparently, and in alignment with our long-term strategy. We are dedicated to good governance, evidence-based decision-making, and continuous development to support our vision.

We are seeking an experienced Internal Governance Manager to lead and strengthen our internal governance framework. This pivotal role ensures that WMFS continues to operate with integrity, compliance, and efficiency, enabling informed decision-making at the highest levels.

The Internal Governance Manager will oversee governance processes, manage internal risks and opportunities, and coordinate key strategic meetings and functions that underpin effective organisational leadership.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how we manage governance across the service - working closely with senior leaders, influencing beyond authority, and contributing directly to the delivery of our organisational strategy.

Responsibilities

As the Internal Governance Manager , you will:

oversee and continuously improve the internal governance framework, ensuring compliance with policies and best practice

coordinate and facilitate key internal and strategic meetings, ensuring decisions are well-informed and aligned with organisational priorities

identify, monitor, and escalate risks, issues, and opportunities to support proactive management and long-term stability

lead and develop the Internal Governance Team, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous learning

plan and support best use of budgets for Senior Leadership Team development, to

ensure leadership development initiatives are resourced appropriately and aligned with strategic goals

work closely with stakeholders, influencing beyond authority, across all levels to ensure alignment and cohesion between governance processes and strategic objectives

produce high-quality reports, analysis, and assurance documents to support senior

decision making

build and maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organisation and across the UK fire and rescue sector to enable collaboration and support the smooth operation of governance processes.

Experience and skills

Essential skills or experience

strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and leading organisational change

ability to influence and lead beyond authority, building effective relationships across all levels of the organisation

excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting high-level reports and delivering presentations

strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex information and provide strategic insights

high attention to detail and critical thinking ability

proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work within deadlines

experience using a wide range of digital solutions and technologies relevant to the role (to include meeting management software)

strong commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Cohesion, and Equality (DICE) principles

understanding of health, safety, and wellbeing in the workplace

relevant experience overseeing an internal governance team, at a supervisory level or above

able to meet the criteria specified in the 'Leading Others' category of the NFCC

Leadership Framework

management qualification and/or significant professional experience managing a governance or strategic function.

Desirable skills or experience

knowledge of financial management, including budget monitoring

good knowledge and understanding of relevant national strategies, legislation and initiatives associated with the role

related experience of governance within a public sector organisation

a qualification in leadership, governance, or business planning (or equivalent proven professional experience).

Benefits

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:

flexible and agile working arrangements

free, on-site gym facilities

free, on-site parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

In addition, employees have access to:

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

wellbeing programmes

'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes

Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application questions outlining your skills and experiences in line with the job description (linked below).

Questions

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Lucy Lawson by email