4053 - Head of Governance & Legal for the Disused Tips Authority

Job summary

This is a unique opportunity to shape the governance foundations of a new national organisation, helping establish the Disused Tips Authority as a trusted, accountable and well-governed public body recognised for the quality of its leadership, decision-making and organisational integrity.

Important: The Disused Tips Authority for Wales will be established as an independent Welsh Public Body and separate legal entity on 1 April 2027. Until then, these roles will be hosted by the Welsh Government, providing a unique opportunity to help create and shape a new national organisation from the outset.

Successful candidates will initially be employed by the Welsh Government before transferring to the Disused Tips Authority when it becomes operational on 1 April 2027, with continuity of employment maintained throughout.

The Disused Tips Authority is a separate organisation from the Welsh Government. Please disregard any Welsh Government guidance, policies or recruitment information linked within this advert and refer to the accompanying Candidate Information Pack for information relevant to this vacancy.

Help build a new public body for Wales: Disused Tips Authority for Wales

Help build the governance and integrity behind one of Wales' newest public bodies.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a strategic leadership role in one of Wales' newest public organisations.

The Disused Tips Authority for Wales is being established as the national public body responsible for overseeing the safety, management and regulation of disused tips across Wales. Operating in a high-profile, safety-critical environment, our success will depend not only on effective operational delivery, but on governance arrangements that enable confident decision-making, organisational accountability and public trust.

As Head of Governance & Legal, you will play a critical leadership role in developing the Authority's governance and legal capability. You'll ensure the organisation operates lawfully, transparently and with integrity while creating governance arrangements that enable effective decision-making, clear accountability and strong public confidence.

This is a broad strategic leadership role. Alongside leading the Authority's governance and legal functions, you'll shape governance frameworks, Board processes, legal compliance arrangements and organisational policies that support the Board's strategic vision and Corporate Plan.

Job description

Beyond the organisation itself, you will play a pivotal role in developing the Authority's ambition to become a recognised centre of excellence in public sector governance and organisational accountability. Working with Welsh Government, regulators, oversight bodies and professional institutions, you will help strengthen governance capability, share best practice and contribute to the continued development of governance across Wales' public sector.

The role is both inward and outward facing:

• Internally, you will create governance arrangements that provide clarity, confidence and accountability, enabling leaders and colleagues to make informed decisions within proportionate governance frameworks.
• Externally, you will build trusted relationships with Welsh Government, regulators, auditors and other partners, demonstrating the Authority's commitment to transparency, integrity and effective public administration.

Person specification

Key Tasks

Building effective governance

• You'll lead the development and continuous improvement of the Authority's governance framework, ensuring governance arrangements are proportionate, transparent and support confident organisational decision-making.
• You'll establish governance policies, delegations and decision-making processes that provide clarity, accountability and consistency across the organisation.

Supporting the Board and Executive

• You'll lead the Authority's Board and committee governance arrangements, ensuring the Chair, Board, Chief Executive and Executive Team receive high-quality governance support, enabling effective oversight, strategic decision-making and organisational leadership.
• You'll oversee forward planning, governance processes and corporate decision-making arrangements, ensuring governance enables delivery rather than becoming an administrative burden.

Leading legal compliance

• You'll ensure the Authority operates lawfully and in accordance with its statutory responsibilities, leading legal compliance arrangements and providing expert advice on governance, public law and corporate obligations.
• You'll oversee compliance with legislation and corporate requirements, including information governance, Freedom of Information, data protection and wider public authority responsibilities.

Strengthening organisational accountability

• You'll develop governance arrangements that support organisational accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.
• You'll oversee corporate health and safety governance, ensuring appropriate frameworks, reporting and assurance arrangements are embedded across the organisation and support a safe working environment.
• You'll promote a culture where governance supports confident leadership, responsible decision-making and continuous organisational learning.

Supporting strategic delivery

• You'll ensure governance, legal compliance and corporate policies are fully aligned to the Authority's Corporate Plan and organisational priorities, translating strategic ambition into practical governance arrangements that support organisational success.

Developing governance capability

• You'll lead the development of governance policies, standards and professional practice that promote consistency, integrity and continuous improvement across the Authority.
• You'll help establish the Authority as a recognised centre of excellence by strengthening governance capability, promoting ethical leadership and sharing best practice across the wider public sector.

Working across the system

• You'll build trusted relationships with Welsh Government, regulators, auditors, oversight bodies and professional partners, recognising that effective governance depends upon collaboration, openness and constructive challenge.
• You'll represent the Authority on governance and legal matters, promoting confidence in the organisation's governance arrangements and public service values.

Leading a high-performing function

• You'll build and lead a professional Governance & Legal function, creating an e