Head of Risk & Assurance

Head of Risk & Assurance

Permanent, full-time opportunity

Hybrid working available

Location: London

Salary: £60,000-£65000k per annum

Lead Risk. Influence Strategy. Shape Impact.

We're partnering with a forward-thinking organisation operating within the social housing and care sector, committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for communities and individuals.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced risk and assurance professional who thrives in a purpose-driven environment. You'll work at the heart of governance, partnering with senior leaders and the Board to ensure robust risk management, regulatory compliance, and organisational resilience.

The Role

As Head of Risk & Assurance, you will act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team, Board, and Committees, providing clear, evidence-based assurance and challenge across all areas of risk and compliance.

You'll lead the development of a mature, proactive risk culture, ensuring risk is embedded in strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations.

This is a highly visible role with real influence across the organisation, including deputising for the Director of Governance & Assurance when required.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the organisation's risk management framework, including risk registers, risk appetite, and reporting.
Provide expert guidance on compliance, governance and assurance to senior stakeholders.
Drive a strong risk culture, ensuring ownership and accountability across the business.
Deliver a robust business assurance framework (first, second and third line of defence).
Oversee internal audit programmes, ensuring effective delivery and follow-through of actions.
Provide insightful reporting to the Board and Audit & Risk Committee, highlighting emerging risks and control effectiveness.
Monitor regulatory, financial and operational risks, advising on mitigation strategies.
Lead business continuity and organisational resilience planning.
Ensure compliance across key areas including health & safety, data protection, and regulatory requirements.
Manage external relationships with auditors, regulators, and advisors.

What you'll need to succeed:

Strong background in risk, compliance, audit or assurance working in a housing, supported housing or a similar regulated environment.
Demonstrable experience advising senior leadership and Board-level stakeholders.
Proven ability to embed risk frameworks and drive cultural change.
Knowledge of governance and regulatory environments (ideally within housing, care, or related sectors).
Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear insight.
Experience managing risk registers, audits, and assurance frameworks.
High degree of professional judgement, integrity and attention to detail.
Educated to degree level and a professional qualification in risk, audit, compliance or governance or demonstrable equivalent experience.

If you're passionate about using your expertise to drive better outcomes and stronger governance, we'd love to hear from you.

Adecco is a disability-confident employer. It is important to us that we run an inclusive and accessible recruitment process to support candidates of all backgrounds and all abilities to apply. Adecco is committed to building a supportive environment for you to explore the next steps in your career. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed