Head of Risk Management – NHS

About the role

This senior leadership position is a 3‑6 month fixed‑term contract (full‑time, 37.5 hours per week) within an NHS organisation. The Head of Risk Management will act as the principal specialist adviser on risk, working closely with the Board, Executive Team, clinical leaders and senior managers to protect a large, complex healthcare environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of organisation‑wide risk management systems, policies and processes.
• Oversee the Corporate Risk Register and ensure effective integration with the Board Assurance Framework.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Board, Executive Team and senior leaders on complex risk and governance matters.
• Review directorate risk registers, identify organisational themes and challenge risk grading where required.
• Produce high‑quality reports and briefings for the Board, Executive Leadership Team and relevant committees.
• Lead risk assurance reviews and ensure agreed actions are completed.
• Manage the Risk Management Team and oversee the risk management system and reporting.
• Develop and deliver risk management training in partnership with Learning and Development colleagues.
• Promote a proactive risk culture with accountability embedded across operational and corporate teams.
• Maintain expert knowledge of regulatory requirements, emerging risks and recognised risk management standards.

Required profile

• Significant risk management experience within a large and complex organisation.
• Practical experience developing and embedding corporate risk management frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of risk registers, Board Assurance Frameworks, assurance processes and corporate governance.
• Credibility and confidence to advise and influence Board members, executives and senior managers.
• Experience managing teams, setting objectives and developing organisational capability.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience producing high‑quality reports and briefings.

Required skills