At Accent, we believe everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. For almost 60 years, we have been helping people build better futures through the provision of quality housing and services across England. This is an exciting time to join Accent. With a strong financial platform, ambitious development plans and a clear corporate strategy, we are continuing to invest in our homes, services and communities while strengthening the governance, assurance and regulatory frameworks that support long-term success.



We are seeking an accomplished Director of Governance and Assurance to lead our Governance and Business Assurance Directorate and play a pivotal role in supporting Accent's Board, Executive Team and wider organisation. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management and assurance across the Group. Acting as Company Secretary, you will provide expert advice to the Board and Committees, oversee internal audit, risk and compliance frameworks, lead statutory and regulatory reporting, and help ensure Accent continues to maintain a strong reputation with regulators, stakeholders and customers.



We are looking for an experienced governance professional with a track record of operating at a senior level within a complex and regulated environment. You will bring significant expertise in governance, regulation, assurance, risk management and Board effectiveness, together with the credibility to engage confidently with Board members, regulators, auditors and external stakeholders. You may have a professional qualification that enables you to act as Company Secretary for a PLC, such as UKICGI (formerly ICSA), legal or accountancy qualifications, or demonstrate equivalent senior experience. Experience within social housing or a similarly regulated sector would be highly advantageous.



You will be a strategic thinker with excellent judgement, strong analytical and communication skills, and a commitment to high standards of probity, ethics and transparency. Most importantly, you will be a collaborative and empowering leader who can build strong relationships, develop high-performing teams and provide trusted advice that enables effective decision-making across the organisation.



Accent offers a highly flexible approach to work, a strong package of colleague benefits, and an inclusive culture centred on fairness, wellbeing and personal development. If you're inspired by our ambitions and vision, please visit www.gatenbysanderson.com to find out more and apply.



For a confidential discussion, please contact our advisers at GatenbySanderson:



Chantelle Harris, chantelle.harris@gatenbysanderson.com



Simon Wing, simon.wing@gatenbysanderson.com



Duncan Collins, duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com



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Contacts

Duncan Collins: 020 7426 3996


Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

9am on Monday 9 November 2026



Preliminary interviews

w/c 16 November and w/c 23 November 2026



Final panel

Monday 7 December or Wednesday 9 December 2026




How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.


• Detail any employment or education gaps.


• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.


• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.


• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com