Governance and Compliance Lead

This role plays an important part in ensuring that Pieta’s governance structures, regulatory compliance, and risk management practices remain robust, effective, and aligned with best practice. The Governance & Compliance Lead will support the implementation and maintenance of governance, risk, and compliance processes across governance, risk management, compliance, data protection, and policy development.

The role requires a proactive, analytical, and solutions-focused professional who can assist in strengthening existing systems and support ongoing improvements. A key focus will be supporting the implementation and ongoing development of Pieta’s governance, risk, and compliance framework in line with organisational priorities.

Leadership

• Provide governance, risk, compliance, and data protection advice and insights to the Director of Corporate Services, CEO, and senior leadership to support organisational planning and decision making.

• Work collaboratively with leaders across the organisation to help ensure governance and compliance considerations are reflected in operational activities.

• Support the development of constructive relationships with the Board, its committees, and relevant external stakeholders and regulators.

• Work closely with the external Company Secretary to support effective Board and committee operations, timely filings, and adherence to governance best practice.

• Promote high standards of governance, regulatory compliance, and organisational integrity across the organisation.

Governance

• Support the implementation and ongoing development of Pieta’s governance framework.

• Assist in ensuring compliance with the Charities Governance Code and relevant regulatory requirements.

• Maintain governance structures, Board registers, statutory filings, and organisational policies.

• Support the provision of updates to senior leadership and the Board on relevant legal, regulatory, and sector developments.

• Liaise with the external Company Secretary on governance matters, including statutory compliance, Board administration, annual returns, and maintenance of corporate records.

• Assist in maintaining governance documentation, processes, and reporting in line with recognised best practice.

Risk Management

• Support the operation of the organisation’s risk management framework, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, monitored, and appropriately mitigated.

• Maintain and coordinate the centralised Risk Register, supporting regular review and reporting to the Executive Team and Board.

• Work with managers to monitor risks and support the implementation of mitigation actions where required.

• Promote awareness of risk management practices across the organisation.

• Support risk management processes that contribute to operational resilience and informed decision making.

Compliance

• Support the organisation in meeting statutory, regulatory, and contractual obligations, including those of the Charities Regulator, CRO, GDPR, Safeguarding, Tusla, and the HSE.

• Coordinate with the external Company Secretary to support timely statutory filings, regulatory submissions, and corporate compliance requirements.

• Monitor compliance across the organisation and highlight issues where appropriate.

• Maintain records relating to licences, registrations, and statutory documentation.

• Support the promotion of best practice and continuous improvement in compliance processes across the organisation.

Data Protection (DPO Function)

• Act as Pieta’s Data Protection Officer (DPO).

• Lead GDPR compliance and ensure all data processing activities meet legal and regulatory requirements.

• Develop and maintain data protection policies, procedures, and reporting structures.

• Oversee breach reporting, DPIAs, and data subject rights processes.

• Provide training and guidance to staff on data protection obligations.

• Keep the Board and the Executive Team informed of developments in data protection law.

Policy Development

• Ensure all organisational policies and procedures are in place, up to date, and accessible.

• Lead scheduled policy reviews and ensure updates reflect legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.

• Support the development of new policies in response to organisational needs or regulatory changes.

• Embed best practice in policy development and internal controls.

Internal Audit, Reporting & Analysis

• Coordinate internal audit activities and ensure findings are addressed and implemented.

• Develop reporting systems that provide accurate, timely information to support governance and compliance.

• Conduct data analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare high‑quality reports, presentations, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.

• Prepare and present governance, risk, and compliance reports to the Risk, Audit & Finance Committee, ensuring timely, accurate, and actionable insights.

Core Competencies

• A strategic, analytical, and detail‑focused professional.

• Strong judgement and decision‑making capability.

• Excellent communicator and influencer, able to engage senior leaders, Board members, and external stakeholders.

• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and best practice.

• Comfortable navigating complexity and regulatory environments.

• Passionate about strengthening governance and compliance to support organisational impact.