Performance and Governance Manager

Vacancy Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Corporate Governance team at a time of significant change in information management and local government. Playing a part in ensuring our use of AI and data is safe and compliant, improving our complaints processes, and making sure we are as open and transparent as possible in our decision making will be all in a day’s work. We’re looking for someone who can understand complex situations and apply sound and ethical decisions based on good governance factors.

About the Role

You will lead a high performing team that plays a key role in the Council’s corporate governance arrangements, helping the Council to protect the personal data it holds and making sure it meets its legal obligations. The team supports the Council in meeting its responsibilities across a range of governance legislation, including data protection, freedom of information and transparency, equalities and complaints processing. The team works closely together, providing support, advice and guidance to the Council through working with services across the organisation.

You will champion good information governance, data protection and information rights at the Council, leading the Corporate Governance team and working closely with colleagues from services across the organisation. You will actively promote a culture of good complaints handling and best practice, identifying and promoting opportunities for continuous improvement while ensuring the Council has appropriate arrangements in place to meet legislative requirements.

You will provide strategic advice on issues relating to information governance legislation, regulations, policy and practice, acting as a subject matter expert. You will work closely with senior officers, including the Data Protection Officer, the Key Officer for Ombudsman complaints, Senior Information Risk Officer, Heads of Service, and their services to protect, manage and promote good governance across the Council.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an effective negotiator and able to advocate for information governance across the Council
• Has the ability to work collaboratively and in partnership to influence service delivery
• Makes sound decisions based on legal and ethical considerations, and good governance requirements
• Can assess complex service data and make recommendations for improvement
• Quickly adapts to and champions new working practices and technology
• Has excellent communication skills to effectively engage with a range of audiences
• Can lead and deliver practical improvements through projects, programmes and initiatives

Due to the nature of the work, a high level of discernment and respect for confidentiality is required.

We will support your growth within the role through training, coaching and mentoring — because we believe in developing our people.

What you’ll get:

• 26 days’ holiday (rising to 29 with 5 years' continuous Local Government service) + UK bank holidays + 3 extra days in December
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme - Employer contribution of 19.7%
• Hybrid working to support work/life balance
• Free parking near the Town Hall
• Free tea, coffee and wellbeing perks like an Employee Assistance Program, flu jabs, eyecare vouchers, and more

Ready to apply?

If you would like to talk through the role, please contact Jane Clarke, Head of Policy and Governance, jane.clarke@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Job Description and Person Specification available below.

Advert closing date: Sunday 4 January 2026

Interview date: week commencing 12 January 2026