Corporate Support Lead

Role Purpose

The Company Secretary & Corporate Governance Advisor is responsible for delivering exceptional corporate governance support to the Client's main Board, executive leadership, and subsidiary boards and committees. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the Client's governance framework operates in compliance with legal requirements, best practices, and internal policies, enabling informed strategic decision-making.

As a trusted advisor to the Group General Counsel, the role holder will drive continuous improvements in governance processes, proactively identify areas for enhancement, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement solutions. The position requires a deep understanding of corporate law, governance principles, and company secretarial practices, with the ability to adapt to evolving legal and regulatory landscapes.

This is a business-critical role, ensuring that the Board and its committees function effectively, directors are well-supported, and corporate governance standards are upheld across the organization.

Principal Accountabilities1. Corporate Governance & Compliance

• Act as a key advisor to the Group General Counsel on corporate governance matters, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2006, the Wates Corporate Governance Code, and other relevant regulations.

• Monitor legislative changes and best practices, providing timely updates and recommendations to the Board and Executive Committee.

• Maintain and enhance the Corporate Governance Framework and Governance Champions Network.

• Advise on directors' duties, conflicts of interest, and governance-related legal matters.

2. Board & Committee Support

• Lead the end-to-end coordination of Board, Committee, and Executive meetings, including agenda setting, paper collation, minute-taking, and follow-up on action items.

• Ensure timely distribution of high-quality briefing materials to enable effective decision-making.

• Manage Board and Committee effectiveness reviews, implementing improvements to enhance governance processes.

• Serve as a primary liaison between the Board, executives, and shareholders, fostering strong engagement and communication.

3. Director Support & Governance Advisory

• Facilitate the induction, training, and ongoing development of directors, ensuring they are well-equipped to fulfil their roles.

• Provide expert guidance on governance matters, including interpretation of legal and regulatory requirements.

• Act as a central point of contact for governance queries from directors, executives, and shareholders.

4. Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain statutory records, including minute books, registers, and filings with Companies House (e.g., annual confirmations, director appointments, etc.).

• Oversee the proper execution of legal documents and ensure compliance with the company's Articles of Association.

• Support corporate transactions (e.g., share issuances, dividends, capital reductions) and assist with corporate legal documentation.

• Manage statutory accounts approvals and filings.

5. Process Improvement & Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify opportunities to enhance governance processes, leveraging technology and best practices.

• Work closely with the Secretariat Business Manager to optimize meeting logistics, document management, and stakeholder communications.

• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including investors, auditors, and legal advisors.

Qualifications, Skills & ExperienceEssential

• Strong academic background with a relevant degree or equivalent qualification.

• Chartered Governance Professional (CGov) qualification (or actively pursuing certification).

• 4-5 years of experience in a company secretarial or corporate governance role.

• In-depth knowledge of the Companies Act 2006, corporate governance codes, and regulatory requirements.

• Strong technical ability to interpret and apply corporate law.

• Exceptional organizational, project management, and administrative skills.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, board portals, and digital collaboration tools.

• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives and directors.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.