Company Secretary

Company Secretary/Governance Manager

£50-60k

Purpose of the Role

Our client is seeking an outstanding Governance Manager to play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective governance of the organisation. As a mission-led, award-winning organisation, they support their members in delivering world-class education and impactful research that benefits business and society.

The Governance Manager will act as company secretary to the Council (Board of Trustees) and provide secretariat support for various committees. As an expert in governance, you will oversee and support colleagues across the organisation to ensure excellence in the coordination of all committees. Additionally, you will ensure the organisation upholds the highest standards of policies and procedures in accordance with its bylaws.

If you are an experienced governance professional, highly organised, detail-oriented, and adept at managing change, this role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and progressive organisation valued by its members and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Managing Effective Governance

• Oversee governance management for committees.
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, produce papers, and manage actions follow-up for the Council and any committees under your direct responsibility.
• Collaborate closely with Chairs, the CEO, and the leadership team, briefing Chairs prior to meetings and taking accurate minutes.
• Ensure all Boards and committees are constituted and managed in accordance with bylaws and relevant terms of reference.
• Oversee elections, appointments, and onboarding of trustees and committee members, ensuring compliance with bylaws, terms of reference, and the organisation’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Monitor governance performance and recommend best practices to improve decision-making and efficiency.
• Organise the governance aspects of the Annual General Meeting, including agenda preparation, resolutions, minutes, and presentations.

Managing Governance Compliance

• Stay abreast of regulatory or statutory changes affecting the organisation.
• Maintain and update the Association’s bylaws and terms of reference.
• Ensure statutory policies and related processes are updated in line with regulatory requirements.
• Keep Charity Commission and Companies House records up to date.

Skills and Experience Required

Experience

• Extensive knowledge and experience in governance, gained through company secretarial or governance roles.
• Significant experience working with Boards, committees, and senior executives.
• Familiarity with the Charity Commission and experience managing compliance, ideally in a not-for-profit or membership body.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and balance competing priorities under time pressure.
• Experience developing proposals, presentations, papers, and reports.

Desirable

• Experience working in a trade association.
• Knowledge or experience in higher education and/or government.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building ability.
• Excellent research, analytical, planning, and organisational skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and use discretion.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations.
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly.

This role represents a unique opportunity to influence governance practices in a forward-thinking and impactful organisation.