At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate governance and support the Board in delivering impactful services.
- Company: Join a social enterprise dedicated to empowering refugees and migrants.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £50,000 salary, 25 days leave, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to challenging inequalities and fostering growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in housing association governance and knowledge of UK GDPR.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Who We Are
ACH is a social enterprise with a clear vision, dedicated to empowering refugees and migrants in the UK to lead self-sufficient and ambitious lives. We bring together a diverse team of strategists and researchers, driven by their own lived experiences, to provide tailored integration services.
Why We Do What We Do
Our mission goes beyond individual support; we actively challenge and disrupt the systems that perpetuate inequalities in our society. With a proven track record of delivering effective support services, in 2025, we helped house over 1,500 individuals and provided support to over 600 of our service users, helping them to achieve their personal goals and lead fulfilling lives in their new country.
We are now looking for a Company Secretary to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37.5 hours per week.
Our Commitment to You
- Salary of £50,000 per annum
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Flexible working
- Employee Recognition Programme
- Training and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Social gatherings and staff retreats
- A fully stocked staffroom!
This is an incredible opportunity for an experienced governance professional with housing association board-level secretariat experience to join our purpose-driven organisation. You will play a central role in helping us deliver life-changing work for refugees and migrants, ensuring strong governance, legal compliance and effective board support across our organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
As our Company Secretary, you will lead corporate governance, legal compliance and board administration. Supporting the Board, Committees and Senior Management Team, you will provide high-quality secretariat services, including managing governance calendars, statutory filings, board meetings, agendas, minutes and action tracking. You will also advise on governance matters, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, and help ensure board decisions, policies and procedures are implemented effectively across the organisation. Alongside this, you will act as Data Protection Officer, embedding GDPR best practice across the organisation and overseeing data protection processes, policies and compliance.
Additionally, you will:
- Monitor compliance with legislative, regulatory and governance requirements
- Prepare governance reports, annual calendars and action plans
- Support Board recruitment, inductions, training and appraisals
- Review and update Board policies and committee terms of reference
- Produce governance effectiveness and assurance reports
- Maintain records of processing activities and support lawful data processing practices
What We’re Looking For
To be considered as a Company Secretary, you will need:
- A minimum of five years of experience as Secretary of a Housing Association Board
- Demonstrable experience of understanding Governance and legal requirements of a regulated body
- Experience producing timely quality reports and minute-taking
- Knowledge of the UK GDPR legislation
- An understanding of the regulatory requirements of the housing association and the corporate operating environment
- A degree or equivalent
- A Company Secretary-related qualification
The closing date for this role is 4th June 2026.
Webrecruit and ACH are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you want to join an organisation making a real and lasting difference as a Company Secretary, please apply via the button shown.
Company Secretary employer: Ashley Community Housing
ACH is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of refugees and migrants. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values recognition and connection, you will thrive in an environment dedicated to social impact. Join us in Bristol, where your governance expertise will play a vital role in ensuring effective board support and compliance, all while being part of a diverse team driven by shared experiences and a common mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Company Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector or social enterprises. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's mission and values. Since ACH is all about empowering refugees and migrants, think about how your governance experience can align with their goals and contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with board administration and compliance. Use specific examples of how you've improved governance processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission-driven team at ACH.
We think you need these skills to ace Company Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in governance and legal compliance. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Company Secretary role.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how your experience as a Secretary of a Housing Association Board has prepared you for this position. We love seeing concrete examples of your achievements and how they relate to what we do.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at ACH!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashley Community Housing
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance and legal requirements specific to housing associations. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around board administration and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Minute-Taking Skills
Since minute-taking is a key part of the role, bring examples of previous minutes you've taken or reports you've produced. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to capture essential information accurately.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with ACH's mission and values. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with their commitment to empowering refugees and migrants. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their cause.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the organisation's governance practices or future challenges they face. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if this role is the right fit for you.
