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- Tasks: Support the Company Secretariat team in governance and compliance tasks.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous benefits.
- Other info: Open to applicants from diverse backgrounds; apply early to avoid missing out.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Board/Committee administration and knowledge of governance best practices required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.
Company Secretarial Assistant
Location: Stratford, London
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 (+ Benefits)
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Closing date: 13 June 2025 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment.
If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk as soon as possible.
Recruitment process: Two competency-based interviews with an exercise. Interview date: From the week commencing 09 June 2025.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. The Company Secretariat team are essential in safeguarding Cancer Research UK. This strong-performing and respected team play a leading role in ensuring the charity is compliant with the Charity Commission and UK regulations.
As a Company Secretarial Assistant, your purpose will be to collaborate with the Company Secretariat team to support Cancer Research UK’s Trustees, CEO, Executive team, General Counsel & Company Secretary in delivering an effective and efficient approach to the charity’s governance. You will gain exposure to and support the Council and its Committees, internal boards, senior leaders across the organisation, and the Executive team where appropriate.
You will have a valuable impact on the charity by strengthening the Company Secretariat’s governance processes and systems, ensuring they are fit for the future in line with best practices, ultimately contributing to the smooth running of the function and both Cancer Research UK’s operational management and success.
If you have experience in Board/Committee administration with a demonstrable understanding of what good governance looks like, we would love for you to join our mission.
What will I be doing?
- Collaborating with the CEO, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Deputy Company Secretary, and other members of the Company Secretariat team to strengthen the foundations of the Company Secretariat function at Cancer Research UK.
- Providing Secretariat support to some of the Council’s Committees and other Secretariat meetings, including making logistical arrangements for meetings, writing Committee Chair briefings, attending meetings, drafting minutes and actions for approval by the Committee Chair, and liaising with meeting members and senior stakeholders on all aspects of Committee business.
- Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Company Secretariat activities and processes by creating and/or reviewing standard templates, policies, standard operating procedures and checklists, and technology (including the use of AI).
- Supporting submissions of Cancer Research UK’s annual report and accounts, and annual related processes (e.g. declarations of interest).
- Supporting the ongoing management of the charity’s organisational policies, requirements, and guidance.
- Supporting the Deputy Company Secretary and collaborating with the Legal team to review Cancer Research UK’s group structure, aiming to rationalise and consolidate where appropriate.
- Supporting the Company Secretariat team in organising and delivering internal and external-facing activities relating to the Council and its Committees.
- Providing input into other projects or initiatives when required.
- Supporting the Deputy Company Secretary in maintaining the charity’s registers and records of charitable corporate and fundraising registrations, including maintaining compliance with statutory reporting and filing requirements in relevant jurisdictions for the group entities and subsidiaries.
What skills will I need?
- Significant experience in Board/Committee administration (including minute-taking and supporting Board and Committee members).
- Proven knowledge of governance requirements and best practices with a strong understanding of what good governance looks like.
- Strong planning, prioritisation, and organisational skills with a background in managing a complex and diverse workload while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
- Built relationships at all levels (including senior leaders) using a diplomatic and confidential approach with effective communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Comfortable and efficient using Microsoft Office (including SharePoint, MS Teams, and managing hybrid meetings).
- Ideally, CGI UK qualified (Chartered Governance Institute- formerly ICSA Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators) or equivalent.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination.
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism.
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people.
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
As the world’s largest independent cancer research charity, we conduct research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Our aim is to see 3 in 4 people survive cancer by 2034 and our staff are integral to achieving that ambition.
Cancer Research UK offers you excellent prospects to expand your career as well as the ability to make a real difference to the lives of others.
Company Secretarial Assistant employer: Cancer Research UK
Contact Detail:
Cancer Research UK Recruiting Team
recruitment@cancer.org.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Company Secretarial Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the governance requirements and best practices relevant to charities, especially those outlined by the Charity Commission. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity sector, particularly those involved in governance or company secretarial roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the competency-based interviews by practising responses that highlight your experience in Board/Committee administration. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by discussing any past experiences where you managed complex workloads or improved processes. This will resonate well with the expectations of the Company Secretarial Assistant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Company Secretarial Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Company Secretarial Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in Board/Committee administration and governance.
Complete the Online Application Form: Since Cancer Research UK uses an anonymised shortlisting process, focus on completing the work history section of the online application form thoroughly. Provide detailed descriptions of your previous roles and how they relate to the skills required for this position.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your planning, organisational, and communication skills. Mention any experience with Microsoft Office tools, especially SharePoint and MS Teams, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Understanding of Governance: Demonstrate your knowledge of governance best practices in your application. Discuss any relevant experience you have with annual reporting, legal compliance, or working with regulatory bodies, as this will strengthen your candidacy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Understand Governance Fundamentals
Make sure you have a solid grasp of governance requirements and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the role of the Company Secretariat and how it supports compliance with regulations, as this will be crucial in your discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Minute-Taking Skills
Since minute-taking is a key part of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Bring examples of how you've effectively captured meeting minutes and actions in previous roles, highlighting your attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Effective communication is vital for this position. Be ready to share examples of how you've built relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders, using a diplomatic approach. This will show your ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics.
✨Prepare for Competency-Based Questions
Expect competency-based questions that assess your planning, prioritisation, and organisational skills. Think of specific situations where you've managed a diverse workload successfully, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.