At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance and administration to help tackle homelessness in your community.
- Company: Join Maidstone Homeless Care, a charity dedicated to changing lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and make a real impact in your community.
- Other info: Flexible hours, hybrid role, and a chance to work with a passionate team.
- Why this job: Be the backbone of a charity that supports vulnerable people and drives change.
- Qualifications: Organisational skills and a willingness to learn about charity governance.
Are you an organiser who loves making things happen behind the scenes? Join Maidstone Homeless Care as our Company Secretary Trustee to support our mission to change lives and tackle homelessness in your community. Living within driving distance of Maidstone would be preferred.
As Company Secretary Trustee at Maidstone Homeless Care (MHC), you will play a key role in ensuring the charity is well-governed, compliant, and running smoothly—providing the essential structure that allows our frontline services to thrive. MHC supports people in Maidstone who are experiencing homelessness or living in crisis. We offer vital services including a day centre, food bank, and supported accommodation. These services change lives, but behind every warm meal, job application, or safe night of sleep, there must be strong, organised governance. That’s where your role comes in.
By managing the smooth operation of board meetings, AGMs, and compliance processes, you’ll ensure that our trustees can focus on the big decisions—guided by accurate records, clear agendas, and thoughtful oversight. You’ll help maintain our legal and regulatory responsibilities, making sure that everything we do aligns with our charitable aims and continues to deliver public benefit. You’ll be the central point of coordination for the board, helping decisions turn into action, keeping everyone on track, and supporting the Chair in ensuring meetings are productive and inclusive.
This role will have a direct impact on our ability to serve the community with transparency, integrity, and long‑term sustainability. It’s a chance to use your organisational and governance skills to make a real difference behind the scenes—helping MHC grow stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to meet the challenges ahead. By keeping the engine room of the charity running smoothly, you’ll help ensure we can continue to change lives for the better.
What are we looking for?
- Highly organised, reliable, and confident managing key governance and administrative responsibilities.
- Enjoys structure, pays close attention to detail, and takes pride in getting things right behind the scenes.
- Willing to learn and bring transferable skills; previous experience in a governance or compliance role is helpful but not essential.
- Strong communication skills for preparing agendas, documenting decisions, and liaising with trustees and external bodies.
- Comfortable taking accurate minutes, tracking actions, and ensuring follow‑ups are completed.
- A good understanding of or interest in charity law, governance standards, and the role of trustees would be valuable.
- Familiarity with filing annual returns, managing records, or using online systems like Companies House and the Charity Commission is a plus.
- Confident working independently, but also enjoys being part of a team.
- A collaborative and professional approach is key.
- Welcoming individuals with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity, as well as diverse backgrounds.
Qualities And Experience We Value
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Minute‑taking and document management experience.
- Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines reliably.
- Familiarity with governance, compliance, or board processes (desirable).
- A team player with a calm, methodical approach.
- Commitment to MHC’s values and mission.
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a voluntary role.
What will you be doing?
We’re looking for an organised, dedicated, and proactive individual to join our Board of Trustees as Company Secretary. This rewarding voluntary role plays a vital part in the governance and smooth running of Maidstone Homeless Care (MHC), helping us deliver essential support to people facing homelessness and hardship in our community.
Where We Are Now
MHC has supported vulnerable people across Maidstone for over 30 years. As demand rises on our services, our board plays a central role in guiding the charity strategically — ensuring strong governance, compliance, and sustainability. Like many small charities, we’re navigating increased need with limited resources. Strengthening our governance and supporting trustees and staff to work efficiently is a priority. The Company Secretary Trustee will be key — keeping board operations organised, compliant, and aligned with our mission.
About The Role
This is a hands‑on role that ensures MHC meets its legal obligations and operates effectively. You’ll coordinate governance and admin processes—especially meetings, decision‑making, and statutory reporting. Working closely with the Chair and trustees, you’ll prepare agendas, take minutes, track actions, and support efficient, inclusive meetings. You’ll also keep the board informed of their responsibilities, manage filings, and maintain accurate records. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys structure, values good governance, and takes pride in helping an organisation run smoothly.
Key Responsibilities
- Organise and support trustee meetings, AGMs, and sub‑committees.
- Prepare and circulate agendas and papers.
- Take minutes, track actions, and follow up.
- Support the Chair in leading effective meetings.
- Ensure compliance with legal and governance duties.
- Monitor that decisions align with our charitable aims.
- Provide governance support to the board.
- File annual returns and documents with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
- Maintain accurate records of trustees, directors, and members.
This voluntary role requires around 12 hours per month, including attendance at monthly meetings (usually the second Thursday, 6:30–8:30pm). Training, support, and a warm welcome are provided.
Company Secretary - Volunteer in Maidstone employer: Maidstone Homeless Care
Maidstone Homeless Care is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. As a volunteer Company Secretary Trustee, you will be part of a dedicated team that values strong governance and compliance, ensuring the charity operates effectively to support vulnerable individuals facing homelessness. With a collaborative work culture, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to contribute to vital services in Maidstone, this role offers a rewarding experience for those passionate about social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Company Secretary - Volunteer in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to refer you to someone in need of a Company Secretary.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or charity meetings. This is a great way to meet people, learn about the needs in your area, and showcase your organisational skills. Plus, it’s a fab chance to show your commitment to tackling homelessness!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow Maidstone Homeless Care and other local charities on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their posts and share your thoughts—this can help you get noticed by the right people.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right folks. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support those in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Company Secretary - Volunteer in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:Make sure to highlight your organisational abilities in your application. We want to see how you can keep things running smoothly, so share examples of how you've managed tasks or coordinated events in the past.
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication is key for this role. When writing your application, be clear and concise. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to prepare agendas and document decisions effectively.
Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn:You don’t need to be a governance expert from day one! Let us know about your eagerness to learn and adapt. Share any transferable skills or experiences that show you're ready to dive into the world of charity governance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference in your community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maidstone Homeless Care
✨Know Your Governance Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the basics of charity governance and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the roles and responsibilities of a Company Secretary, especially in a charity context. This will show your commitment to the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about real-life scenarios you might face in this role, such as how to handle meeting minutes or manage board communications. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these tasks, demonstrating your organisational skills and attention to detail.
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Maidstone Homeless Care is all about making a difference in the community. Make sure to express your passion for tackling homelessness and how your skills can contribute to their mission. This personal connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the charity’s current challenges or future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a meaningful impact as Company Secretary.
