At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure our charity runs smoothly by managing governance and compliance.
- Company: Join a neuro-disability charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and support from a professional team.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of approx. 1 day per week, perfect for students.
- Why this job: Be the backbone of our charity and help shape its future.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance or administration, with a passion for detail and organisation.
Commitment: Approx. 1 day per week (Variable around meeting cycles). As our Volunteer Company Secretary, you will be the “conscience of the charity,” ensuring that our Board of Trustees operates within its legal and regulatory framework. In a neuro-disability charity, clear communication and rigorous governance are vital to ensure our beneficiaries receive the highest standard of care and support. You will provide the bridge between the Board and the executive team, ensuring that decisions are documented, transparent, and compliant with UK Charity Commission and Companies House requirements. This is a vital role at the heart of the charity’s operations.
You will:
- Manage our core administration, ensuring governance and compliance documents, records and processes are kept up to date; including managing filings with Companies House and the Charity Commission, and managing the conflicts of interest register.
- Support the Board and CEO with meeting management; helping to prepare agendas, minutes, board packs and maintain a robust rolling action log.
- Ensure good governance, keeping us aligned with legal and regulatory requirements; always advising best practice and updating the board on the Charity Governance Code.
- Support the Trustee onboarding process, helping us stay structured and efficient.
- Be the organisational backbone, helping Minstead Trust stay steady, safe and well‑run.
What are we looking for?
- Commitment to our Mission: an understanding of, or interest in, the challenges faced by those living with neuro‑disabilities and willingness to lead according to our values.
- Detail‑Oriented: a “right first time” approach to legal documentation.
- Discretion: the ability to handle sensitive clinical or financial information with absolute confidentiality.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement.
About you
You’re someone who loves order, clarity, and good organisation. You’re reliable, detail‑focused, and calm under pressure. You have prior experience as a Company Secretary, Governance Officer, or Senior Administrator, ideally within the UK charity or public sector (Essential). You have a high level of digital literacy (e.g., Board portals, MS Teams/Zoom, SharePoint). You have exceptional minute‑taking skills and the ability to synthesize complex discussions into concise, professional records. You care deeply about people and want to use your skills to make a real difference. You’re simply brilliant at keeping things running smoothly!
What we offer
- The opportunity to shape the governance of a high‑impact charity.
- A dedicated “Governance” budget for professional memberships or training.
- This role is voluntary, but you will be supported by a professional team across Finance, People & Culture and Administration to ensure you are able to operate effectively.
Volunteer Company Secretary employer: Minstead Trust
Minstead Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance of a high-impact neuro-disability charity. With a supportive work culture and a commitment to professional development, you will be part of a dedicated team that values clarity, order, and the well-being of its beneficiaries. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful difference but also provides access to resources for training and professional memberships, ensuring your growth while helping others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Company Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved with governance. Attend events or webinars related to neuro-disabilities and make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share why you're committed to supporting those with neuro-disabilities. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on governance best practices and the Charity Governance Code. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just interested, but knowledgeable too!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Company Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you write your application, let your passion for our mission shine through. We want to see that you understand the challenges faced by those with neuro-disabilities and how you can contribute to making a difference.
Be Detail-Oriented:Since this role is all about governance and compliance, make sure your application reflects your attention to detail. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure your documents are well-organised and clear.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase your previous experience as a Company Secretary or in a similar role. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see how your background fits the bill.
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 have all the latest info about the role and our organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Minstead Trust
✨Know Your Governance Basics
Brush up on the UK Charity Commission and Companies House requirements. Being familiar with these regulations will show your commitment to good governance and help you articulate how you can ensure compliance in your role.
✨Showcase Your Detail Orientation
Prepare examples that highlight your 'right first time' approach to legal documentation. Discuss past experiences where your attention to detail made a significant impact, especially in governance or administrative roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since clear communication is vital, practice explaining complex ideas simply. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively managed meeting agendas, minutes, and action logs in previous roles, showcasing your organisational prowess.
✨Express Your Passion for the Cause
Share your understanding of the challenges faced by those living with neuro-disabilities. This will not only demonstrate your commitment to the charity's mission but also show that you genuinely care about making a difference.
