At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate corporate governance activities and support the Company Secretary in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a dedicated organisation saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and contribute to a mission-driven team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in governance while supporting lifesaving efforts.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified in governance with relevant experience in a charity or not-for-profit sector.
Salary: £50,544 to £59,464 (dependent on experience)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Location: Poole, Dorset, England
Location description: Hybrid (with the expectation to be in the office up to 2 days per week)
Interview date: Stage 1 via Teams: 29th & 30th July; Stage 2 in-person: date TBC
Closing Date: 19-07-2026
Reference: 21720
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Company Secretary to join our Company Secretary Team, which is part of the Chief Executive’s office. The Deputy Company Secretary is responsible for the effective and efficient coordination of corporate governance activity across RNLI and its subsidiaries, and deputising for the Company Secretary on matters of governance.
Some of the benefits:
- Salary £50,544 to £59,464 (dependent on experience)
- Flexible working
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Competitive pension scheme (employer contributions of up to 10% of basic salary)
- Life assurance
- Health cashplan option
Your Role
As the Deputy Company Secretary, you will be a key member of the team, which is made up of the Company Secretary, Assistant Company Secretary and Governance Officer. You will be tasked with focus on the following areas:
- Taking the lead in providing and coordinating the day-to-day secretariat services to the RNLI Council, Committees and subsidiary companies, working with the relevant Chairs and ET members and assigning Company Secretary team resources.
- Responding and coordinating requests for governance advice within the organisation and handling KYC requests for trustees.
- Revising Governance Policies with regard to the latest requirements and best practice.
- Leading on the recruitment for Council and Committee members in conjunction with the volunteering team, identifying the skills required, convening recruitment panels, organising interviews and liaising with the Membership and Nomination Committee.
- Writing first drafts of Board papers and appropriate reports for RNLI Committees.
This role will require you to travel throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, including overnight stays.
About You
You’ll be professional and self-motivated, enjoy working with detail, with excellent planning, organisation and communication skills. To be considered as Deputy Company Secretary, you will need:
- Part-qualified by Chartered Governance Institute UKI (formerly ICSA) or equivalent (Essential).
- Previous experience as an assistant or deputy Company Secretary in a broad Governance role, ideally at a charity or in the not-for-profit sector.
- Working knowledge of the Companies Act and Charities Act.
- Experience planning and delivering meetings and events involving trustees and/or senior individuals.
- Experience preparing board packs and other governance documents.
- Working knowledge of electronic board or meeting portals.
If you think this is the role for you, please apply via the button shown.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable) and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Deputy Company Secretary in Poole employer: RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a life-saving mission while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, RNLI provides comprehensive training and career advancement opportunities, all within a flexible hybrid working model based in the beautiful city of Perth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Company Secretary in Poole
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like RNLI, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like RNLI and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Company Secretary in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for RNLI and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with RNLI, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for RNLI.
