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- Tasks: Support high-quality governance and company secretarial functions for Standard Life.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in corporate governance while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in governance within financial services and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible roles available, including part-time and job-share opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
We have an incredible opportunity to join us here at Standard Life as an Assistant Company Secretary in our Company Secretariat team.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Based from our London, Birmingham or Edinburgh offices with hybrid working options.
Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Salary and benefits: From £75,000 plus an indicative bonus range of 30%-60%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
The Role: We are looking for an experienced financial services governance professional to play a key role in delivering high quality company secretarial and corporate governance support across Standard Life plc and its regulated entities. In this role, you will manage the full cycle of governance meeting support—from agenda planning and paper guidance to pack collation, minutes, and action tracking—ensuring our Board and Committee operations run seamlessly. You will work closely with the Chair of a Group or Life Company Committee, prepare high quality committee papers, and support the Group Company Secretary with selected ExCo meetings. You will also lead important annual activities, including Terms of Reference reviews, committee evaluations, and effectiveness assessments. The role includes coordinating NED appointments, inductions, and training, and maintaining the Board and Committee education programme. This is a varied, influential position where you’ll provide corporate governance and company law advice, contribute to all areas of team, and deputise for your peer group when required. You will manage Company Secretariat risk policies, drive continuous improvement through updated processes and smarter ways of working, and may support Company Insurance responsibilities during periods of absence. We’re looking for someone proactive, collaborative, and forward looking—someone who horizon scans emerging governance developments and champions the role of the Company Secretariat across the organisation and in the wider market.
What are we looking for?
- Strong company secretarial and corporate governance experience from within a Financial Services firm.
- Proven experience supporting Boards and Committees, including agenda planning, meeting cycle management, pack collation, minutes, and action tracking.
- Ability to draft and quality assure high standard Board and Committee papers, demonstrating excellent written communication and attention to detail.
- Experience working closely with senior stakeholders, including Chairs, NEDs, ExCo members, and governance or risk leads.
- Good understanding of corporate governance frameworks, UK Corporate Governance Code, Company Law, and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Experience coordinating annual governance activities, such as Terms of Reference reviews, committee evaluations, and effectiveness assessments.
- Knowledge and experience of NED appointment processes, induction planning, and training coordination.
- Ability to provide clear, practical governance advice and support ad hoc listed company or continuing obligations work.
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
- Proactive, improvement focused mindset, able to design and maintain process documentation and drive enhancements to ways of working.
- Ability to horizon scan emerging governance, regulatory, and market developments, translating insights into practical actions.
- Confidence to deputise for senior colleagues, including supporting the Deputy Company Secretary and covering Company Insurance responsibilities where needed.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and promote the Company Secretariat function across the organisation.
Essential Criteria:
- Qualified corporate governance professional.
- Significant experience working as a governance professional within financial services.
Assistant Company Secretary employer: Standard Life plc
Contact Detail:
Standard Life plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Company Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Assistant Company Secretary role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of corporate governance frameworks and the UK Corporate Governance Code. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've managed multiple priorities and tight deadlines in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the Assistant Company Secretary position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Company Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Company Secretary role. Highlight your relevant experience in corporate governance and financial services, and show us how you can bring value to our team.
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since this role requires excellent written communication, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language that reflects your understanding of company secretarial duties and governance frameworks.
Be Proactive in Your Approach: Demonstrate your proactive mindset by mentioning any initiatives you've led or improvements you've made in previous roles. We love candidates who can think ahead and drive enhancements in processes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us quickly and you can easily keep track of your application status. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life plc
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of corporate governance frameworks, the UK Corporate Governance Code, and relevant company laws. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but also understand the nuances of the role.
✨Prepare for Board Dynamics
Since you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders like Chairs and NEDs, it's crucial to understand their perspectives and how they operate. Research their backgrounds and any recent committee activities to demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to engage effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires juggling multiple priorities and tight deadlines. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex agendas or coordinated governance activities. Highlighting your organisational prowess will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The job calls for a proactive mindset focused on driving enhancements. Think of specific instances where you've improved processes or introduced smarter ways of working in previous roles. This will illustrate your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation within the Company Secretariat.