Director of Governance - UK Bank (Group Company Secretariat) in London
Director of Governance - UK Bank (Group Company Secretariat)

Director of Governance - UK Bank (Group Company Secretariat) in London

London Full-Time 75000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Starling Bank Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-performance governance team and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Company: Join Starling Bank, a tech-driven bank reshaping the financial landscape.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in corporate governance at a fast-paced, innovative bank.
  • Qualifications: Chartered secretary with senior governance experience in regulated financial services.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to continuous improvement and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.

Hello, we’re Starling. We built a new kind of bank because we knew technology had the power to help people save, spend and manage their money in a new and transformative way. We’re a fully licensed UK bank with the culture and spirit of a fast-moving, disruptive tech company. We employ more than 3,500 people across our London, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester offices.

Role overview

Reporting to the Group Company Secretary, we are seeking a Director of Governance - UK Bank to lead a dedicated team responsible for the effective operation of the Starling Bank Limited board and executive risk committee framework. This role ensures compliance with PRA and FCA requirements and promotes high standards of corporate governance. You will be passionate about corporate governance, continuously seeking improvement, and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This is a senior position working closely with board members and senior leadership. You will lead by example and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a skilled communicator, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing the Bank’s corporate governance strategy, also supporting the broader Group Company Secretariat strategy. Strong regulated financial services and/or banking experience is essential.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading and developing a high-performance corporate governance team of four, with one direct report (Senior Assistant Company Secretary - UK Bank).
  • Working with the Group Company Secretary and Deputy Company Secretary to provide high-quality company secretariat support to the Starling Bank Board.
  • Leading company secretariat support for the Starling Bank Board Risk Committee, preparing agendas, collating, reviewing and distributing papers, preparing high-quality minutes, and maintaining timely information flows with senior management.
  • Supporting annual effectiveness reviews of board and executive level risk committees, ensuring continuous improvement in governance standards.
  • Monitoring and advising on corporate governance trends, emerging regulatory developments and industry best practice.
  • Contributing to the production of the Group Annual Report and Accounts from a Bank perspective.

Qualifications

  • A qualified chartered secretary (ACG, FCG or equivalent) with proven senior level governance experience.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in regulated financial services.
  • UK banking experience is preferred but not essential.

Experience

  • Deep knowledge of UK corporate governance standards, company law and UK regulatory frameworks (FCA, PRA, SMCR etc).
  • Proven track record of engaging with board members and senior executives in a strategic governance role, designing and refining corporate governance processes, and maintaining their alignment to strategy and business operating models.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience in building and managing governance teams.
  • Excellent minute-taking skills with the ability to write clear, accurate and concise minutes in short order, balancing different stakeholder perspectives.
  • Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to operate at the highest levels of an organisation.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast paced or high growth environment.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent attention to detail, with an unwavering commitment to accuracy and maintaining high standards of record-keeping.
  • Sound judgement and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Key Behaviours

  • Proactive and solution-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Collaborative, able to build strong relationships across diverse teams.
  • Resilient and adaptable to changing priorities and regulatory environments.
  • Comfortable working in a small team where the focus is on delivery and execution excellence.

Benefits

  • 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)
  • An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
  • Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
  • 16 hours paid volunteering time a year
  • Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme
  • Life insurance at 4x your salary
  • Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care.
  • Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton
  • Generous family-friendly policies
  • Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks
  • Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships

About Us

You may be put off applying for a role because you don't tick every box. Forget that! While we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’re always open to discussion. So, if you’re excited about working with us, but aren’t sure if you’re 100% there yet, get in touch anyway. We’re on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team. Whatever came before, we’re proud to bring together people of all backgrounds and experiences who love working together to solve problems. Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace.

Director of Governance - UK Bank (Group Company Secretariat) in London employer: Starling Bank Limited

At Starling Bank, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that combines the stability of a fully licensed UK bank with the dynamic culture of a tech company. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous benefits package, including flexible holiday options, private medical insurance, and a supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Join us in reshaping banking while enjoying a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Starling Bank Limited

Contact Detail:

Starling Bank Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Governance - UK Bank (Group Company Secretariat) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the banking and governance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Starling Bank's culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to reshape banking. Be ready to share specific examples of your governance achievements that demonstrate your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Discuss how you've built and managed high-performance teams in the past. Highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments, just like Starling Bank!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Governance - UK Bank (Group Company Secretariat) in London

Corporate Governance
Regulatory Compliance
Stakeholder Management
Leadership Skills
Minute-Taking
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Judgement and Discretion
Strategic Thinking
Team Management
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Governance: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for corporate governance shine through. We want to see how you’ve engaged with governance in the past and how you plan to bring that passion to Starling.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in regulated financial services and UK banking. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage governance teams effectively.

Be Clear and Concise: Your written application should be easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we appreciate excellent minute-taking skills, so show us you can communicate effectively!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank Limited

✨Know Your Governance Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on UK corporate governance standards and the specific regulations from the FCA and PRA. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in a fast-paced environment like Starling.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led teams in previous roles, especially in governance contexts. Highlight your ability to develop high-performance teams and how you've fostered collaboration among diverse groups. This will resonate well with their focus on leadership and teamwork.

✨Master the Art of Minute-Taking

Since this role involves preparing high-quality minutes, practice summarising complex discussions into clear, concise points. Bring examples of your minute-taking work to the interview, as this will demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to balance different stakeholder perspectives.

✨Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented

Starling values continuous improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how to enhance governance processes. Think about trends in corporate governance and be ready to discuss how you would implement best practices in their dynamic environment.

Director of Governance - UK Bank (Group Company Secretariat) in London
Starling Bank Limited
Location: London

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