At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure charity compliance and support the Board with governance and operational matters.
- Company: Join The Cyber Helpline, a charity dedicated to providing cyber support.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, meaningful impact, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for aspiring Company Secretaries looking to transition into this impactful role.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the fight against cybercrime while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, strong attention to detail, and a passion for charity work.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Engagement: Trustee meetings are quarterly (three remote and one in-person). The individual will provide additional time as required.
Location: Remote.
Reporting Line: The role reports to the Chair on governance and to the CEO on operational matters.
The Cyber Helpline
The Cyber Helpline is a UK-based charity offering free, confidential cyber support to individuals, microbusinesses, and charities. We help people stay safe online by providing practical, empathetic guidance and technical advice. Our work is driven by a passionate community of staff and volunteers who bring empathy, dedication, and expertise to every interaction.
Role Summary
The Company Secretary is the guardian of The Cyber Helpline’s compliance with both the law and best practice. The Company Secretary will play a key role in ensuring that Board procedures are followed and regularly reviewed. Acting as a resource for the Board, the Company Secretary will also provide guidance on Board members’ responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensuring the charity operates in accordance with its governing document, the Charities Act, and the Companies Act 2006, and advising the board on their duties and on any legal and regulatory changes.
- Being the subject matter expert on charity law and regulation within the Board.
- Organising, attending, and taking minutes at trustee meetings (board and sub-committees), including preparing agendas and circulating papers.
- Supporting the trustees by commissioning papers and other work required by the board, recording and tracking progress of actions agreed.
- Ensuring all mandatory returns, including the annual report and financial statements, are filed on time with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
- Informing the Charity Commission of any significant changes in the charity’s structure or management, for example, the appointment or resignation of trustees.
- Assisting with the recruitment, induction, and training of new trustees, and managing conflict-of-interest registers.
- Maintaining accurate records, including the register of members and trustees, the register of any charges on the company’s assets and managing high-level correspondence.
- Maintaining the charity's registered office as the address for any formal communications, ensuring that all the charity’s business stationery carries its name, registered number, country of registration and registered address.
- Ensuring the security of the charity’s legal documents and owning the charity’s policy for the filing and retention of documents.
- Ensuring The Cyber Helpline has adequate insurance in place.
- Ensuring the charity is compliant with relevant UK law & regulation.
- Supporting the protection of intellectual property.
Requirements
This role would suit either someone in a Company Secretary role or someone with aspirations to become one. We are happy to support someone looking to make the transition into this role.
- Experience of auditing against standards and policies.
- Experience consulting with subject matter experts on complex issues.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Strong planning, organisation and analytical skills.
- Ability to turn theoretical models and guidance into practical frameworks that achieve results.
- Ability to deliver project work, as well as communicate and plan at a strategic level.
- Strong integrity and honesty.
- Passionate about our mission of supporting victims of cybercrime.
Preferred
- Understanding of or experience in the cyber security industry.
- Experience in the not-for-profit / charity sector.
- Membership (or on path to membership) of any of the following bodies:
- the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
- the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
- the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
- the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting
- Be a barrister, advocate or solicitor called, admitted or part-qualified, in any part of the UK.
Charity Secretary employer: The Cyber Helpline
The Cyber Helpline is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while working remotely. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and growth, allowing employees to develop their skills in charity governance and compliance. Join us in making a difference as part of a passionate team dedicated to providing vital cyber support to those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Secretary
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like The Cyber Helpline, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at The Cyber Helpline.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cyber Helpline
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of The Cyber Helpline and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
