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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance and company secretarial functions for a leading FTSE listed company.
- Company: Join Unite Students, the UK's top provider of student accommodation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in corporate governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in company secretarial roles and strong IT skills preferred.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Assistant Company Secretary & Governance Officer to join our fantastic Co‑Sec & Legal team in Bristol. You’ll be a critical member of the Co Sec and Legal team, with responsibility for the day‑to‑day handling of company secretarial and governance areas. This is an exciting and dynamic role, with open and regular contact across our PLC Board interacting with our Chair, Executive and Non‑Executive Directors and more widely across the business. This role is crucial in ensuring Unite Students is a responsible business and we meet our corporate governance obligations as a premium listed FTSE company.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Helping drive an effective FTSE listed PLC with best practice governance and administration.
- Leading on key co‑sec areas: Secretariat for various Board Committees (Audit & Risk, Health & Safety and Sustainability Committees).
- Technical PLC RNS’s (such as Total Voting Rights, PDMR dealings & Block Listings).
- Implementation of our Scrip Scheme.
- Leading the relationship with our Registrar, as well as maintaining statutory registers and MAR compliance.
- Supporting on Co Sec aspects of M&A / Corporate activity and our AGM.
- Other Co Sec / Governance support and administration for a FTSE listed PLC.
- Driving Co Sec compliance for the Group’s subsidiary companies (to include timely Companies House filings for the PLC and Group companies).
- Collaborating with internal teams and external parties on Co Sec and Governance activities.
- Incorporating new entities and striking off companies / dissolving partnerships.
- Maintaining Group structure charts and subsidiary statutory registers.
- Group minutes where needed for corporate / business activity.
- Collaborating with the People team on the administration of our share schemes (LTIP and SAYE).
- Supporting the Remuneration Committee on shareholder remuneration consultations.
- Supporting on key Corporate / Co Sec policies & training (such as anti-bribery compliance, share dealing and whistleblowing).
- Supporting on the Annual Report (both Corporate Governance & Board Committee reports).
What We’re Looking for in You
- Previous experience gained within a company secretarial role, ideally in a listed company but not essential.
- Strong IT literacy, including a working knowledge of Co Sec administration software and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage own time effectively, prioritising tasks when required, multitasking and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to work within a dynamic environment whilst maintaining high levels of attention to detail.
- Previous experience of and strength in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
- A high level of confidentiality and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
Desirable (but not essential)
- An ICSA or equivalent Co Sec qualification.
What You’ll Get in Return
- A discretionary annual bonus so you can share in the company’s success.
- 25 days’ paid holiday and an annual holiday buying scheme, with 5 additional days awarded for long service.
- A generous pension scheme – employer contributions between 5% and 11% depending on how much you save.
- Various benefits to support your health and wellbeing including a Healthcare Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Wellbeing platform and a Gym benefit that you can share with your family and friends.
- Enhanced Family Leave including 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents.
- Lots of other great benefits including an annual ShareSave scheme, Employee Life Assurance, a discounts portal and more!
About Unite Students
Founded in 1991, Unite Students is the UK’s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 23 leading university towns and cities, with 70,000 students calling US home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas.
Instinctive inclusion. We know that to create and maintain a happy healthy organisation, we have to work hard to ensure inclusion isn’t just what we do but who we are.
People make Unite Students. Employees, students and neighbours all contribute to building environments where we can all thrive.
Room for Everyone. We’re proud to be an employer that embraces individuality, and we’re passionate about building inclusive teams. We focus on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We take great pride in being rated Gold Investors in People and are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people. Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people with a passion for creating room for everyone, doing what’s right, keeping US safe, and raising the bar. Join us as we build better experiences for students that live with us.
Assistant Company Secretary & Governance Officer in Bristol employer: Unite Foundation
Contact Detail:
Unite Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Company Secretary & Governance Officer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its governance practices. Familiarise yourself with their recent news and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in company secretarial roles and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the position.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Company Secretary & Governance Officer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Company Secretary & Governance Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in company secretarial work and governance, and show us how you can contribute to our dynamic Co‑Sec & Legal team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves regular interaction with our PLC Board and various committees, it’s essential to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is crucial in this position, especially when dealing with sensitive information and compliance matters. Make sure to provide examples in your application that showcase your meticulous nature and ability to manage multiple tasks without missing a beat.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Unite Students and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unite Foundation
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on corporate governance principles and the specific responsibilities of an Assistant Company Secretary. Familiarise yourself with the key areas mentioned in the job description, like board committee functions and statutory compliance, so you can speak confidently about them.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves regular interaction with the Board and various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive discussions.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
In a company secretarial role, attention to detail is crucial. Bring along examples of your work that highlight your meticulousness, whether it’s maintaining statutory registers or preparing board minutes. Be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your tasks.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's governance practices, team dynamics, and future challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
