Company Secretary (22750)

• Advertised Salary: £60,000
• Function: Head Office
• Job Number: 22750
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Full/Part Time: Part Time
• Total Contracted Hours: 25
• Closing Date: 7 April 2025
• Postcode: PO6 3FE
• Location: Portsmouth, Lakeside North Harbour

This is an opportunity to join a long-standing group of businesses serving local communities, across the South. Alongside all the usual commercial aspects you`d expect to find, there`s a business that`s committed to responsible business, which has been recognised for its work in sustainability by a Queens Award For Enterprise in 2022.

In this role you`ll be at the strategic heart of the business, reporting direct to the Chair of our Board, with a dotted line to our CE.

As an experienced Company Secretary, you'll ensure the effective operation of our governance and the democratic activity with our members, who own our Co-op, helping us deliver our Southern Co-op Purpose and supporting business strategies.

This role is part time, equivalent to 25 hours a week, at our head office & remotely. Due to the nature of the role, you'll need be able to work flexibly across the year to accommodate our annual cycle of Board and Sub Committee meetings. Working patterns to be agreed.

What you'll get..

• £60,000 salary - which is the pro rata'd salary
• 34 days leave (incl bank holidays) rising to 39 with service (pro rata)
• 20% store discount
• Company car allowance
• Private medical insurance & critical illness insurance
• Group life assurance & share incentive plan
• Employee Assistance Programme (including 24/7 access to virtual GP and annual health check)
• Financial Wellbeing tools
• Group personal pension plan
• Income Protection Insurance
• Free onsite parking at our Lakeside Head Office

What to expect..

• To provide expert, specialist advice to Directors in relation to Board procedures and their duties and responsibilities.
• To be the appointed Secretary to the Board, accountable for ensuring the smooth running of its activities and those of its sub-committees and subsidiaries.
• Responsible for the development of the Society's Governance arrangements and periodically review Society's Rules.
• Assist the Chair in the development and administration of the Board's Governance Roadmap.
• Ensure the maintenance and accuracy of statutory records of membership and delivery of the democratic membership governance processes.
• Lead periodic (non-trading) consultative digital member attitude surveys.
• Ensure compliance with the Society's Rules, and relevant regulatory, statutory or other external governance obligations.
• Work alongside our Finance Director to co-lead the production of the Annual Reports and Accounts (You`ll be responsible for all the non accounting entries).
• Support the Chair with Board recruitment, onboarding, training, development, and evaluations.
• Ensure the safe storage, retention, and use of key commercial contracts, property deeds, corporate records, and the company Seal.
• In conjunction with the Chair, planning the annual Board meeting cycle, agreeing the business of all Board and Committee meetings, the preparation of agendas, writing of Board reports and drafting of minutes.
• Oversee the maintenance of all trading licences and permits.
• To ensure the timely payment of Board fees and expenses, providing ad hoc assistance to Directors.

What we're looking for..

• Experience working in Company secretarial roles is essential.
• ICSA qualification or equivalent (desirable).
• Experience of, or a willingness to take on FCA regulation.
• Possess excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Highly organised and strong attention to detail.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and comfortable navigating IT systems.

About Us

We're an independent Co-op, operating across the south of England running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We're owned by our 300,000+ members, have over 4,000 colleagues and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We have a commitment to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach, for all. Become part of the family who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.