Company secretary and head of compliance jobs

Head of Governance

£50,718 - £58,726 plus London weighing if applicable

Location , Hybrid, with travel needed

The WEA is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities.  

We are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring lifelong learning within reach fighting inequality and promoting social justice.

Job Description

WEA are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring education within reach. If that sounds like you, then please read on.

As the Head of Governance, you will work closely with the Director of Governance & Purpose (Company Secretary) to support the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Chairs of committees with advice and support on standards of good governance, and compliance - particularly around or SDI status. 

Reporting to the Director of Governance and Purpose, the successful candidate will also ensure ongoing monitoring of governance effectiveness and continuous improvement, and the efficient and effective administration of governance process, including trustee and committee member recruitment and onboarding, tracking appointment terms, and annual skills audits. Along with other members of the corporate governance team, you will support the Board of Trustees and its committees, including the creation and retention of proper meeting records, and the appropriate support, training and development of Trustees and senior volunteers serving on committees of the Board. 

Together with the team, you will also provide support to ad hoc working groups and volunteer committees that may arise from time to time to provide important local insight and input to governance decision-making.

We have attached the full role profile, that lists the key deliverables, performance measures and experience/qualifications needed for this role. Please take your time to read through this, and if you’d like to apply, hit that button!

We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply.

Should you need any support with your application, then please get in touch. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

In our recent OFSTED inspection, we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.

You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website .

The Organisation

The Armourers & Brasiers’ Company is one of the historic livery companies in the City of London, celebrating its 700th anniversary in 2022. Alongside its vibrant membership events programme, the Company operates the Gauntlet Trust, a charity supporting education and research in Materials Science, small charities, and technical excellence in the armed forces. Both the Company and the Trust are based at Armourers’ Hall, a prestigious venue in the City.

The Job

We are seeking a Head of Finance to oversee the financial operations of the Armourers & Brasiers’ Company and its charity, the Gauntlet Trust. This is a varied, hands-on role covering all aspects of financial management, including preparing management accounts, budgets, and statutory reports, and liaising with auditors and external stakeholders such as fund managers, pension providers, and banks. You will also manage the accounting system and CRM development, and support project work such as systems and process improvements.

The role also includes responsibility for tax and compliance returns to HMRC, Companies House, and the Charity Commission. You will act as secretary for quarterly Finance Committee meetings and bi-annual Audit & Risk Committee meetings, as well as attend other committees to report and advise on financial matters.

The Person

You will be an experienced finance professional with strong technical skills and attention to detail. Ideally, you will have:

• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Previous experience in a broad role
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

• A collaborative approach as a team player

What’s in it for You

You will work with a collaborative and supportive team and within an organisation with a fascinating history which you will be surrounded by in their beautiful building. As well as that, Armourers offer a very competitive range of benefits.

• Salary: £39,000 per annum (pro rata for 3 days/week; £65,000 FTE)
• Hours: 21 hours per week, typically across 3 days (Mon–Thu)
• Location: Armourers’ Hall, City of London
• Benefits:
  • Discretionary annual bonus
  • Generous holiday entitlement (15 days + public holidays, plus 2 weeks paid Christmas closure)
  • Pension contribution of 15% after one year
  • Health cash plan from day one

What to Do Now

If you are ready to bring your finance expertise to a unique and historic organisation, contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays who is managing the recruitment for this role.

Working hours: This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with the opportunity for hybrid working and flexible working. Attendance in person will be required at the Diocesan Office or venues within the Diocese for relevant committee meetings.

Part-time working may be considered for an exceptional candidate, with a minimum of 28 HPW (0.8 WTE).

Salary: £42,000- £46,000 per annum, subject to qualifications and experience.

Benefits: We offer a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working, 11% non-contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday rising to 29 after five years’ service.

ROLE DUTIES

• Act as the primary governance support for the COO, ensuring all governance activities align with strategic priorities.
• Lead and manage the administration of the Finance Executive, Audit & Risk Committee, and Property Committee
• Support the COO, Diocesan Secretary and Head of Service Delivery in managing risk processes, including risk registers and compliance reporting.
• Prepare governance and Committee reports and relevant dashboards for the COO, CEO and senior leadership, including the Management Team and Bishops Leadership Team.
• Acting as a liaison between governance bodies and internal/external stakeholders.

CRITERIA

• Degree or equivalent level of relevant experience in governance, business administration, or a related field.
• Relevant and substantial experience in committee administration and governance support.
• Experience of working with and familiarity with regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Experience of working with, alongside a strong understanding of governance principles and compliance frameworks

For more information  please see the job description, and to apply please visit the Chelmsford Diocese website to complete a application form.

Closing Date: Midday Thursday 12th February

Interview Date: Tuesday 24 February

We reserve the right to invite candidates for preliminary interviews.

Please be advised we reserve the right to close the role early and we cannot consider candidates who do not complete and return a completed application form.

Please refer to the CDBF Privacy Policy found on the Chelmsford Diocesan website for guidance on how we will process your data.

Nb: This piece of recruitment is rolling and may close at any time.

In recent years OTR has seen a significant increase in demand for our youth mental health services and we now reach over 17,000 young people each year. We are seeking a Head of Finance to oversee our (circa) £3m annual budget and to ensure that our finance operation is efficient and effective. This role will lead OTR’s finance function and, as well as having responsibility for day-to-day financial processes, will be a key member of the organisation’s senior leadership team (SLT). The role will involve providing financial insight to the SLT and Board of Trustees to improve understanding and inform strategic decision making. Examples of this will include analysing the financial performance of different activities of the organisation and preparing budget and forecast information. 

We are looking for an individual with demonstrable experience in a finance management role which includes a strategic focus, preferably in the voluntary sector. The successful candidate will be a flexible and meticulous individual who is able to present complex information to a range of audiences. Equally important is a strong personal interest in and commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

To find out more about the role please download the job pack. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please email the main contact as listed in the job pack

To apply for this role click the 'Apply now' button

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a team that reflects the diversity of the people we work with

Safeguarding:

OTR is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, trustees, and volunteers to share this commitment.

As part of our Safer Recruitment practices, all roles involving contact with young people will be subject to robust pre-employment checks, including references, a full employment history, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Where applicable, overseas criminal record checks will also be required.

We are dedicated to creating a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability. Our safeguarding procedures are guided by the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount, and all staff are required to adhere to OTR’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. 

OTR & Benefits:

OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people. The charity is at an exciting stage of its 59-year history and is proud to be reaching more young people than ever before (around 17,000) across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset with creative and diverse mental health and wellbeing info and support. 

Our approach to mental health is grounded in a set of beliefs and values that underpin all of our work. We believe in celebrating diversity, empowering and mobilising young people to make change, and that catering to the unique strengths, interests and circumstances surrounding young people is key. Our approach centres on collaboration and partnership, building relationships between individuals, peers and communities. 

Each day is as engaging and fulfilling as the last, and with a network of supportive, community minded people, we hope you’ll feel welcome here. As a thank you, we like to compensate our employees for the important work they do with a range of benefits including a flexible leave policy, healthcare cost and wellbeing assistance with HealthShield, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced sick pay, parental leave, training and development, social and wellbeing events, and more (subject to contractual terms and conditions). 

A Willingness to Work with Difference 

At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all but we do not claim to be experts in this. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey. 

OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly. 

We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary, in order to improve access and equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR.

About Spinal Research

Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life-changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century: curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved.

Role

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Office Manager who will report to the Head of Strategy & Operations, and be responsible for health & safety, and HR for the organisation. This exciting role will also ensure the smooth running of the office space, support staff wellbeing and team culture, and assist the CEO and Trustees as Secretary to the Borad.

Key Responsibilities

Office Management

• Develop and implement office policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, and Health & Safety requirements.
• Serve as the main contact for the office’s building management, and keep staff updated about the premises as needed.
• Maintain and organise the office space and storage unit.
• Provide general administrative support as needed.

Health & Safety

• Act as the Health & Safety Officer for the organisation.
• Collaborate with external consultants to ensure compliance with current legislation, and annual Health & Safety assessments.
• Keep team members informed about office safety, First Aiders, and Fire Wardens; maintain up-to-date records on SharePoint and in the office.
• Attend relevant training to stay current with new legislation.

Human Resources

• Serve as the first point of contact for staff HR matters; including annual leave, sickness, contract changes, and updates to the staff handbook.
• Work with the charity’s external consultant and legal advisors to resolve HR issues.
• Support recruitment by posting job openings, scheduling interviews, and managing candidate communications.
• Maintain accurate employee records.
• Manage onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring payroll and benefits information is correctly shared.
• Review and recommend employee benefits based on changing team needs.
• Manage the in-house learning portal and ensure all staff training is current and relevant.

Company Secretarial Duties

• Act as Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
• Manage correspondence with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Ensure timely submission of required documents and accurate record-keeping on SharePoint.
• Coordinate and schedule Trustee meetings, ensuring all documentation is completed ahead of deadlines.

Skills & Experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with attention to detail.
• Proven experience as an Office Manager or in a similar administrative role.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), SharePoint, and other relevant software.
• Solid understanding of HR processes and Health & Safety regulations.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to solve problems and make decisions independently.
• Willingness to work occasional additional hours as required.

Benefits

• 4 day working week
• Five weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Flexible working hours, with core hours between 10am–4pm.
• Hybrid remote working (minimum one day per week in the office, on Borough High Street).
• Private health insurance cash plan.
• 8% pension plan.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Onsite gym.