General secretary jobs in manchester
We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Governance & Business Administration to play a pivotal role in ensuring our organisation runs with integrity, transparency, and impact. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how one of the UK’s most ambitious cultural organisations operates as we grow and evolve.
In this role, you’ll lead on governance, risk management, and compliance, acting as Company Secretary and Data Protection Officer. You’ll oversee business planning and reporting, legal and insurance matters, procurement, and organisational policies – ensuring everything we do meets the highest standards.
You’ll work closely with our Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team, building strong relationships and driving change that supports our vision for equality, inclusion, and sustainability.
JOB SUMMARY
To ensure that efficient governance, operational systems and controls are in place to manage Factory International’s Governance and Business Administration function.
This includes governance and acting as Company secretariat, data protection and acting as Data Protection Officer, accountable for Business Plan Reporting, internal communication, oversight of Legal & Compliance, Risk Management, Insurance, Policies & Procedures and Procurement
The key responsibilities for the Head of Governance & Business Administration include;
Governance & Risk
- Ensure robust governance frameworks and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
- Coordinate Board and Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and distribution of papers
- Maintain statutory registers and ensure timely filing of returns and documents with regulatory bodies
- Support FI Executive and Board in proactively managing risk, and accurately reflecting via the Company Risk register, working closely with Directors to ensure quarterly updates are shared with the Executive Leadership and Board of Trustees (including relevant sub-committees)
- Maintain consistency and compliance for all internal communication channels
Business Planning & Reporting
- Act as the organisational lead for Business Plan Reporting, ensuring alignment across all key grant funding agreements and business plan KPIs
- Oversee the annual cycle of statutory reporting to both public sector funders and trustees including all ad-hoc reporting requests across the business
- Attend key external stakeholder meetings with the Executive Director (e.g. MCC, ACE, GMCA) relating to reporting against grant agreements etc
- Work closely with key Directors, Commercial Leads (including the Trusts & Foundations Manager) on funding bids ensuring that commitments are consistent with our agreed internal Business Plan targets and objectives
Legal, Insurance, Data Protection & Compliance
- Ensure legislative and regulatory compliance in all systems and procedures around business administration
- Acting as lead organisational contact and budget holder for external legal support ensuring consistent processes are followed and value for money is achieved to meet the strategic needs of the business
- Ensure adequate data protection in place, devise and implement any additional process and/or training, and act as DPO, accessing external advice as appropriate
- Where required, support the achievement of essential consents such as Planning, Licence variations, Building Control, etc
- Manage the relationship with FI’s insurance broker, working with the Executive Director and Finance Director to ensure appropriate cover and regularly review policies. Overseeing the appropriate claiming of all losses
Procurement
- Acting as lead organisational contact for all Procurement Activity – working closely with the Executive Director to ensure consistent processes are followed and value for money is achieved to meet the strategic needs of the business
- Maintain oversight of the register of planned Procurement as well as responding to un-planned procurement requirements – working closely with relevant Directors and Executives
Policies & Procedures
- Overall responsibility for control and oversight of the organisation’s suite of policies and procedures, including requests for new procedures
- Ensure that key policies are updated by business owners and renewed as per the agreed schedule – ensuring a consistency of tone, content and that relevant checks/approvals have been managed at the appropriate level (Exec, Trustees etc)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). We are working towards a brighter future for everyone with cystic fibrosis by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.
Our team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and Trustees work alongside people affected by cystic fibrosis to fund life-changing research, promote world-class clinical care, and provide information, advice and support and our work relies on the generous donations of our supporters.
About the role
As Director of Finance and Resources and with an oversight of a £15m budget, we are looking for a strong, corporate business leader operating at a senior level to help take Cystic Fibrosis Trust forward on our exciting journey towards a life unlimited by cystic fibrosis and optimising our finance and resources to deliver maximum impact for people with cystic fibrosis.
You will lead and develop a high performing multidisciplinary team of Heads including Finance, IT, Facilities, People and Organisation Development, Strategy and Business Intelligence, Company Secretariat functions as well as work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Board of Trustees and other internal and external stakeholders. Please note this is a UK based role.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Financial leadership of the Trust’s financial management strategy and statutory reporting and audit processes as well as reporting to our Boards and Committees.
- Digital and information systems: Lead IT and Digital development and implementation strategies, including delivery of the new CRM replacement going live in 2026 (MS Dynamics).
- People and Organisation Development: Lead best practice in our people management strategies, policies and practices as well as championing diversity and inclusion and staff learning and development.
- Business planning: Support organisational business planning and strategy development working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and our other internal and external stakeholders including people with cystic fibrosis.
- Facilities: Ensure our working environment and facilities support the delivery of our objectives in a cost effective and supportive way.
- Compliance and Governance: Be Company Secretary, ensuring appropriate governance systems and controls are in place and for reporting to relevant statutory bodies. Be responsible for our Data and ensuring compliance with GDPR, have oversight of Safeguarding and oversee complaints management and employment law compliance.
To be the right person for this role, the requirements you will need to meet include:
- To be a qualified accountant (CCAB recognised or equivalent) with minimum five years post‑qualification experience and ongoing CPD.
- Successful experience in a business leadership role to operate at a Director/Board level and as a senior leadership team member.
- Experience of developing effective short and long term business and financial strategies.
- Managing complex budgets, financial modelling and projections.
- Experience of directing, leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Experience of working successfully in a changing organisation where flexibility, agility and adaptability are essential.
- In-depth and up to date knowledge of best practice financial management and reporting under the Charity SORP and charity governance practices.
- In-depth and up to date knowledge of best practice HR/people management, knowledge of employment law and Data Protection regulations.
- Strong understanding of IT systems management and development and the ability to champion the use of digital solutions.
- Understanding and commitment to diversity and inclusion and our charitable cause, mission and values.
- Highly numerate with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to travel for work and/or work occasional unsocial hours if required.
Please note that this role will require a satisfactory DBS check before joining us and we will arrange the DBS check for the successful candidate.
You will also need to have the Right to Work in the UK before joining us and we will check this. We do not hold a Home Office Sponsorship Licence and therefore cannot offer visa sponsorship for any of our roles.
If this sounds like the right role for you and if you think you would fit well within a passionate, friendly and high-performing and highly supportive team, please get in touch!
Closing date and interview date
Closing date for completed applications is midnight Monday 12 January 2026.
Interviews expected Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 January 2026.
Please note we reserve the right to bring forward or extend the closing date if necessary. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.
No agencies please.
How to apply:
For more details about the job and requirements, please visit our website or use the application button provided.
Our commitment to an inclusive workplace
Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, can be themselves and achieve their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; particularly people who have cystic fibrosis, people who identify as being from an ethnic minority group, as LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities.
It is our policy not to discriminate against any person because of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability (physical and mental), race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation or union membership.
Benefits: Benefits include flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus recognised bank holidays (pro-rata if part time), contributory pension scheme, healthcare cash plan covering dental, optical, 24/7 GP service, and an employee assistance programme.
REF-225 504
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position: Administrator
Location: Home-based with regular travel required to Dorking and London, 1/2 times a month. Must live within 45 minutes from Dorking.
Hours: Part-time, 25 hours per week worked over 5 days
Contract: Self-employed basis
Salary: around £19,500 per annum - subject to experience
Closing date: Friday 12th December
About the role
Next year, Kids for Kids celebrates its 25th anniversary, and we’re preparing for a very special year ahead. This is a unique opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment – to help run our major anniversary celebrations, raise awareness of everything we’ve achieved over the past quarter of a century, and play a vital part in shaping the future of our charity.
For 25 years, Kids for Kids has been transforming the lives of children in Darfur, Sudan – bringing hope, security and sustainable futures to families living through unimaginable hardship as conflict and famine continue to threaten lives.
We are now looking for an enthusiastic, highly organised Administrator to join our small but dynamic team. This is an exciting, hands-on role where you’ll take responsibility for the smooth running of our office and work closely with our Founder and CEO, as well as our Deputy CEO.
We’re a close-knit team with a strong sense of purpose, a culture of hard work, and a shared belief in going the extra mile for the children we support. This is more than just an administrative role – it’s a chance to make a real difference, to be proud of the impact you help create, and to be part of the new face of Kids for Kids as we step into our next 25 years.
About You:
We are looking for someone who has a can-do attitude, is hardworking, efficient, has excellent attention to detail, can work in a fast-paced environment and is good at managing their own time. You will bring with you the following skills and experience:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Previous Executive Level PA experience or hands-on administrative experience
- Experienced, self-motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated, with initiative and the ability to work as part of a small administrative team
- Reliable and responsible
- Excellent attention to detail where accuracy is essential
- Excellent IT skills with extensive experience of Zoom, Teams and Microsoft Office including MS Excel – ability to use spreadsheets, input basic formulae and remove duplications. Experience of Donorfy is a bonus.
- Excellent research skills
In return:
Kids for Kids is invested in their employees and offers the following benefits:
- Flexible and supportive work environment
- Flexible working
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
How to apply:
Please provide a CV and a cover letter setting out how you fulfil the requirements and your suitability for the position.
Deadline to apply is 12th December. We are looking for the successful candidate to start at the beginning of January 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply early.
Other roles you may have experience in could include:
Office Manager, Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Receptionist, Personal Assistant, Secretary, Data Entry Clerk, Office Administrator, Administrative Coordinator, Administrative Analyst, Administrative Business Partner, Customer Service Representative, Clerical Specialist, Records Manager, Executive Administrator, Events Administrator, Events Assistant.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We bring sustainable solutions to Darfur’s villages, ending child poverty and transforming futures
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.