Governance and Executive support coordinator

Background to the role

 In April 2024 we launched an ambitious five-year strategy. At the same time, in acknowledgement of the fact that if we are to deliver for older people we need to change as an organisation, we began a process of internal transformation.

Across the organisation trustees, staff and volunteers are working hard together to lead Age UK East London to become more professional, more collaborative and more sustainable. We are proud of the progress we have made; 95% of staff say they would recommend us as a place to work.

This new role, along with a new Operations Coordinator role, has been created to help us make faster progress towards achieving these transformational goals. We’re looking for someone who is highly resourceful, self-motivated and curious and who can model our values (accountable, kind, flexible, inclusive and collaborative) in the way they work.

Job description

Job Purpose

By providing high quality governance and administrative support you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our organisation. By supporting our Trustees and SMT you will improve our internal accountability and reduce the administrative burden on our senior team; freeing them to focus on organisational development, on building external relationships and pursuing opportunities which align with our strategy.

Key Tasks

 Overseeing our Governance & Administration:

• You will organise and service the Trustee Board and Board Committee meetings, including agendas, minute-taking, follow-ups on actions, ensuring compliance with governing documents and charity law.
• Be the key contact for trustees, including overseeing their recruitment, induction and training.
• Better connect our governance and management processes through improving alignment of our Trustee and management reporting cycles and coordinating meetings and the delivery of Exec reports.  
• Act as company secretary and ensure the Company House and Charity Commission websites are kept up to date.

Supporting our Executive team:

• Manage the CEO's diary, coordinate and prepare for SMT meetings, and monthly whole team meetings, maintain action logs, and provide proactive support in work planning.
• Lead on liaison with, and reports to, Age UK national. This will include coordinating visits and the collection of data.
• Develop and oversee our internal knowledge sharing systems
• Ensure our intranet is up to date and our new SharePoint file structure is maintained.

 General

• To meet regularly with line manager for support, supervision and appraisal.
• To attend team and staff meetings, (and other meetings) as required.
• To undertake any other duties within the competence of the post holder as may be required from time to time for the continued smooth running of Age UK East London.
• To undertake all training required to fulfil the role.
• To carry out the duties of the post in accordance with Age UK’s East London’s policies and procedures including EDI, Health & Safety, Confidentiality, Complaints, GDPR, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children.

 Functional Links

• The role reports to the CE
• Close working relationship is required with the other members of SMT, the Chair of trustees and other members of the board.

Person Specification

Research shows that while middle class white men tend to apply for job when they meet around 60% of the criteria, women, people from the global majority, and people from other marginalised groups that encounter systematic discrimination tend to apply only when they meet all criteria. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don’t meet every single aspect of the job description, please still apply!

Experience

Essential

• Experience providing high-level administrative support to a senior team or a senior leader.
• Experience of minute taking Experience maintaining internal systems such as SharePoint, document storage, or intranet platforms.

Desirable

• Voluntary sector experience.
• Working with a trustee board.
• Experience acting as Company Secretary or supporting governance compliance.
• Experience of recruiting at board level.

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection principles.
• Understanding of EDI and a commitment to working in an anti-racist and non-discriminatory way.
• Knowledge of the structure and roles within a charity, including the role of trustees.

Desirable

• Of charity governance, and business planning processes and accountabilities.
• Knowledge of Company secretary role and responsibilities via training or experience

Skills/Attributes

Essential

• High level IT skills in Microsoft Office .Good understanding of the capabilities and potential of 365
• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage calendars, meetings and documents efficiently
• Verbal & Written Communication: Must be able to communicate clearly, professionally and tactfully with internal and external stakeholders.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Must be able to ensure accuracy in communication, scheduling, and documentation and take accurate minutes.
• Can demonstrate AUKEL values (accountable, kind, flexible, inclusive, collaborative) in the way the service is delivered.
• Commitment to learning and development and reflective practise.

Desirable

• Advanced AI skills

Additional Requirements

• Ideally, we would like the post holder to attend our evening trustee meetings (four a quarter, two online and two in person). This time will be available to be taken back in lieu. However, for the right candidate we can be flexible about this requirement.
• As Age UK East London works with children and vulnerable adults the post holder will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced DBS certificate. A criminal record will not necessarily, but may be, a bar to obtaining a position with the organisation.

Additional Information

• This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and deliverables for the role.
• In addition to the contents of this role description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by line management.
• Should you be successful in this role this job description will not form part of your terms and conditions