Job Description
Purpose of the role
The Senior Assistant Company Secretary will support the Company Secretary in delivering effective corporate governance and company secretarial services across the Group, with primary responsibility for the Group’s Insurance businesses and its regulated entities.
Reporting to the Company Secretary, the Senior Assistant will act as the lead company secretarial adviser for the Insurance division, overseeing the delivery of effective governance and secretariat support to its Boards and Committees. The role will ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory and governance requirements, whilst promoting high standards of corporate governance within a complex regulated environment.
In addition to supporting the Insurance division, the Senior Assistant will assist the Company Secretary on wider Group governance matters, strategic initiatives and governance projects.
The Senior Assistant Company Secretary will provide leadership, guidance and line management to junior members of the Governance team and act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders across the Insurance businesses and wider Group.
This role plays a key part in maintaining a strong governance culture across the regulated insurance entities and Group, supporting effective decision-making, regulatory compliance and robust governance arrangements that are aligned with the Group's strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Governance and Compliance
• Act as the lead company secretarial adviser for the Group's Insurance businesses and regulated entities, while supporting the Company Secretary on wider Group governance.
• Provide advice and ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2006, applicable insurance regulatory requirements, regulations and corporate governance codes (e.g., The Wates Principles).
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of governance frameworks and policies for both the Insurance division and wider Group.
• Monitor governance and regulatory developments and advise on their impact.
• Promote effective governance practices across the Group's subsidiaries, supporting directors in understanding their duties and responsibilities.
Board and Committee Support
• Act as the primary governance support for the Insurance Boards and their Committees, ensuring effective operation and compliance with applicable legal, regulatory and governance requirements.
• Manage ownership of end-to-end Board and Committee cycles for the Insurance division and support other Boards and Committees within the Group as required.
• Support the establishment and ongoing development of governance structures, including Terms of Reference, annual work plans, delegated authorities and governance processes.
• Support the establishment and operationalisation of new Boards and Committees.
• Manage written resolutions and approvals outside the formal meeting cycle.
• Advise directors and committee members on governance matters, Board procedures and effective decision-making.
• Support Board effectiveness reviews, director inductions and ongoing director development across both the Insurance division and wider Group.
Stakeholder Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Board members, senior executives, and external advisers across the Insurance businesses and wider Group.
• Working with cross-functional teams including Insurance, Legal, Finance, Controllership, Treasury and Tax to deliver projects.
• Act as a key liaison between Boards and senior management, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
• Act as a primary point of contact with overseas company secretarial providers, ensuring timely coordination, accurate governance support and consistency of standards across all jurisdictions.
• Support the operation and ongoing development of the Group’s Delegation of Authority Framework.
Statutory…