Job Description The Company Secretary is a senior governance leader, responsible for ensuring that the organisation operates to the highest standards of corporate governance, compliance, and transparency. The postholder provides authoritative corporate governance advice to the Chair Board, supports effective decision-making, and leads the development of corporate governance culture and frameworks across the organisation. The role operates at a strategic level and represents it in matters of governance and regulatory engagement. You will be an Officer of the Company under the Companies Act, appointed by the Board and personally accountable for ensuring statutory compliance with all relevant Company laws and regulations. Accountability 1: Governance and Compliance Framework Develop and lead complex and/or cross-company corporate governance initiatives and special projects that are critical to the business on behalf of the Executive team. Brief the Executive Directors on key issues and emerging problems, anticipating areas of scrutiny, highlighting issues and potential solutions to enable effective outcomes. Accountability for the design, development and continuous improvement of the organisation’s corporate governance and compliance framework, ensuring alignment with statutory, regulatory and industry standards (e.g., Companies Act, UK Government corporate governance codes, sector regulators). Identify and address training and development needs of board members and staff on governance, compliance, and ethical considerations. Provide expert and strategic advice on governance matters to the Board, Non-Executive Directors, CEO, and Executive team. Ensure compliance with governance codes, company law, Articles of Association, and HMG governance requirements. Provide regular governance updates to the UKIFS Board and interpret and apply complex legislation, policy and regulatory changes, advising the Board and senior leadership on their implications for the organisation’s strategic direction. Responsibility for governance content for annual reports, quarterly board reports, regulatory filings, and communicating and effectively managing emerging governance issues. Drive strategic improvements across the UKIFS corporate governance framework, to enable the organisation to fulfil its mission and operate efficiently and effectively. Develop, implement, monitor, and continuously review UKIFS corporate governance policies and frameworks to align with best practice and regulatory standards. Act as the senior point of approval for corporate governance processes and compliance reporting. Promote a culture of integrity, openness and accountability throughout the business to ensure effective corporate governance and compliance across the business. Accountability 2: Board and Committee Operations Serve as principal governance adviser to the UKIFS Chair, the Board and its sub-committees, ensuring the highest standards of corporate conduct and effective decision-making. Act as lead support for the Chair in the effective functioning of the Board of Directors; ensuring systems are in place for the active management of the Board Agenda. Maintain the Board governance framework and Board/Committee terms of reference. Oversee the planning, management and delivery of all Board and its sub-Committee operations, including the annual governance cycle, agenda setting, forward planning, and assurance reporting. Manage board evaluations, onboarding and development for directors, and succession planning for trustees and non-executives. Budget management for board costs. Ensure that Board and Committee papers, minutes and actions meet the required quality and regulatory standards, providing critical oversight and sign-off. Accountability 3: Advisory, Liaison and Governance Culture Collaborate with senior management in the development and review of corporate policies and procedures. Act as trusted adviser to the Board, Chief Executive and Executive Team on corporate governance, ethics, and regulatory compliance matters. Influence and shape organisational culture to embed governance principles across all business areas. Lead engagement with regulators, auditors, professional advisers, and shareholders to represent the organisation’s corporate governance position externally. Participate in and contribute to external forums, networks, and industry groups, sharing best practice and ensuring the organisation maintains a leadership position in governance standards. Coach and develop UKIFS senior management to improve corporate governance awareness and capability. Provide independent, impartial guidance to the Chair, Board, executives, and committees on corporate governance issues, conflicts of interest, legal liabilities, and process best practices in order to support the Company’s decision-making processes. Establish a wide-ranging network within the organisation to ensure an effective information flow to and from the Directorate. Establish and develop a strategic network outside UKIFS linking to relevant stakeholders. Accountability 4: Record keeping and Reporting Oversee the integrity of statutory records, filings, and disclosures, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance at all times. Ensure accurate and timely production of governance and compliance reports to the Board, Committees, regulators and shareholders. Direct and quality-assure all statutory filings (Companies House, regulatory submissions, annual reports etc), ensuring the organisation’s external record is complete and compliant. Lead governance reporting processes, defining measurable outcomes, monitoring performance, and implementing improvements in data quality and transparency. Accountability 5: Embody a Leadership Mindset Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours. You embrace and embody our organisation's culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work. Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values. Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork. Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organisation's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour. Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals