Sophie Hayes Foundation is a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK
We are looking for a committed individual passionate about organisational governance, to join us as Company Secretary
Experience and expertise required for the role:
* An individual with a strong understanding of UK governance and a good grasp of what the role of a Company Secretary involves.
* An understanding of the charitable and voluntary sector - and its governance will be an advantage, but our aim is to find an individual who is willing to gain an understanding of the relevant charity and company regulations and apply their skills as a Company Secretary.
* Excellent written skills with an eye for detail
As well as these specialist skills, we are seeking independent thinkers and team players who support our mission, are aligned to our values, and able to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
The Board of Trustees is composed of people with wide-ranging levels of experience, thinking and backgrounds to ensure that we have the skills, expertise and diversity of thought and perspective to draw upon in our governance and decision-making roles.
You will need to have the time to contribute to the charity, by attending Board meetings (6 per year for 2 – 3 hours), and support Committee Chairs and Board officers, work and support our small but mighty management team. The term is for three years and is renewable for one additional period of three years.
Responsibilities:
As Company Secretary your responsibilities are to:
* Work with the Chair to ensure the Board of Trustees complies with the relevant charity and company regulations
* Liaise with the Chair to plan, arrange and produce meeting agenda
* Take concise and relevant minutes of meetings and subgroup meetings (as appropriate) sending them to the board in a timely manner
* Deal with official board correspondence
* Ensure that Company Law, Charity Law and regulatory requirements of reporting and public accountability are complied with Sustainable freedom from modern slavery
* Attend and contribute to Board meetings
* Review and comment on Board papers
* Remain informed about Sophie Hayes Foundation’s activities and wider issues which affect its work
Safeguarding responsibilities include:
* A Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is in place. It is reviewed as least annually and is available to and understood/applied by staff.
* Ensure a culture of safeguarding is promoted, whereby staff and service users can raise concerns and feel supported
* There is a staff Code of Conduct and policies such as Whistleblowing and Safer Recruitment
* Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively; there are systems in place for its management; safeguarding resources including training; a DSL is appointed whose role is stated in their job description.
* They receive regular feedback on safeguarding activity (such as gaps, threats, risks), oversee a risk register and the remedial actions required and the track progress
* Chair of Trustees undertakes enquiries in the event of an allegation being made against the CEO
* Compliance with the Charity Commission serious incident notification requirements, and other bodies such as regulators, commissioners, grant makers, insurance companies
Personal qualities we are looking for include:
* Integrity
* A commitment to the organisation and its objectives
* An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
* A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee • Strategic vision
* Organised and methodical
* An ability to think creatively with good, independent judgment
* An ability to work effectively as a member of a team yet be willing to speak your mind
* A commitment to abide by the code of conduct Sustainable freedom from modern slavery
* A sense of humour helps!
Trustees: It is possible for the Company Secretary to be appointed without taking on the full responsibilities of a Trustee (open for discussion with the applicant).
If, however, the CoSec is also a Trustee, it should be noted that the role and responsibilities of Trustees are governed by charity law, as follows:
* Ensure that the Foundation complies with its governing document, charity law, and other relevant legislation or regulations
* Ensure that the Foundation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents
* Ensure that the Foundation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
* Contribute to the Board on strategic direction, help to set overall policy, define goals, set targets, and evaluate performance against agreed targets
* Safeguard and promote the reputation and values of the organisation
* Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
Time Commitment Term
* 3 Years Board Meetings
* 6 Board of Trustee meetings per year (usually held on weekday evenings, after close of business), plus preparation and reading of documentation.
* Committees - Attendance at key committee meetings (2-6 per year) Other
* Attendance at major Sophie Hayes Foundation events (1-2 pa) plus possible ad hoc stakeholder meetings.
The Recruitment Process
How To Apply
Please send your application and resumé to: boardrecruitment@sophiehayesfoundation.org and mark Application for Company Secretary or apply via our LinkedIn page.
If you would like more information or to discuss the positions, please contact Trustee and member of the Governance and Nomination Committee, Mamoona Shah – mamoona@sophiehayesfoundation.org.
Potential candidates will be contacted by email and meetings will be scheduled with shortlisted applicants. Please note that due to the volume of applications we expect to receive, we are unable to respond to each applicant individually.
Thank you for your interest in Sophie Hayes Foundation.
For additional information you can download the candidate pack from here https://www.sophiehayesfoundation.org/_files/ugd/86011c_77812026615640b4b819233bd436665f.pdf