Overview
Afrikindness is seeking a professional to join our Board of Trustees as Legal Secretary. The Secretary will ensure that Afrikindness runs efficiently through governance & compliance.
What difference will you make?
As Board Secretary, you will hold a key leadership position. Your impact will be central to ensuring Afrikindness' effective governance, compliance, and operational excellence. You will carry responsibility under the Charity Commission guidance for accurate preparation, maintenance, and submission of statutory documents, including minutes, agendas, registers, and resolutions, ensuring the Board operates transparently and meets its legal obligations. Additionally, you will act as a secondary policy and procedure owner and drafter, working directly with legal advisors to shape the organisational framework and governance standards at the heart of Afrikindness. You will work closely with the Chair of the Board and the CEO to manage the organisation’s administrative framework, coordinate board meetings, maintain clear and accessible records, and serve as custodian of our governance processes. This role will embed professionalism, accountability, and good governance across the organisation, enabling our executive board members to focus on delivering events, campaigns, and services for the diverse communities. Your impact will support children and young people enabling them to thrive.
What are we looking for?
To ensure that the Charity meets its legal and statutory responsibilities as a charity, employer, and provider of services. To ensure the charity is run in line with established policies and procedures and that it complies with the requirements of the Governing Document and relevant Charity law. Oversee the arrangement and administration of Board meetings, any sub- committees, in line with legal, regulatory requirements and in accordance with the Governing Document. Be informed about legal, statutory, and regulatory matters that are relevant and ensuring all the Charities systems and activities adhere to them. Work with the CEO and the Chair to ensure that all legal documentation is registered in line with regulatory requirements for example Companies House and the Charities Commission. Advise and guide the Board of any legal and regulatory implications of the charities strategic plan. Act as custodian of the Governing Document.
Essential Criteria
* Fluent in English (written and spoken).
* Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in an administrative role, with a focus on governance and supporting Board of Directors or senior leadership teams.
* Policy & procedure writing experience.
* Good understanding of governance structures, legal requirements, and board operations in the non-profit or community sector.
* Experience in managing and maintaining accurate records, meeting minutes, and correspondence.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing formal reports, minutes, and correspondence for Board members.
* Commitment to confidentiality, with the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
* High ethical standards and integrity in dealing with governance and administrative matters.
Desirable
* Previous experience serving as a company secretary, board officer, or in a governance or compliance role.
* Understanding of the legal and regulatory framework for charities.
* Experience supporting or developing policies, internal procedures, or organisational systems.
* Strong written communication skills, with experience preparing formal documents or board papers.
* Use of Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
What will you be doing?
The role of the Legal Secretary is to ensure that the governance and supporting systems of Afrikindness are kept in order. The Secretary will lead on all aspects of the charity's adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, including submission of documentation to the appropriate body. The secretary will be a board member and present/explain any requirements to other trustees, to aid the Board’s understanding and jointly make decisions about changes to the charity's governance matters. This key role supports operations, manages board records, coordinates meetings, and oversees the Trustee board admin functions.
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