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 Activities

• Provide governance support for the annual report and accounts process for the Group and its subsidiaries, including governance disclosures, Board approvals and related documentation.

Line Management and Team Development

• Provide day-to-day line management, technical support and guidance to junior members of the secretariat team, fostering professional development.
• Support the Company Secretary in managing departmental resources and priorities.

Project Support and Governance Initiatives

• Lead and support governance-related projects affecting the Insurance businesses and wider Group, including restructurings, entity rationalisation, acquisitions and integration activities.
• Drafting resolutions and associated documentation for all governance matters including projects, transactions and general company secretarial changes.
• Support the implementation of governance frameworks, technology solutions and process improvements.
• Contribute to strategic governance reviews and governance enhancement initiatives across the Group.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Significant and recent insurance experience supporting regulated entities and insurance Boards, with a strong understanding of insurance governance and regulatory requirements.
• Relevant degree or equivalent and a fully qualified member of the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI).
• Significant relevant company secretarial experience, ideally gained within a large and complex group structure.
• Demonstrable line management experience in a Company Secretariat function with a passion for leading and developing junior team members
• Proven experience supporting Boards and Committees within regulated environments, including agenda planning, high-quality minute writing, action tracking and Board portal administration.
• Strong understanding of the Companies Act 2006, corporate governance principles and company secretarial best practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise and pragmatic governance advice to a range of stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels, including Board and Executive level.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with a commitment to maintaining high-quality governance standards.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines within a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach and strong judgement.
• Experience of governance framework development, Board and Committee effectiveness reviews, delegated authority frameworks and governance change initiatives.
• Experience supporting M&A transactions, corporate restructurings, entity rationalisation programmes and other strategic governance projects.

Reward & Benefits: What's in it for me?

We want our people to feel recognised, supported and able to thrive both at work and beyond it.

We offer a competitive reward package designed to support your financial, physical and mental wellbeing, alongside opportunities to learn, develop and be recognised for the contribution you make. Benefits vary by role and location, and full details will be shared as part of the application process.

Equal opportunities: Our commitment to inclusion

Collinson Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, and believe that different perspectives make our business stronger.