Trustee NED as Company Secretary (Ref: NJR/DS199i)

Position Description

The Opportunity: Trustee NED as Company Secretary

We have been retained to lead the search for Trustees (Non-Executive Directors) on behalf of this successful, innovative and vibrant Not for Profit organisation – supporting them to continue helping people with a drug or alcohol problem on the road to recovery.

A national Drug (and Alcohol) Strategy was developed based on the report produced by Dame Carol Black (last updated 29 April 2022). If this cause resonates with you and you can spare some time to make a difference you could play an important role and help to strengthen the existing Board.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint the key role of Company Secretary (a part-time, Pro-Bono, Trustee / NED appointment) for the Charity. Indicatively the role holder will fulfil the functions of a Company Secretary; able to steer the Board on matters such as the articles of association, statutory duties, responsibilities and compliance.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Advising the Board on their duties, and ensuring that compliance with corporate legislation and the Articles of Association
• Ensuring the charity complies with its governing document (Articles of Association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring the required registers are maintained
• Ensuring the required annual returns are filed at Companies House and the Charity Commission
• Notifying the meeting whether a quorum is present or not
• Sitting on sub-groups or task and finish groups as required
• Additionally, if appropriate, our client would be interested to consider what technology solutions might benefit the role and Board with regards for example to Minute-taking and recording so that emphasis can also be on participation

Time Commitment

• Quarterly Board meetings
• Communication with other Board members and executives outside formal meetings
• Estimated time commitment between 5 and 10 days per annum

Compensation

This is a pro-bono appointment, although expenses incurred when carrying out the duties of a Trustee will be reimbursed.

Selection Criteria

About You

To be considered you will:

• Have previous Company Secretary experience (though being a current or past Member of the ICSA is not a pre-requisite if you’ve fulfilled the role before and have the relevant knowledge)
• Likely have a professional qualification (if not as a Company Secretary) such as a lawyer with experience of corporate, legal or charity compliance
• Live within or very near the Yorkshire and Humber region served by the charity (ideally within an hour or so of Hull, where quarterly Board meetings take place)
• Be a strategic and creative thinker with a curiosity for new areas or subjects
• Have a team-oriented approach to problem-solving; be collegiate, a good listener, and comfortable participating in discussion but always open to the views of others
• Be emotionally intelligent and an excellent communicator
• Not need previous Non-Executive Director or Trustee experience but aspire to such a role and be keen to utilise your knowledge and experience in a non-executive capacity; we will of course welcome experienced Trustees / NEDs too
• Subscribe comfortably to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership