Details

Role Overview

The South Downs National Park Trust (the Trust) is the independent charity for the South Downs National Park, supporting projects that protect and enhance this unique landscape, its wildlife, and local communities.

As the Company Secretary, you will be at the heart of ensuring effective governance, supporting the Board of Trustees and sub-committees in fulfilling their legal, regulatory, and strategic responsibilities.

You will oversee compliance with charity law, facilitate board meetings, and provide expert guidance on good governance.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure the Trust complies with charity law, company law (as a company limited by guarantee), and all regulatory requirements.
• Act as the custodian of the Trust’s governing document, advising trustees on its application and ensuring it, along with other key Trust policy documents, remain up to date.
• Ensure timely filing of statutory returns, financial reports, and governance documents with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Maintain statutory registers, legal records, and governance documents, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• Final approval of financial transactions.
• Ensure the good governance of Trustee decisions and their alignment with the Trust’s charitable objectives and public benefit requirements, supporting the Head of the Trust in their implementation.
• Act as a liaison between the Board of Trustees, senior management, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders on governance matters.

Board & Committee Support

• Work closely with the Chair and Head of the Trust to plan, arrange, and produce agendas and supporting documents for Board and committee meetings.
• Ensure that trustee meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) are properly convened, recorded, and conducted in line with legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate minutes of meetings, ensuring decisions, actions, and follow-ups are clearly documented and communicated.
• Support the induction of new trustees and provide ongoing training to ensure they understand their legal responsibilities and governance best practices.
• In liaison with the Chair and Head of the Trust, facilitate board in line with the Charity Governance Code for Larger Charities to support the Board’s effective operation.

Person Specification

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting agendas, reports, and concise meeting minutes.
• Knowledge of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory requirements for charities.
• Experience as a Company Secretary working with boards, committees, and governance structures in a charity or corporate setting.
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with legal obligations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with trustees, executives, and key stakeholders.

Terms of appointment

• The position is not remunerated. Travel and reasonable subsistence expenses will be reimbursed.
• The initial time commitment is expected to be approximately 10 days per annum.
• The position is offered initially for a three-year renewable term.

How to apply

Interested parties should apply sending a CV and covering letter to James Winkworth – james.winkworth@southdownstrust.org.uk