Are you passionate about governance and compliance within the charity sector? Do you have the strategic acumen to support an organisation’s highest standards of governance and accountability? If so, we invite you to join our team as the Head of Governance & Company Secretary at Beamish Museum.
As the Head of Governance & Company Secretary, you will lead and oversee our governance arrangements, ensuring our museum remains compliant with legal, and corporate standards while maintaining an effective governance framework.
You’ll work closely with the CEO, Executive Team, and the Board of Trustees, providing expert advice on governance issues, managing Board and committee meetings, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
* Governance: Maintain a comprehensive governance framework, provide guidance to the CEO and Board, and uphold our Articles of Association.
* Board & Committee Management: Oversee agenda planning, circulation of meeting documents, and accurate minute-keeping.
* Company Secretarial Function: Ensure timely submissions to Companies House and the Charity Commission, contributing to the Annual Report.
* Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed of legislative changes, manage compliance policies, and liaise with external legal counsel.
* Trustee Recruitment & Induction: Support the recruitment and induction of new Trustees, ensuring effective development plans.
* Policy Development: Draft and update policies, ensuring alignment with our mission and regulatory requirements.
* Annual General Meeting (AGM): Manage AGM arrangements and oversee the Annual Report production.
What we're looking for:
You will be a proactive, organised individual with proven experience in governance or compliance, ideally within the charity sector. Your background should include:
* Strong knowledge of charity governance laws and regulatory requirements.
* Experience supporting Board and committee meetings, including agenda planning and minute-keeping.
* Familiarity with Charity Commission and Companies House compliance.
* Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to communicate complex issues effectively.
* Flexibility: This role requires occasional evening work to support Board and committee meetings.
* Location: Based at Beamish, with hybrid working options.
For further details please see full job description below.
Some of the great benefits of working with us
* Joining a fantastic, friendly team of over 400 staff and 400 volunteers.
* Museum pass, allowing free entry for yourself and three other people.
* Work within a beautiful and unique location a 300-acre site that represents the diverse histories and heritage of the north.
* Discount on catering and retail.
* Free Parking.
* Bike2Work scheme.
* 25 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays) and increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
* 2 wellbeing days for all employees
* Work for a charity in the heritage sector where all profits are reinvested into further developing the museum, its people and reaching our communities.
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
* Staff and volunteer social events throughout the year.
All new appointments are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
We recruit based on aptitude, positive attitude and potential, and work to ensure people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to work within the heritage sector. This is prioritised above academic qualifications and we support non-traditional routes into work. We recognise and value transferable skills and diverse experiences as a form of expertise. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as well as applications from, LGB, Trans and non-binary candidates as underrepresented people within the museum.
Note to applicants: Please try to show in your application how you specifically meet the requirements in the about you section and refer to Our Recruitment Process for further guidance on completing your application form.
Should you have any queries with regards to the role or the recruitment process please do contact us at recruitment@beamish.org.uk or 0191 370 4335