The Company
We're a housing association that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We're a values-driven organisation, with a clear vision, a social purpose and a commitment to investing in people, place and property. We believe everyone has the right to live in a good quality home they can afford and invest millions of pounds every year in keeping our existing homes safe, secure, and compliant.
We're also playing our part in addressing the UK housing crisis locally, by building hundreds of new, modern and contemporary homes for rent in Sunderland - homes that meet the needs of local people. Not only do we provide vital housing - we support our tenants, residents and communities by investing in services that help people live their best possible life.
This includes helping people to work, victims of domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour, young people to live independently, as well as a wellbeing service that supports our elderly tenants and residents.
About the role:
Gentoo is a values-led, charitable organisation that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We have a clear vision and a social purpose. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a good quality home that they can afford. Due to an internal promotion, we are pleased to be recruiting a Governance Assistant to join our Governance team. The team is part of our Regulatory and Business Services directorate, based at our Doxford Park, Sunderland head office, where you will be responsible for supporting the team to help deliver a first-class governance and regulatory compliance function. In the role of Governance Assistant, you will respond to a wide range of queries from Board Members and Executive Directors, as well as provide administrative support to the wider team, delivering outstanding customer service at all times. This is an opportunity for someone looking to further develop their existing skills and experience within a governance and regulatory compliance environment. Experience in a governance or regulatory environment is preferable, however, what is more important is a willingness to learn and a flexible, ‘can do’ attitude. It is essential you can demonstrate strong organisation and administrative skills including effective minute-taking, possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to quickly build rapport with customers, both internal and external. You will have excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively plan your workload and be flexible to meet targets and deadlines. The role is subject to a basic DBS paid for by Gentoo. Key responsibilities will include the following, a full job description is available to view at • Produce accurate and timely minutes at Board and Committee level. • Prepare Board and Committee agendas and take responsibility for compiling and distributing Board papers. • Have an understanding of the Group’s Code of Governance, rules and processes to represent the function at a variety of Board and Committee meetings. • Provide high-level administrative support to support the Group’s arrangements for governance and regulatory compliance. • Maintain and manage Board and Committee schedules of business throughout the year. • Provide management information on Board/Committee activities as required. • Assist in the organisation and administration of Board and Committee and other governance meetings. • Provide administration support for Board/Committee Members as required e.g. expenses, travel etc.
What we are looking for:
• Substantial demonstrable experience in high-level administration including: o Excellent literacy skills o Excellent interpersonal and communication skills o Excellent organisational skills being able to prioritise tasks effectively and accurately in a fast-paced environment. o Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft 365. o Proven ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion at all times. • Collaborative with an ability to work alongside key stakeholders both internal and external. • Self-motivated and able to act on own initiative. • Ability to interpret and apply governance policy and processes. • Willingness to undertake ongoing personal development and training and qualifications if necessary. Desirable: • Experience of minute-taking at Board level • Experience of working in a regulatory environment Some of our great benefits include: 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year. 12.30 pm finish on a Fridays Flexible and hybrid working. Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover. Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan. Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution. Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme Enhanced family-friendly leave Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes. Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
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Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .