We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
Portsmouth Water is seeking an exceptional Deputy Company Secretary to play a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and professional secretariat support across the organisation. In this influential position, you will help ensure the Company meets its regulatory and legislative requirements, whilst contributing to a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
As Deputy Company Secretary, you will act as a trusted adviser and confidently deputise for the Company Secretary when required. You will serve as an ambassador for Portsmouth Water, supporting the smooth operation of Board and Committee activities, and helping the organisation navigate evolving business priorities with clarity and professionalism.
What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities
Statutory duties: such as ensuring timely filings at Companies House, statutory registers for Portsmouth Water Limited and subsidiary entities, and maintaining the group loan note and debenture interest registers and interest payments.
Regulatory compliance and governance: such as monitoring changes in company law, regulation and legislation; assisting with the annual review of Committee terms of reference and corporate policies; maintaining registers such Gifts, Entertainment and Hospitality; and supporting the Company Secretary in managing the Board Assurance Framework, including identifying and recording key sources of assurance.
Meeting administration: providing administration and minute taking support.
Risk Management: support with the maintenance of the governance and principal risks registers, data reviews and cleansing of risks and controls, and supporting the business with queries and training.
Company insurances: support the Company Secretary in the company’s insurance programme and annual policy renewal, and leading the Secretarial team with insurance and claims queries.
Policy development: support the development and implementation of corporate policies, compliance programmes, and procedures that align with legal and regulatory obligations, and support the annual review of governance policies across the business.
Stakeholder engagement: provide ad-hoc support to the Data Protection and Internal Audit teams, and assist in the preparation of reports for management on corporate and compliance matters.
What do you need?
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
Demonstrable experience from within a senior assistant or deputy company secretarial position
Working knowledge of Companies Act 2006 and UK Corporate Governance Code
Experience of dealing and interacting with a range of internal and external senior stakeholders
Completed ICSA or CGIUKI qualification/membership or equivalent
Strong minute taking and action tracking skills
High attention to detail and accuracy of information
Proven communication skills at all levels of stakeholder engagement
A flexible collaborative approach with ability to prioritise tasks and manage conflicting deadlines
Competent in utilising Microsoft suite (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint)
If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.
