Assistant Company Secretary London, England
Job description
The Corporate Governance & Secretariat function (CG&S) serves as principal advisor to boards of directors on corporate governance matters with the provision of end-to-end corporate governance advice, and leads and implements a world-class corporate governance practice throughout the Group. The CG&S function consists of c.250 FTE across 25 countries. It is led globally by the Group Company Secretary & Chief Governance Officer who reports directly to the Group Chairman.
The role holder will be accountable for supporting the provision of world class end to end corporate governance and secretarial services, including supporting the Global Head of FAR, and Deputy Group Secretary and their respective teams, in their support of relevant Board, Board Committees and Executive committees, and general company secretarial services, as required.
This will include support on all governance activities, including, but not limited to:
- delivery of an efficient company secretarial and governance advisory service for Boards and committees;
- support and management of meetings through planning, drafting of agendas, paper collation, distribution and follow up actions;
- liaising with stakeholders in the Functions and across the Businesses as required to ensure timely delivery of responsibilities;
- researching and drafting of papers, including responding to information requests and regulatory responses;
- planning, scheduling, drafting and review of relevant materials submitted to governance forums;
- supporting general governance advisory activities for the teams’ own activities, including researching, analysing and reporting on matters as required;
- assisting with director induction, onboarding, and ongoing vetting and general liaison and support;
- supporting delivery of governance responsibilities relating to the subsidiary accountability framework and associated policies, including ad hoc projects;
- Company filings, Powers of Attorney, listing requirements, and supporting matters of statutory and regulatory compliance;
- supporting on all corporate governance and company secretarial related policy matters e.g. the UK Corporate Governance Code, SMCR regime and other corporate governance codes and principles;
- assistance in organising agendas, logistics, preparations, and content for director off sites, AGM, and other functional events in conjunction with relevant members of the wider CG&S function; covering for other members of CG&S during their absence or otherwise, as required, to be responsive to requirements of the team.
- Qualified company secretary or lawyer with corporate governance experience in a high quality, large and complex organisation.
- Previous experience of acting as Secretary to a committee or in support of a large UK plc or complex organisation and the ability to advise on complex governance requirements/boardroom best practices.
- UK/European regulatory and legislative experience/awareness is desirable.
- Strong understanding of legal entity corporate governance obligations.
- Financial services experience is desirable but not essential.
- Proven communication skills.
- Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Excellent analysis, design and problem solving skills.
- Able to deal with conflicting views and where necessary, succinctly escalate to senior management
- Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, complex matrix environment and multiple stakeholders.
- Ability to look at the bigger picture as well as have a keen eye for detail.
HSBC is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all. We will provide reasonable adjustments to remove any disadvantage to you being considered for this role. We are proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme, and will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you
