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I am working a Long-standing, and trusted Business Partner. An historic, growing, transforming Insurance provider, who offer a range of provide Health Insurance Protection, Private Medical and Life Insurance.
An organisation that puts is members and people first. A Mutual, with no shareholders who are looking to identify their next Head of Legal and Company secretary. The successful individual would be responsible for Legal, Governance and Nominated ESG Executive.
You might be an existing Head of Legal and co sec or looking to take a step up from a Deputy role.
The Opportunity
To undertake necessary legal society and secretarial duties to ensure the society complies with all its legal, statutory and corporate governance obligations. This job role profile relates not just to the society, but also to all its subsidiaries of which the post-holder is also Company Secretary.
To ensure the society’s corporate governance framework meets its regulatory obligations and that all relevant legislative requirements are complied with.
To manage legal risk through the provision of proactive, legal, business-focused advice to the society though the implementation of initiatives and processes to set standards and reinforce a culture of integrity, quality, ethical behaviour and responsibility across the business and the provision of information concerning changes to the laws & governance potentially affecting the business.
To oversee the society’s legal risk management strategy, providing advice, guidance and support to the business and ensuring that all relevant regulatory and legal obligations are met.
To reinforce Consumer Duty and the society brand by ensuring that all governance practices adhere to the society’s core values and behaviours.
Head of Legal - overview of responsibilities
Managing Legal Risks
- To monitor and ensure appropriate mitigation of legal risks.
- To provide advice and Company Secretary expertise to the society and its senior managers where required, including assistance to negotiate contractual terms.
- Work with Procurement on the content and structure of contracts to ensure strong legal governance and facilitate good third-party management.
Managing Resources & Suppliers
- Management of departmental budget expenditure Managing Information
- To arrange preparation, publication and distribution of the society’s Annual Report and Accounts, including the drafting of the Chairman’s Statement and other narrative sections
- To organise, prepare and manage the publication of the society’s Annual General Meeting materials.
- To provide ad-hoc reports as required by the Chief Executive and/or Board.
Company Secretarial/Corporate Governance - overview of responsibilities
Managing Activities
• To undertake all society secretarial work which relates to
• The financial services regulators (FCA & PRA)
• Companies House
• Association of British Insurers
• Association of Financial Mutuals
• Other regulatory and membership organisations as may be appropriate from time to time
- To formulate and oversee the society’s secretarial and training plans.
- To ensure that all statutory returns are completed accurately and submitted within the time-scales prescribed or within those set by the Society whichever occurs sooner.
- To organise the Society’s Annual General Meeting and ensure that the appropriate legislative requirements including notices to members are met.
- To organise the Board and its Committee meetings of the society, including the preparation and circulation of the supporting papers and minutes, and any follow-up actions as required
- To administer the society’s insurance arrangements and ensure that all insurance cover always remains appropriate.
- To oversee the management of all organisational contracts and oversight of contract renewal and document storage processes including owning and maintaining the society’s contract management policy, maintaining the contract database and providing all necessary legal input and sign off to new and renewed contracts.
- To ensure that the Corporate Governance Handbook and Corporate Code of Conduct is always kept up to date and approved by the Board annually.
- To oversee the maintenance of the society’s Systems & Controls related documentation
- Oversee policies, and make sure they are kept up-to-date and referred to the appropriate committee for approval.
- To oversee the management of environmental, social and Governance arrangements including the charity operations.
- delegating tasks to make the best use of functional expertise within the team. Encourage initiative and create
Managing Projects
- Contribute to the organisation’s business plan and delivery of strategic framework as required.
- Champion and manage change by promoting a challenging and flexible environment.
- Lead and manage projects as required by the society.
Other Responsibilities
- Adhere to the Financial Conduct Authority Individual Conduct Rules, and The Exeter’s Expectations
- Team Management and Mentorship.
Experience and Qualifications
- Previous experience of working in a similar role as Head of Legal & Company Secretary, preferably relating to (but not a necessity) a mutual organisation of friendly society
- Previous experience of initiating and delivering positive change through values and behaviours
- Membership of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators or an equivalent professional body and relevant legal qualifications.
- Maintains Continuous Professional Development
- Can demonstrate delivery of excellent results through people
- Can demonstrate strong people management, motivational and leadership skills
- Degree level or equivalent senior management experience
- Must have the right to work in the UK
Skills, Attributes & Behaviour
- Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written
