Assistant Company Secretary

Portsmouth Water; Havant; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional water provider in England is seeking an experienced Assistant Company Secretary to support governance, compliance, and corporate operations. The successful candidate will maintain statutory registers, manage corporate governance policies, and assist with risk management. Ideal for those with part-qualified Chartered Secretary qualifications and relevant experience in corporate governance. Flexibility in working arrangements is encouraged.

Benefits

25-27 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Up to 6% performance bonus

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Life assurance scheme

Comprehensive wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Company Secretary or similar role.
• Experience creating and maintaining statutory registers, and filing at Companies House.
• Experience supporting compliance with regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain statutory registers and ensure timely filings.
• Manage corporate registers and monitor changes in company law.
• Support the development and implementation of corporate governance policies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Part-qualified Chartered Secretary qualifications (e.g. CGIUKI)

Tools

Board meeting and entity management software

Job description

Overview

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Portsmouth Water are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Company Secretary to join our team. This vital role supports the Company Secretariat function, which encompasses Company Secretariat operations, Data Protection, and Executive Secretarial Administration, reporting directly to the Company Secretary.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the business meets its regulatory and governance obligations, supporting compliance with UK company law and the regulatory framework of the water sector. You will contribute to risk management, company insurance oversight, and the promotion of transparency, accountability, and integrity across our governance practices.

What will you be doing?

• Maintain statutory registers and ensure timely filings with Companies House for Portsmouth Water Limited and its subsidiaries.
• Manage corporate registers, including Group Loan Notes, Debenture Interest, gifts, hospitality, and conflicts of interest.
• Monitor changes in company law and regulations, supporting compliance and governance updates.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of corporate governance policies and procedures.
• Administer the Document Management System and ensure proper governance documentation is maintained.
• Coordinate Risk Review Board meetings, including preparation, minuting, and action tracking.
• Support the governance risk register and provide training and guidance on the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) system.
• Assist with Whistleblowing investigations and system administration.
• Support the company’s insurance programme, including policy renewals and handling insurance and claims queries.
• Provide ad-hoc support for data protection and assist in preparing reports on corporate and compliance matters.

What do you need?

• Part-qualified Chartered Secretary qualifications (e.g. CGIUKI) or equivalent legal, professional qualification in a corporate governance-related specialism.
• Experience as an Assistant Company Secretary or similar role.
• Experience creating and maintaining statutory registers, and filing at Companies House.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of integrity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive matters.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team.

Desirable

• Understanding of the Data Protection Act and UK GDPR requirements.
• Experience of supporting annual company insurance renewal programmes.
• Experience of supporting the development of risk management across an organisation.
• Working knowledge of board meeting and entity management software.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

At Portsmouth Water, We Believe In Rewarding Our People. Here’s Just a Taste Of What’s Waiting For You When You Join The Team

Holidays Made Better

Enjoy 25-27 days of annual leave depending on grade, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You

We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off

You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Family Comes First

Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.

Peace of Mind, Always

Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am-10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.

PW Perks Treat Yourself!

Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:

• Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan and so much more!