Charity Secretary (Volunteer)

Title: Charity Secretary 

Type: Voluntary.

Engagement: Trustee meetings are quarterly (two remote and two in-person). The individual will provide additional time as required. 

Location: Remote.

Reporting Line: Role reports to the Chair on governance and to the CEO on operational matters. 

The Cyber Helpline

The Cyber Helpline is a UK-based charity offering free, confidential cyber support to individuals, microbusinesses, and charities. We help people stay safe online by providing practical, empathetic guidance and technical advice. Our work is driven by a passionate community of staff and volunteers who bring empathy, dedication, and expertise to every interaction.

Role Summary

The Company Secretary is the guardian of The Cyber Helpline’s compliance with both the law and best practice. The Company Secretary will play a key role in ensuring that Board procedures are followed and regularly reviewed. Acting as a resource for the Board, the Company Secretary will also provide guidance on Board members responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

The Company Secretary will be responsible for the following:

  • Ensuring the charity operates in accordance with its governing document, the Charities Act, and the Companies Act 2006. Advising the board on their duties and on any legal and regulatory changes.

  • Being the subject matter expert on charity law and regulation within the Board. 

  • Organising, attending, and taking minutes at trustee meetings (board and sub-committees), including preparing agendas and circulating papers.

  • Supporting the trustees by commissioning papers and other work required by the board, recording and tracking progress of actions agreed

  • Ensuring all mandatory returns, including the annual report and financial statements, are filed on time with Companies House and the Charity Commission.

  • Informing Companies House, and/or the Charity Commission of any significant changes in the charity’s structure or management, for example the appointment or resignation of trustees directors.

  • Assisting with the recruitment, induction, and training of new trustees, and managing conflict-of-interest registers.

  • Maintaining accurate records, including the register of members and trustees, the register of any charges on the company’s assets and managing high-level correspondence.

  • Maintaining the charity's registered office as the address for any formal communications. Ensuring that all the charity’s business stationery carries its name, registered number, country of registration and registered address. 

  • Ensuring the security of the charity’s legal documents and owning the charity’s policy for the filing and retention of documents.

  • Ensuring The Cyber Helpline has adequate insurance in place. 

  • Ensuring the charity is compliant with relevant UK law & regulation. 

  • Supporting the protection of intellectual property. 

Requirements

This role would suit either someone in a Company Secretary role or someone with aspirations to become one. We are happy to support someone looking to make the transition into this role. 

Essential

Experience of auditing against standards and policies. 

  • Experience consulting with subject matter experts on complex issues. 

  • Strong attention to detail. 

  • Strong planning, organisation and analytical skills. 

  • Strong communication skills. 

  • Ability to turn theoretical models and guidance into practical frameworks that achieve results. 

  • Ability to deliver project work, as well as communicate and plan at a strategic level. 

  • Strong integrity and honesty. 

  • Passionate about our mission of supporting victims of cybercrime. 

Preferred:

  • An understanding of or experience in the cyber security industry. 

  • Experience in the not-for-profit / charity sector.  

  • Membership (or on path to membership) of any of the following bodies:

    • the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

    • the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

    • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

    • the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland

    • the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

    • the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

    • or the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting

  • Be a barrister, advocate or solicitor called, admitted or part-qualified, in any part of the UK

Apply now