Volunteer Role Profile Company Secretary The Food Chain provides nutrition services including home delivered meals, essential groceries and nutrition advice to men, women and children who are chronically sick as a result of HIV related illness. We aim to ensure that no one living with the virus has their ability to get well and stay well adversely affected by lack of access to appropriate food. All our services are provided with the help and support of around 600 volunteers. About the role To assist the Trustees in issues of efficacy, governance and legal management of the organisation. To ensure all statutory obligations are fulfilled within the organisation. To ensure that all risk is managed and dissipated to protect the organisation and its Trustees. To assist the Chair in ensuring the Charity discharges all of its policy obligations Contribute actively to the Management Committee and, as appropriate, its Sub Groups Participation as a member of the Charitys Governance Committee Key Responsibilities The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring the compliance of the organisation in relation to financial and legal practices, as well as issues of corporate governance. The Company Secretary is to act as a point of communication between the Trustees and other stakeholders, reporting in a timely and accurate manner on company procedures and developments. Organising, preparing agendas for, and taking minutes of board meetings and annual general meetings (AGMs). Maintaining statutory books, including registers of members, trustees and secretaries. Contributing to meeting discussions, as and when required, and advising members of the legal, governance, accounting and tax implications of proposed policies. Monitoring changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment, and taking appropriate action. Liaising with external regulators and advisers, such as lawyers and auditors. Taking responsibility for the health and safety of employees and managing insurance and property issues and risk. Developing and overseeing the systems that ensure the company complies with all applicable codes, as well as its legal and statutory requirements. Skills and Experience needed In addition, the Company Secretary will be expected to demonstrate the following attributes and abilities: Good, independent judgement Impartiality, fairness and discretion when dealing with confidential matters Willingness to speak his or her mind Tact and diplomacy Respect for others Willingness to learn new skills Strategic vision and the ability to think creatively Working effectively as a team member Good communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work effectively as a member of a team Adhering to Nolans seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. The role is London based and commitment is expected to be as follows: Attending the monthly MC meeting (evening of the last Monday of the month, 10 per year) Attendance at the annual strategic planning meeting (one full day, usually a Saturday) Attending the monthly Governance Working Group Dealing with occasional written and extensive correspondence