Fixed Term Contract (6 Months)

Do you have a background in company secretarial or business administration work and want to work in a values-led organisation? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Would you like to work in a supportive team who will help develop your knowledge and skills in corporate governance and business administration?

If so, perhaps it is time to bring your skills to a university.

Canterbury Christ Church University looks to welcome a full time Interim GLS Assistant who is diligent, self-motivated and a fast learner to join our Governance and Legal Services (GLS) team. You will be working directly with the University Solicitor and Clerk to the Governing Body and Interim Senior Legal Counsel. This role is fixed term and will be offered for a period of 6 months.

The Opportunity

In this dynamic role, you will have the chance to work on a wide range of corporate governance matters and some legal support work. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the University’s corporate governance function; working to tight deadlines in a professional manner to support the University Solicitor and Clerk to the Governing Body in her role as Company Secretary.

Much of the work is of a sensitive nature so you will have a proven track record of operating in an environment requiring a high degree of discretion and confidentiality. You will liaise effectively with a wide range of external and internal stakeholders including the University’s Governing Body (Board) and its Senior Management Team.

You will be responsible for organising board level meetings, collating board packs for distribution to directors/trustees and co-ordinating follow up actions following meetings. Your administrative expertise will be crucial in ensuring the smooth flow of GLS’ corporate governance support.

You will also be given the opportunity to work with the University Solicitor and Interim Senior Legal Counsel to develop your skill set to support a range of legal matters such as, but not limited to, retrieving and reviewing documents, legal research tasks and legal records management.

You will join a small, collaborative friendly team, sitting within Governance and Legal Services, where personal development is highly supported.

Who are we looking for?

We are excited to hear from professionals with an absolute minimum of 1 years’ experience working in a similar role who will be able to hit the ground running by providing a high standard of company secretarial support from the outset. You will have technical knowledge commensurate to your level of experience as well as a pro-active approach to risk management, a willingness to learn and a good knowledge of how to effectively support an organisation’s Board and its committees.

Our ideal Interim GLS Assistant will have:

Good knowledge and proven experience of corporate governance and business administration.
Significant previous administrative experience in a busy office environment with the ability to independently manage and meet many conflicting deadlines and work under pressure.
Exceptional organisation skills and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong work ethic and motivation to learn.
Relevant professional qualification.

Working at Canterbury Christ Church University

Our compassionate and dynamic University strives to transform lives through outstanding higher education and to enrich the communities we serve. We offer a supportive working environment, friendly colleagues, membership to staff networks, occupational pension scheme and use of University facilities such as the library and subsidised sports centre.

Additional information

If the job interests you but your unsure if you have all the right qualifications/experience, you are welcome to contact us for an informal chat. Please contact Natalie Wright, Assistant to University Solicitor to arrange it (natalie.wright@canterbury.ac.uk).

How to apply

Closing date for applications: 2 July 2024

Please click the ‘Apply for this job’ button below. You will need to fill out the main details section and upload your CV, covering letter and any supporting documents. The cover letter need not be long (1 side of A4 is plenty!). This is just a chance to introduce yourself, tell us why you are interested in joining us and a quick summary of the experience you bring.

Employment Visa Clarification: According to the UK Government Points Based System, this position does not fulfil the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route application.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact our friendly Recruitment Team at hr.recruitment@canterbury.ac.uk, quoting reference number REQ05088. Please don’t use this email for your application though – that needs to be done online. Questions about the job itself should go to Natalie (see above).

Canterbury Christ Church University truly welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We want you to bring the real you to work, so we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive working environment where everyone is welcomed and where everyone can have a true sense of belonging. Our spirit of community will help us to eliminate discrimination and will enable us all to thrive in a culture that is underpinned by fairness and justice. We therefore seek people to join us who will proactively support and shape this aim and contribute in their own unique way.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. Join us and be a part of our success story and we look forward to hearing from you – good luck!