We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty mega too!
If you’re motivated by leading governance activity, managing senior stakeholders and keeping critical processes running seamlessly, this could be your next step.
We’re looking for a Senior Assistant Company Secretary to join us on a 12-month fixed term contract, based in either Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Salford Quays, Manchester.
You’ll work closely with the Group Company Secretary to help shape and support high‑quality governance across the organisation. From strengthening our Board and regulatory processes, you’ll be right at the heart of ensuring we operate with clarity, confidence, and compliance.
Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:
Listed / pre‑IPO governance experience – experience in listed or late‑stage pre‑IPO environments with solid knowledge of listing rules, disclosure and governance requirements.
Annual report & AGM delivery – proven ability to lead annual report production and coordinate AGMs across complex timelines and stakeholders.
Board & stakeholder management – able to support senior governance processes, coordinate papers, take minutes and work confidently with directors and advisers.
Judgement & organisation – highly organised, detail‑focused and calm under pressure, with strong judgement and the ability to manage tight deadlines.
What's Involved:
As a senior member of the team, you’ll support the Group Company Secretary in leading the team and in all relevant duties and activities across the First Central Group, including ensuring the Group’s legal entities adhere to all relevant Corporate Governance and Company Law requirements
You’ll support the Group Company Secretary in creating and delivering the Board induction and ongoing development programmes for directors
You’ll assist the Group Company Secretary in the delivery of the annual Board and Committee effectiveness reviews
You’ll coordinate the planning and delivery of the Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meetings
You’ll oversee the administration of the Group’s share schemes and equity awards
You’ll act as project lead for the end-to-end production of the annual report, including statutory, financial, and governance sections; including developing and managing the annual report timetable, coordinating inputs from Finance, Risk, Legal, Investor Relations, HR, and external advisers
You’ll support the Group Company Secretary in delivering IPO readiness workstreams, including:
Establishment of plc-level governance frameworks and policies
Board and committee structures, terms of reference, and calendars
Director appointment processes, induction, and training
You’ll provide CoSec contributions to any corporate restructuring, capital actions, and M&A activities
You’ll lead on the renewal of the Group’s corporate insurance cover for employees, equipment and premises and manage, with support from the team, any claims that may arise
You’ll take a lead role on the organisation and management of all Group Board and Executive meetings as well as other forums as required, including:
Organising, preparing agendas for, and taking high quality minutes of all relevant Board and Executive meetings and annual general meetings (AGMs)
Reviewing Board and Executive meeting submissions and information, providing timely feedback to stakeholders to improve the quality of Board reporting
Lead and support the team in scheduling and coordinating the annual Board and Executive meeting calendars and wider logistics
You’ll monitor developments in listing rules, insurance regulation, and governance codes, advising on impact and support the embedding of the UK Corporate Governance Code and regulatory compliance across the Group.
You’ll oversee the team’s ongoing maintenance of statutory registers, corporate records, and regulatory filings
You’ll work with the Group Company Secretary on strategic governance projects and on continuous improvement activities within the CoSec team, as agreed from time to time
You’ll provide expert advice to the business on all relevant governance and company law matters
You’ll mentor junior team members
Experience & Knowledge:
Chartered Company Secretary qualification (ICSA / CGI) or equivalent
Strong experience in a listed company or late-stage pre-IPO environment
Proven track record coordinating annual reports and AGMs
Sound understanding of:
Listing rules and market disclosure requirements
Corporate governance codes
Regulated financial services or insurance environments
Excellent project management and stakeholder-management skills
High attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines
Background in insurance, banking, or broader financial services (desirable)
Behaviours:
Able to proactively support the development of the team, creating a safe environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and provided with sensitivity
Leads by example, setting high standards for their own work as well as the work of others
Able to handle information in a confidential manner
Keen to embrace, embed and incorporate the Company Values
Diplomatic, personable and pragmatic
Self-motivated and enthusiastic
An organised and proactive approach
Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
A flexible approach and positive attitude
Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business
What can we do for you?
People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here.
Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.
