Director, Legal Services

Overview

In this role, you will support the Company Secretary in delivering the Secretariat function and provide strategic governance guidance to directors and senior managers. You will act as Secretary to Board Committees and Vocalink Group entities, ensuring timely papers, accurate agendas, and effective governance traceability. You will maintain governance documentation and contribute to annual reporting, while advising stakeholders on constitutional matters and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with senior leaders to enhance governance processes, risk management, and regulatory readiness.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Secretary to allocated Board Committees and Vocalink Group entities, ensuring agendas, papers and action logs are up-to-date
• Maintain Schedule of Matters and lead annual committee effectiveness review
• Draft governance papers tailored to audience; maintain Directors Handbook and Scheme of Delegation
• Provide professional governance advice to Chairs, INEDs, Group Directors and the Executive
• Support annual Board effectiveness review and Board skills assessment
• Ensure governance processes reflect best practice, with emphasis on compliance, transparency and regulatory readiness
• Oversee statutory filings and registers, and manage global entity data in the entity management database
• Assist with annual Report and Financial Statements governance sections and related production processes
• Identify and advise on constitutional matters including dividends and shareholder documentation
• Participate in governance projects (global entities, dormant subsidiaries, M&A) and drive governance improvements
• Horizon-scan for new legislation; review procedures for efficiency and consistency
• Contribute to risk management culture in line with policies and risk appetites

Key requirements

• Proven company secretarial experience in a regulated or complex environment (preferably financial services)
• Chartered Governance Professional (ACG/FCG) or equivalent qualification
• Strong knowledge of Companies Act 2006, UK Corporate Governance Code and applicable laws and regulations
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders
• Experience with governance documentation and annual reporting processes

• Interpersonal and influencing skills
• Strategic advisory capability
• Stakeholder management
• Corporate governance expertise
• Statutory filings and registers
• UK Companies Act and UK Corporate Governance Code knowledge

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