Commission Board Secretary

COMMISSION BOARD SECRETARY

Location: Maidenhead, with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office

Contract Type: Permanent, full time, 37 hours per week

Salary: circa £40,000 per annum, plus pension and life assurance, depending upon skills and experience

The role of Commission Board Secretary at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is one of critical significance as it is responsible for the efficient administration of the Commission's main Board and supporting the effective running of the Office of the Director General. It provides first rate administration including an exceptionally high level of minute taking and papers preparation for Commission Board meetings. These are not only fundamental to the Commission's daily operation, but they also continue to serve as an important historical and factual aspect of the CWGC's history, with the same minutes being recorded back to the founding of the Commission in 1917. This role also includes an administrative assistance element supporting the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Office of the DG in the busy running of the directorate.

The CWGC is a highly respected, prestigious, global organisation that honours and cares for the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring their sacrifice will never be forgotten. The CWGC is funded by six Commonwealth Member Governments: building and maintaining memorials and cemeteries at 23,000 locations, in 150 countries, including some of the world's most iconic, landmark monuments. Being a global organisation, the ability to deliver an exceptional level of Board Secretariat and corporate administration function on a global scale is essential.

This role manages and coordinates the Board Secretariat; delivering strong and robust Governance, administration and committee support; arranging Commission meetings and subcommittees, including preparing agendas, chasing actions, and collating and circulating papers in good time. The role also works with the Commission's General Counsel in areas relating to Board Governance and Director/Commissioner appointments and responsibilities. There is also regular direct communication in this role with the Vice Chairman and Commissioners.

There will be occasional opportunities for travel; to accommodate Commissioner's meetings which at least once per year will be held in Europe. You must have the flexibility and ability to travel both nationally and internationally, as needed.

This role also supports the DG and the EA in managing the day to day needs of the DG and the Vice Chairman (VC), dealing with enquiries, daily requests, and correspondence into the DG's office. Also providing assistance where required to the EA in the planning and management of the DG and VC's extensive travel global requirements, as well as general support to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

You will be able to demonstrate

Exceptional organisational skills and high efficiency, performing consistently at an elevated level while working in a fast-paced and busy environment.

The ability to coordinate and manage the collation and production of Board packs, provide succinct yet comprehensive minutes to an extremely high standard, and always maintaining the utmost confidentiality.

A significant and successful track record in the governance and administration of managing and delivering a Board Secretariat to a major UK/International/Government corporate board.

Exceptional levels of written and oral communication, with an ability to tailor communications to varying audiences including the crafting of letters, invitations, replies and detailed emails.

An unquestioned ability to swiftly learn and understand the organisation, its purpose, structure, governance, and key stakeholders and their needs, and the organisation's subjects of key importance and priority.

A detailed understanding of how own responsibilities integrate seamlessly with that of the DG, VC and Commissioners; and an understanding of how the impact of decisions taken at this level impact various areas/stakeholders across the organisation and externally.

Everyone who works for us, or with us, shares our Values, which are formed around our concept of CARE (Commitment, Ambition, Respect and Excellence). We are proud and committed to ensuring we bring this to life every day, for ourselves, each other and those who lost their lives.

What We Offer:

• A generous holiday allocation, with 25 days annual leave, rising by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30, pro rata
• Paid public holidays and paid office closure between Christmas and New Year, pro rata
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 15%
• Up to six times salary Life Assurance cover
• Employee Assistance Programme

How to Apply:

Simply apply by sending us your CV, completed application form and cover letter to recruitment. Visit our careers page for more details about the role and for a downloadable copy of the application form.

We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings and are committed to creating a respectful work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where any unlawful and/or unfair discrimination is eliminated. We will not unlawfully discriminate directly or indirectly in recruitment or employment on grounds of sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, age, sexual orientation or marital status, religion or belief.