Clerk / Company Secretary - Part time

The Lytham Schools Foundation was first established in 1702 and has evolved over the centuries. What has remained strong are its roots in Lytham St Annes and it’s support of local schools and education more generally.

The Charity has an investment portfolio of both property and financial investments and awards grants and makes donations in respect of the furtherance of education in the FY8 postcode area. We provide grants to both individuals and organisations to support education & co-curricular activities, as well as providing funding directly to the schools. We also provide means tested bursaries to support children attending AKS Independent School.
 
We are inviting applications / tenders from experienced Clerks to support the Directors of The Lytham Schools Trustee Ltd (Company Number 07751260) aka the ‘Corporate Trustee’ with the running of The Lytham Schools Foundation (Charity Number 526315), aka the ‘Charity’.

“The Independence of the clerk is key to good governance. This role is and should be very different from that of trustees. Facilitating rather than deciding how the charity is run.”

Charities Commission
 
Full details of the Charity can be found on the Charity Commission website here

Role Responsibilities:

• To advise the Board members on acting in accordance with the governing documents
• To keep the Board members informed of changes in legal requirements
• To create, maintain and update policies and procedures
• To take minutes of the meetings and record decisions and actions
• Ensure those decisions are carried out and actions are completed
• To prepare the agenda and organise the meetings
• To keep everyone informed of changes and be the point of contact for any administration
• To ensure grant applications are processed through the correct and agreed channels
• That any procurement is made in accordance with the governing documents and that appropriate approvals are received.
• That the website is updated and maintained
• Maintain the records and ensure all legal obligations are met
• Oversee the completion and filing of statutory returns
• Liaise with other professionals, as required, in order to fulfil the obligations of the charity

To be successful in this role you will have:

• An organised approach to work
• Meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to store and retrieve data both in digital and hard copy format
• Experience of minute taking in a formal setting
• A good understanding of committee process and protocols
• An understanding of the need to balance confidentiality and transparency in a charitable environment
• A willingness to attend meetings in person

Job Description:

• A good understanding of governance and the role of well documented policies, procedures and guidance in maintaining that
• Knowledge of company administration and the obligations on Charity Directors
• Strong administrative skills and an aptitude for using IT software with a working knowledge of MS Office and email systems
• Strong communication and Interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisation and time management
• A flexible and practical approach to work
• Discretion and diplomacy.

Applicants will be required to hold an appropriate membership or qualification relevant to the role, and have experience in a similar governance role.
 
Key information:

• Part-time / contract role
• Supporting 8 meetings per year at various venues within the FY8 postcode area
• Charity has 10 Directors, including Chair and Vice Chair
• Property portfolio, recently valued at £11m
• Investment Portfolio under management of £6m

Job Location:

The charity does not have office space of its own - the applicant will be expected to have their own working environment, which can include home working. You must have your own transport, stable internet access and a means to secure confidential papers. Please note during any lockdown or enforced social distancing, candidates must be able to use Zoom or 
other online video conferencing facilities.

Please include in your application a relevant CV and your expected hourly / contract rate.

Candidates can expect an initial response by 31st January 2022, with the role expected to start at a mutually convenient time in February / March 2022.