This role is accountable for all company secretarial functions across the Guardrisk Group, ensuring full compliance with legal, statutory and governance obligations. It serves as a cornerstone for maintaining the integrity of corporate governance frameworks, promoting transparency, and enhancing stakeholder trust.

The individual in this role:

• Actively contributes to optimisation and continuous improvement within the company secretarial department.
• Identifies efficiencies and implements best practices.
• Drives innovation.
• Provides oversight and advisory input on corporate legal matters.
• Mitigates risks and ensures adherence to governance standards.
• Fosters alignment with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Manages stakeholder communications.
• Enables seamless and effective governance processes across the Group.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or similar.
• CGISA qualification.

Experience

• Sound knowledge and understanding of corporate law and corporate governance.
• 3–5 years’ experience as a Company Secretary.
• 2 years as a legal advisor or similar.
• Chartered Secretaries Institute certification (essential).
• Minimum three years’ experience in minute?taking.
• Legal experience.
• Governance and research capabilities.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).

Internal Process

Assumes and oversees the full end?to?end Company Secretary function within Guardrisk, partnering with the external service provider to fulfil the following functions:

• Collate information for various Boards, Forums and Group Committee meeting packs.
• Draft agendas in consultation with Chairpersons, and liaise with Directors/Committee members.
• Provide input into Board/Committee agendas and meeting packs to ensure statutory and governance compliance.
• Prepare board packs and distribute to members and invitees.
• Attend meetings and take accurate, professional minutes.
• Draft minutes for Chairperson vetting.
• Assist with preparing reports/presentations (e.g., regulatory, EXCO).
• Draft and execute Board/Shareholder/Committee resolutions.
• Maintain all company secretarial records (manual and electronic) and CIPC records.
• Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, governance principles, and relevant legislation.
• Attend to committee evaluations and fit?and?proper declarations.

Governance

• Draft and maintain the Group Delegation of Authority Framework.
• Provide input on various policies.
• Draft and pass company resolutions.
• Update statutory and secretarial records.
• Draft and maintain Terms of Reference.
• Set the board training schedule and ensure implementation.
• Establish guidelines for board evaluations and facilitate evaluation processes.

General

• Facilitate group and board meetings.
• Provide governance, company secretarial, and legal advice.
• Keep abreast of legal and regulatory changes and communicate updates to management.

Professional Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance on the Companies Act, King IV, and related legislation.
• Ensure adoption of corporate governance best practices.
• Draft charters, Terms of Reference, and governance/legal policy documents.
• Draft governance and regulatory opinions.
• Assist with corporate transactions (including due diligences, incorporations, board structures).
• Engage with statutory and professional stakeholders (e.g., FSCA, PA, CIPC).

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers, clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and manage team members for performance, growth, and accountability.
• Positively influence and participate in change initiatives.
• Continuously develop professional, industry, and legislative expertise.
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging and implementing new ideas.
• Take ownership of personal and team career development.
• Manage time effectively to optimise productivity and meet deadlines.
• Exhibit confidence, motivation, and determination in achieving team and organisational goals.