Assistant Company Secretary - PLC & Governance

At M&G our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. As an international savings and investments business with roots stretching back more than 170 years, we offer a range of financial products and services through Asset Management, Life and Wealth. All three operating segments work together to deliver attractive financial outcomes for our clients, and superior shareholder returns.

Through our behaviours of telling it like it is, owning it now, and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer workplace accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

The role:

Reporting to the Head of Secretariat, PLC & Governance, you will play a key role in the delivery of Company Secretariat's mandate to ensure that the implementation of corporate governance requirements are met and that appropriate legal and statutory compliance is maintained for the Group through the provision of board support and governance to the M&G plc Board and its Committees, and a portfolio of the Group's subsidiaries.

The role will encompass listed company governance matters, including being well-versed on the FCA's Listing Rules, the Market Abuse Regulation, and the FRC's UK Corporate Governance Code, supporting on the production and delivery of the governance sections of the M&G plc Annual Report & Accounts,
together with accountabilities relating to board governance, legal entity management and compliance, executive governance, and governance developments and horizon scanning.

This role would be ideal for a proactive and dedicated governance professional, with excellent interpersonal, prioritisation, and stakeholder management skills, who is looking to challenge his or her in a driven and friendly team environment.

Key responsibilities:

1. Supporting the Head of Secretariat, PLC & Governance in ensuring M&G plc's compliance with the Listing Rules, Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, and the UK Corporate Governance Code, and providing governance advice regarding the Companies Act, Listing Rules, Market Abuse Regulation, and UK Corporate Governance Code.
2. Providing governance support to a M&G plc Board Committee and other senior boards or senior board committees, including working with the Committee Chair, agenda preparation, quality and timeliness of papers, and preparing minutes and actions in a timely fashion.
3. Supporting on the production and delivery of the governance sections of the M&G plc Annual Report & Accounts and supporting other functions in the production of their respective sections.
4. Ensuring developments in listed company corporate governance and best practice are monitored and tracked, and supporting the development of action plans where appropriate, and undertake horizon scanning for future changes to governance and regulation.
5. Seeking to create efficiencies within the team, including simplifying and utilising technology, automation and workflow, in core areas of governance activity.
6. Providing governance support on listed company governance initiatives, including working closely with internal functions and corporate matters and transactions.
7. Drafting and reviewing a range of corporate governance documents, including governance frameworks and manuals, matters reserved for boards, committee terms of reference, board effectiveness reviews, process and control documents, and board and committee papers.
8. Providing support in managing the relationships with key third party suppliers, ensuring value for money, attainment of service levels, and oversight of other contact management matters.

Experience:

1. Experience in working in the Secretariat of a FTSE 350 (5 years plus experience).
2. Working knowledge of FCA's Listing Rules, the Market Abuse Regulation, and the FRC's UK Corporate Governance Code.
3. Experience in drafting sections of a PLC Annual Report & Accounts.
4. Demonstrable experience of taking board and committee minutes and preparing resolutions and board papers (though no expectation to have experience at PLC board and committee level).
5. Solid experience of working with a range of internal stakeholders.
6. Detailed knowledge of key governance processes and systems, such as InsiderTrack, Blueprint entities, and Board Portals.

Personal attribute/skills:

1. Capable of working in a fast-paced environment.
2. Self-driven and resilient.
3. Effective communicator at all levels.
4. Calm and self-assured.
5. Excellent organisational skills and detail oriented.
6. Strong team player.
7. Autonomous and self-starter. Ability to prioritise.
8. Discretion and integrity in handling confidential and sensitive information.

Qualifications:

1. Corporate Governance Institute qualified or part-qualified.

Experience Level: Manager/Expert

Recruiter: Helen Simons

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G plc, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.

M&G is also proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, and we welcome applications from candidates with long-term health conditions, disabilities, physical, mental health or neuro-divergent conditions. We participate in the Disability Confident 'Offer an Interview' scheme, which means that candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions who meet the minimum criteria of a job, will be offered an interview if they 'opt in' to the scheme when applying. These candidates are also supported to ensure they have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job.

If you need assistance or an alternative means of applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know by contacting us at: careers@mandg.com