Job Description
We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
Portsmouth Water is seeking an exceptional Deputy Company Secretary to play a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and professional secretariat support across the organisation. In this influential position, you will help ensure the Company meets its regulatory and legislative requirements, whilst contributing to a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
As Deputy Company Secretary, you will act as a trusted adviser and confidently deputise for the Company Secretary when required. You will serve as an ambassador for Portsmouth Water, supporting the smooth operation of Board and Committee activities, and helping the organisation navigate evolving business priorities with clarity and professionalism.
What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities
• Statutory duties: such as ensuring timely filings at Companies House, statutory registers for Portsmouth Water Limited and subsidiary entities, and maintaining the group loan note and debenture interest registers and interest payments.
• Regulatory compliance and governance: such as monitoring changes in company law, regulation and legislation; assisting with the annual review of Committee terms of reference and corporate policies; maintaining registers such Gifts, Entertainment and Hospitality; and supporting the Company Secretary in managing the Board Assurance Framework, including identifying and recording key sources of assurance.
• Meeting administration: providing administration and minute taking support.
• Risk Management: support with the maintenance of the governance and principal risks registers, data reviews and cleansing of risks and controls, and supporting the business with queries and training.
• Company insurances: support the Company Secretary in the company’s insurance programme and annual policy renewal, and leading the Secretarial team with insurance and claims queries.
• Policy development: support the development and implementation of corporate policies, compliance programmes, and procedures that align with legal and regulatory obligations, and support the annual review of governance policies across the business.
• Stakeholder engagement: provide ad-hoc support to the Data Protection and Internal Audit teams, and assist in the preparation of reports for management on corporate and compliance matters.
What do you need?
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
• Demonstrable experience from within a senior assistant or deputy company secretarial position
• Working knowledge of Companies Act 2006 and UK Corporate Governance Code
• Experience of dealing and interacting with a range of internal and external senior stakeholders
• Completed ICSA or CGIUKI qualification/membership or equivalent
• Strong minute taking and action tracking skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy of information
• Proven communication skills at all levels of stakeholder engagement
• A flexible collaborative approach with ability to prioritise tasks and manage conflicting deadlines
• Competent in utilising Microsoft suite (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint)
If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.
💬 We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.
📌 Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications — so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
🌍 We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.
🛂 Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
📬 Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.
What can Portsmouth Water offer you?
At Portsmouth Water, we believe in rewarding our people. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you when you join the team:
🌴 Holidays Made Better
Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.
💰 A Pension That Works for You
We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
💸 Performance Pays Off
You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
🍼 Family Comes First
Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
🎉Social Events
All expenses covered summer and winter social events
🛡️ Peace of Mind, Always
Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
🩺 Comprehensive Wellbeing Support
Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.
🧠 Additional Support When You Need It
We know life has its ups and downs. That’s why we offer Private Medical Insurance - provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.
🎁 PW Perks – Treat Yourself!
Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:
🚗 Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme
💊 Health Cash Plan
…and so much more!
