Governance Lead

Overview

At 1st Central, everything starts with our people. As one of the UK’s leading motor and home insurers, we use smart technology, data and great service to make insurance fast, fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to grow – whether that’s developing new skills, taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Role

We’re looking for a Governance Lead to join our Corporate Governance team, based in either Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Salford Quays, Manchester. You’ll play a key role within our Company Secretariat team, supporting the delivery of a professional, high‑quality and customer‑focused corporate governance service across Executive, Board and Committee governance. You’ll work closely with the Group Company Secretary and wider Governance team to ensure governance processes run smoothly, records are maintained accurately, and key corporate governance obligations are met. We’re big on working flexibly – you’ll spend most of your time working from home, with occasional visits to the office. But if you prefer to be in the office more, that’s good with us too.

Core Skills

• Company Law & Governance – Strong understanding of company law and corporate governance, with the ability to apply it in practice.
• Professional Qualifications – Part‑qualified or committed to completing the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme (with our support).
• Communication & Stakeholder Management – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
• Working at Pace – Able to deliver accurate work in a fast‑moving environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Time Management & Organisation – Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end support of Executive Committee meetings, including forward planning, agenda coordination, timetable management, collation and drafting of meeting materials, stakeholder follow‑up, quality assurance of papers, preparation of minutes and tracking of actions and decisions to completion.
• Support the organisation and management of Group Board, Committee and relevant management meetings, including agenda planning, meeting logistics, coordination of papers and packs, preparation of accurate minutes, maintenance of action and decision logs, and follow‑up with stakeholders to support timely completion of agreed actions.
• Maintain statutory and Group entity information within Co‑Sec software and related records, including structure charts and corporate information, ensuring changes to directors, officers, shareholders and registered details are accurately recorded and kept up to date in line with statutory filing and governance requirements.
• Manage KYC records and related processes for Group entities, ensuring information is accurate, complete, up to date and available to support governance, banking, regulatory and due diligence requirements.
• Support audit, regulatory and due diligence information requests by collating governance documents, verifying records and coordinating responses with relevant stakeholders.
• Support the maintenance of governance policies, registers, templates and process documents, ensuring documents are reviewed, updated and stored appropriately.
• Provide governance support to the Group Company Secretary and wider Company Secretariat team, including drafting governance documents and reports, maintaining records, analysing information and supporting the delivery of departmental priorities.
• Assist in the renewal of the Insurance cover for employees, equipment and premises.
• Comply with the requirements and act in accordance with the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
• Ensure compliance with Company policies, values, guidelines and other relevant standards and regulations at all times.

Experience & Knowledge

Experience of working in a governance, company secretarial or senior administration role, ideally within a regulated or complex corporate environment. Working knowledge of legal, statutory and corporate governance processes, with an ability to apply that knowledge in the preparation of governance materials and records. Experience of working in a listed, regulated or financial services business is desirable. Knowledge of the Companies Act 2006 (desirable), understanding of UK Corporate Governance Code (desirable), and understanding of UK Motor Insurance industry (desirable).

Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification, or progress towards one, such as the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme; willingness to continue professional development with support from the Company.
• Strong minute‑writing skills, with the ability to produce accurate, clear and concise records of meetings, actions and decisions.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work at pace against challenging deadlines.
• Excellent work ethic and diligence in production and ownership of work and responsibilities.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise effectively.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Good IT and software skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Behaviours

• Able to handle information in a confidential manner.
• Keen to embrace, embed and incorporate the Company Values.
• Diplomatic, personable and pragmatic.
• Uses initiative, exercises sound judgement and escalates matters appropriately.
• Looks for opportunities to improve governance processes, ways of working and service delivery in support of departmental and business objectives.
• Approachable and keen to help others.
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic.
• An organised and proactive approach.
• Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.

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