Deputy Company Secretary - SGN : Job Details

We are seeking a diligent and professional individual with relevant experience to join our Legal team as Deputy Company Secretary. This key role within the Legal Services directorate supports the Governance Director & Company Secretary in delivering high-standard corporate governance and board/committee secretariat services. You will work closely with board members (non-executive directors and directors), the Executive Committee (ExCo), and colleagues across the Group to ensure SGN’s governance and decision-making processes are efficient, compliant, and effectively managed.

We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses. Every role, whether in the office or on the front line, plays a key part in this mission. Here’s how you will contribute…

• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including the CLO, ExCo, CEO, Board, Shareholders, and legal function.
• Support the Enterprise Governance and Company Secretariat Team, providing guidance and mentoring to team members as directed.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of SGN’s business, legal, and regulatory framework, including Ofgem RIIO-GD3 and listed debt requirements (London and Channel Islands stock exchanges).
• Assist in ensuring company secretariat services comply with SGN’s statutory powers, licence, internal governance, financial covenants, and applicable laws.
• Support the application of the Group’s Delegation of Authority, signing policies, and maintenance of the powers of attorney register.
• Deliver secretariat services professionally and ethically within allocated timeframes.
• Assist in quality assurance of meeting papers, ensuring governance routing and commissioning align with terms of reference.
• Support the production of accurate and timely minutes, matters arising summaries, board reports, and packs with high attention to detail.
• Maintain accurate governance records and provide timely reports to ExCo, Board, and regulatory authorities.
• Contribute to transformation and executive-sponsored programs to enhance SGN’s safety culture and governance performance.
• Provide flexible support across the legal services function, including non-specialist areas, as required.

What you will need

• Relevant Company Secretary experience, preferably in a deputy or assistant role.
• Experience in regulatory sectors, ideally gas distribution or infrastructure, is desirable.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality and professionalism in a sensitive environment.
• High attention to detail, diligence, and dedication to continuous improvement.
• Solid understanding of company law and corporate governance requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work resiliently under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Board Intelligence, Diligent, Blueprint, or equivalent governance systems.
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Highly motivated, efficient, and eager to learn new areas.
• Comfortable working in a sensitive, high-stakes environment.
• Proactive and effective team player with a strong ethical approach

Professional Qualifications

• Chartered Governance Professional / Chartered Secretary
• Achieved via qualification from The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) - formerly ICSA.
• Associate (ACG) or Fellow (FCG) status is highly desirable or expected.
• Legal Qualification (optional but advantageous)

Academic Background

• Degree-level education (2:1 or higher typically preferred).
• Relevant subjects: Law, Business, Governance, Finance, or Corporate Administration.

Experience Requirements

• 5-10 years’ experience in a Company Secretariat or corporate governance function.

Not sure you meet every requirement?

Research shows some people - particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for - now or in the future.

Why SGN?

SGN is a leader in pioneering research and development toward a net-zero energy system. Our cutting-edge technologies and innovative thinking are driving change in the gas industry, all while keeping people safe and warm.