Company Secretaryopen

Deadline for applications: 7th December 2025

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support DEBRA in their search for a Company Secretary.

DEBRA is a national medical research charity and patient support organisation for people living with a group of rare, genetic skin blistering conditions known as epidermolysis bullosa (EB). People with EB have skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, which is why EB is also commonly known as ‘butterfly skin’. Our vision is for a world where no one suffers with EB, and we will not stop until this vision becomes a reality. Established in 1978 by Phyllis Hilton, whose daughter Debra had EB, DEBRA UK is now a national charity supporting over 4,000 members.

We employ over 320 staff and 1,200 volunteers who support us across a network of 80 charity shops located throughout England and Scotland.

The Company Secretary plays a central role in our organisation. As a key advisor to the Board of Trustees, you will provide expert guidance on how our governance should be directed and managed, ensuring that DEBRA meets all legal and regulatory requirements. Your leadership in this area will help safeguard the integrity of our decision-making and ensure we remain accountable to the people we serve.

Person Specification:

Technical Competency (qualifications and training)

• Educated to honours degree level or equivalent work experience
• Chartered Company Secretary with ICSA qualification
• Be a full member of a professional body or willing to work towards membership. You will be able to provide evidence of continuous professional and personal development.

Experience

• Experience of supporting a complex organisation in a governance, legal or finance capacity
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing policy in the context of the governance
• Demonstrable experience of roles and responsibilities in the job description
• Knowledge of UK third sector

Skills and Attributes

• Strong administrative skill and an aptitude for using IT software
• Commercial awareness
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Influencing skills
• Excellent organisation and time management
• The ability to take the initiative
• A flexible and practical approach to work
• Experience of organisations going through significant positive change
• Excellent written, numeracy, verbal and networking skills
• Line management experience
• Gravitas and leadership presence, and excellent presentation skills
• The ability to work with the wider functions, sharing duties and representing other colleagues from time to time

Safeguarding

• Be able to display an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults
• This post requires a continuous Basic Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service

To find out more, please download the candidate information pack in your preferred format using one of the links on this page.

How to Apply:

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Inclusive Boards on behalf of DEBRA. If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 07/12/2025:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role for which you’re applying and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed.
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

If you have further questions after reading this pack, please email DEBRA@inclusiveboards.co.uk or call 0207 267 8369.

Please visit www.inclusiveboards.co.uk/opportunities to apply online or send your CV and cover letter to DEBRA@inclusiveboards.co.uk.