Application Guide

How to Apply for Company Secretary

at Alzheimers Society

🏢 About Alzheimers Society

Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity, providing vital support to people affected by dementia while funding groundbreaking research. What makes this organization unique is its dual focus on immediate care services and long-term systemic change through advocacy and research. Working here means contributing directly to improving lives while being part of a compassionate, mission-driven community that values both expertise and empathy.

About This Role

As Company Secretary at Alzheimer's Society, you'll ensure the charity and its subsidiaries maintain impeccable governance while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable effective decision-making by the Board of Trustees and leadership team, allowing them to focus on advancing the Society's mission to end the devastation caused by dementia. You'll be the guardian of organizational integrity in a sector where public trust is paramount.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might begin with reviewing Charity Commission updates and assessing their implications for the Society's operations, followed by preparing briefing materials for an upcoming Board committee meeting. You'd spend part of the day coaching your governance team remotely, ensuring they're equipped to support various departments, and then meet with the Chair to discuss emerging governance risks related to new service delivery initiatives. The day would likely end with reviewing subsidiary company filings and planning how to streamline reporting processes across the organization.

🎯 Who Alzheimers Society Is Looking For

  • A qualified governance professional with 5+ years experience advising charity boards on Charity Commission compliance and Companies House requirements
  • Someone who can translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into practical guidance for both trustees and operational staff
  • A leader who has successfully managed governance teams in mission-driven organizations, with proven ability to foster inclusive, high-performing cultures
  • An individual with deep knowledge of charity law who understands the unique governance challenges of organizations with both charitable and subsidiary structures

📝 Tips for Applying to Alzheimers Society

1

Explicitly mention experience with Charity Commission reporting and compliance in your CV, as this is central to the role

2

Highlight any experience with dementia-related or healthcare charities, as understanding the sector context will be valued

3

Demonstrate how you've previously advised non-legal professionals on governance matters, using the 'people who've never read a governance report' phrase from the job description

4

Include specific examples of how you've improved governance processes or decision-making structures in previous roles

5

Show understanding of remote team leadership in governance functions, as this is a remote position

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience ensuring compliance with both Charity Commission and Companies House requirements simultaneously', 'Specific examples of advising senior leadership on governance in mission-driven organizations', "How you've built trusted relationships with boards while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries", 'Your approach to leading governance teams remotely while maintaining high performance and collaboration']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review Alzheimer's Society's latest annual report and accounts on the Charity Commission website to understand their current governance structure
  • Study the Society's 2020-2025 strategy to understand their strategic priorities and how governance supports these
  • Research the specific regulatory challenges facing dementia charities, particularly around fundraising, data protection, and service delivery
  • Look into the Society's recent governance news, including any trustee appointments or regulatory filings

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle a situation where the Board wants to pursue a strategic direction that raises regulatory compliance concerns?
2 Describe your experience managing governance for organizations with subsidiary structures similar to Alzheimer's Society
3 How do you ensure effective information flow between trustees, executives, and operational teams in a remote environment?
4 What specific steps would you take to understand the unique governance challenges of a dementia charity?
5 How have you previously balanced the need for robust governance with the pace of decision-making in a dynamic charity environment?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on corporate governance experience without demonstrating understanding of charity-specific regulations
  • Using overly technical language without showing ability to communicate governance concepts to non-experts
  • Failing to demonstrate how you would adapt governance approaches to support a mission-driven, rather than profit-driven, organization

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Alzheimers Society!