The Company Secretary or Group Company Secretary is usually the head of the secretarial department and oversees the corporate governance team. Occasionally, the company secretary operates in a more stand-alone capacity, often in smaller organisations or start-ups. Usually reports to the Chief Executive or Chairman of the Board. In some organisations this role is called the Head of Governance, especially in Not-For-Profit organisations.
Typical Profile
The Company Secretary is usually highly experienced and has built a strong track record in comparable environments. Educated to degree level and a qualified Chartered Secretary with 5-10 years commercial experience.
They will have operated in a headquarter environment and be equally happy and able to both provide broad commercial counsel, while also being hands-on to deliver the activities demanded by the role.
Core Responsibilities of the Company Secretary
- Interpret, advise on and ensure compliance with the principles of the Corporate Governance Code. Stay abreast of future changes in the Code and advise on the impact of these
- Ensure compliance with all Stock Exchange/regulatory requirements
- Oversee the design and production of the group’s annual report, including the content of the statutory reports
- Co-ordinate and undertake the creation of compliance frameworks. Support and administrate international legal issues, including M&A transactions, commercial contracts, intellectual property and employment law
- Line manage (where applicable) the company secretarial team
- Advise members of the legal, governance, accounting and tax departments of the implications of proposed policies
- Maintain the register of shareholders and monitor changes in share ownership of the company – in a publicly listed company
- Monitor the administration of the company’s pension scheme – this may be a requirement in some smaller companies