Company Secretary recruitment

A company secretary is a key corporate governance role responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating smooth communication between the board, management, and external stakeholders. They handle tasks such as corporate record-keeping, regulatory filings and maintaining transparent governance structures. A skilled company secretary helps mitigate risks, safeguard the company’s reputation, and support long-term sustainability through attention to detail and strong communication skills.

A company secretary is typically appointed by the board of directors or the CEO, depending on the company’s governance structure. In larger organisations, the company secretary may be part of the legal or compliance team. The role is often filled based on the company’s needs, considering factors such as industry regulations, company size, and specific corporate events. A company secretary may be appointed permanently or on an interim basis, depending on the situation.

A company should hire a company secretary when it aims to enhance its governance structure and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This is especially crucial as the company grows in size, complexity or regulatory demands. A company secretary is also beneficial during corporate transactions, such as mergers or IPOs, and for companies with frequent interactions with shareholders or government agencies. In-house company secretaries often replace expensive external consultants when fees exceed £200,000 annually. Download our Guide to Hiring your first Company Secretary for more detail.

Hiring an interim company secretary can be a strategic solution for businesses facing budget or headcount constraints. Interim professionals bring flexibility, as they can be engaged on a fixed-term contract or day rate. This allows a company to assess its needs and evaluate the fit before committing to a long-term hire. An experienced interim secretary can help set up the function and establish processes, making it easier to transition to a permanent, possibly more junior, hire later.

The structure of a company secretarial team typically follows a progression from junior to senior roles. It may start with a Trainee Company Secretary or Company Secretarial Assistant, progressing to Assistant Company Secretary and eventually Deputy or Group Company Secretary/Head of Company Secretariat. The specific structure depends on the company’s size, sector and regulatory requirements. In regulated industries, the team may include individuals with specialised experience to navigate complex legal frameworks. The team’s reporting structure varies, with senior roles often reporting to the CEO or Board for impartiality.