The role of the company secretary should never be underestimated. Traditionally seen as someone who took notes or arranged logistics, the modern company secretary has evolved into a key advisor to the Board.
Far from being a purely administrative function, today’s company secretary ensures that company procedures are properly followed, regularly reviewed, and aligned with principles of good corporate governance.
Communication is key, acting as a conduit between the Board of an organisation and the various stakeholders, the role is essential to any organisation. Typical duties may vary depending upon the size of a business or whether the company is listed. Being responsible for the efficient administration of a company, a company secretary has good organisational skills and an eye for detail.
Duties of a Company Secretary
The role demands strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of governance processes. Typical duties include:
- Organising meetings of directors and shareholders.
- Issuing notices, preparing agendas, and circulating relevant papers.
- Taking and producing accurate minutes of meetings.
- Maintaining statutory books and company records.
- Ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
Without doubt the company secretary’s role is pivotal to the day to day running of a company, not just in terms of administration and compliance but ensuring effectiveness of the board processes and good corporate governance and ensuring that the company operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency.
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance is the foundation of every well-run business. It encompasses the processes, practices and policies by which decisions are made, and the company is managed.
Good corporate governance promotes:
- Accountability – holding decision-makers responsible.
- Transparency – ensuring open and clear reporting.
- Fairness – balancing the interests of all stakeholders.
- Responsibility – making ethical and sustainable decisions.
The company secretary is pivotal in embedding these principles, ensuring the organisation not only complies with legal requirements but also builds trust and credibility with stakeholders.
How can we help?
Boston provides a full service which includes the co-ordination and preparation of board packs, attendance at meetings, preparation of professional minutes, corporate governance monitoring and review, statutory compliance, maintenance of statutory registers including the register of conflicts and statutory filings. A range of administration services can be provided to support the corporate secretariat and can be tailored to suit a client’s needs.