Overview
The governance landscape is shifting rapidly. Digital transformation, evolving regulation, rising reporting expectations, and increased scrutiny mean that company secretarial support roles have grown far beyond administration—they are now central to organisational integrity, transparency, and compliance. Yet many professionals are left to learn “on the job” or struggle to keep pace with digital demands and modern governance standards.
This course fills that gap by equipping company secretarial support staff with the essential legal foundations, digital capabilities and professional techniques needed to thrive in today’s fast‑moving environment. Whether you’re new to the field or refreshing your existing knowledge, you’ll gain the confidence to support statutory compliance, meetings, records management and the broader governance function. No prior experience is required - just curiosity, commitment and the desire to build a strong professional foundation.
What you'll learn
This course is to provide company secretarial support staff with a comprehensive understanding of:
- the principles of company law
- statutory compliance and regulatory requirements
- the evolving role of the governance professional
- digital tools and modern administrative practices
- effective support for boards, committees and executive teams
Delegates will be able to manage statutory obligations confidently, maintain accurate digital corporate records, support key governance processes, and navigate the regulatory environment with increased assurance.
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for:
- Company secretarial assistants and administrators
- Executive assistants and PAs supporting directors or governance teams
- Junior legal or compliance professionals entering the company secretarial field
- Office managers or administrative staff with meeting or records responsibilities
- Anyone seeking a structured and modern introduction to company secretarial practice
How much does it cost?
Course costs (ex VAT)
Non-member - £755
Professional subscriber - £680
Member - £605
*A discount is available for registered charities, please email [email protected].
For any related enquiries please contact us at [email protected], or call us at +44 (0)20 7580 4741
Post-Course Action
Participants will be encouraged to:
• Apply modern company secretarial practices and digital tools in their daily work
• Review current company secretarial processes within their organisation for efficiency improvements
• Utilise the provided resources and the complimentary CGI subscription to stay updated on regulatory changes and best practices
• Engage in continuous professional development to enhance their expertise in corporate governance and compliance
Who is this course for:
This course is ideal for individuals supporting company secretarial, governance, executive, or board functions, including:
- Company secretarial assistants and administrators
- Executive assistants and PAs who support directors or company secretaries
- Junior legal or compliance professionals entering the company secretarial field
- Office managers or administrative staff with company secretarial responsibilities
- Anyone seeking a foundational and updated understanding of company secretarial practice
This course is relevant across all sectors (listed and private companies, charities, public sector, and the NHS).
Learning outcomes
By the end of the day, you will understand:
- Understand the fundamental principles of company law and the corporate structure
- Articulate the evolving role and key responsibilities of the company secretariat in a modern context
- Confidently manage statutory registers and Companies House filings, including digital processes
- Provide effective administrative support for board and shareholder meetings, including virtual/hybrid setups
- Recognise the basic duties and liabilities of company directors
- Identify and apply modern tools and best practices for efficient company secretarial operations
- Understand the importance of data security and confidentiality in company secretarial work
You will also receive:
- Comprehensive course notes and presentation slides
- A practical digital toolkit checklist for company secretarial support
- Glossary (with description) of common company secretarial documents (e.g., minutes, resolutions)
- Resource list for further reading on modern governance and digital tools
- Certificate of 6 hours CPD attendance
- 6 months complimentary professional subscription of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
Testimonials
"A perfect level for me and a great overview of the role of the company secretary."
"Easy to follow, clear, precise and interesting."
People who take this course often go on to book:
Useful CGI Resources:
A wealth of further information and guidance on governance practices can be found in our Resources.
Competency framework
This course aligns to CGI’s competency framework: Entry/Emerging
Use the competency framework to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in governance.
Programme
- What is a company?
- Limited liability
- Management and ownership
- How a company works
- Sources of law
- Status, powers, role and duties of the company secretary
- Company secretarial department
- How companies raise capital
- Types of shares
- Debentures and loan stock and loans
- The role of the stock exchange
- Buying and selling shares
- Share transfers
- Filing forms at Companies House
- Keeping the statutory registers
- Minute books
- Accounts
- Directors' service contracts
- The role, duties and liabilities of directors
- Appointment and removal
- Executive and non-executive directors
- Board meetings and committees of the board
- Organising an annual general meeting
- Notice
- Resolutions
- Voting
- Minutes