Role of the Company Secretary – (Advanced Irish Region)

Overview

The modern Company Secretary is no longer confined to administration or procedural compliance. Today’s governance leaders are expected to shape board culture, advise on strategy, and navigate the most complex challenges of our time - from ESG and GDPR to the ethical dilemmas of AI and the expectations of the Companies Registration Office and the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA).

Following on from our Introduction course, this is your opportunity to step beyond the mechanics of governance and into the arena of influence. Through immersive case studies, high-level frameworks, and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to:

•  Strengthen your presence and credibility in the Irish boardroom. Apply Irish governance codes and  regulatory expectations with confidence. 
• Build trust and rapport with Chairs, NEDs, and executives - even in the most complex relationships.
• Future-proof governance against emerging risks and regulatory shifts, including CSRD, the Irish AI   Bill 2026, and evolving Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) and CEA expectations.
• Step up in critical moments as the indispensable voice of integrity and strategic foresight

By the end of this intensive training, you won’t just be fulfilling the role of Company Secretary - you’ll be redefining it within the Irish governance landscape.

What you'll learn

The purpose of this advanced programme is to empower experienced Company Secretaries and governance professionals to transition from compliance-focused practitioners to strategic advisors and influential leaders within their organisations. By mastering complex governance frameworks, enhancing board effectiveness, and navigating modern regulatory challenges, participants will develop the confidence, emotional intelligence, and strategic presence required to act as trusted partners to Chairs, Boards, and Executive Committees.

This course is designed to:

·         Deepen expertise in applying advanced Irish governance codes and principles

·         Elevate strategic influence by equipping participants to advise on board composition, succession, and culture in an Irish context (including independence expectations and cooling-off periods).

·         Strengthen leadership presence through emotional intelligence and relationship management skills.

·         Future-proof governance by integrating ESG, GDPR, and AI considerations into organisational frameworks.

·         Enable decisive action in high-judgement scenarios, positioning participants as indispensable voices of integrity and foresight.

Ultimately, the course aims to redefine the role of the Company Secretary as a governance leader who not only ensures compliance but also shapes strategy, drives board effectiveness, and champions ethical decision-making in an evolving Irish corporate landscape.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for:

• Experienced Company Secretaries
• Governance Professionals
• Senior Legal, Risk, and Compliance Officers
• Aspiring Governance Leaders
• Particularly those working within Irish PLC, financial services, banking, insurance, regulated entities and those in practice.

How much does it cost?

Course Cost (excluding 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