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Training Course

The Role of the Company Secretary - Part One

Overview

Behind every effective Board lies a trusted advisor who ensures decisions are legally sound, governance is watertight, and organisational integrity is protected. That advisor is the Company Secretary, a role often underestimated, yet indispensable to the success of modern organisations.

This one‑day intensive programme invites you to step into the engine room of corporate governance. You’ll uncover how the Company Secretary transforms complex legal requirements into practical, resilient systems that keep companies compliant, Boards empowered, and stakeholders confident.

What you'll learn

Whether you’re an aspiring governance professional, a senior executive reporting to the Board, or simply curious about the machinery that keeps organisations running smoothly, this course will give you the tools, confidence, and insight to understand—and begin to master—the pivotal role of the Company Secretary.

By the end of the day, you won’t just know what the Company Secretary does. You’ll understand why the role matters, how it shapes organisational success, and where you can add value in your own professional journey.

Who is it for?

 - Aspiring Governance Professionals
 - Newly Appointed CoSecs
 - Executives and Senior Managers
 - Board Support Staff
 - Charity, Private, and Listed Company Professionals

How much does it cost?

 - Non-member - £755
 - Professional subscriber - £680 
 - Member - £605

*Please note. These prices will increase on 1 Jan 2026.

**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

Selected Session
755.00 GBP (ex. VAT) - Non-member
Virtual
Monday 19 January 2026
9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
CPD: 6 hours
Book now
More dates & member options are available
Find out more

Download the course brochure

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Contact our training team for more information

People who take this course often go on to book:

Attendees from this course often go on to study the CGI’s Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme.  

Useful CGI Resources:

Testimonials

"Very informative and well delivered by trainer. Just enough depth of each subject."

★★★★★

"An excellent foundation on which to build.  The supporting guidance materials were excellent"

★★★★★

"Enjoyed the pace being relatively fast throughout the day. Lots of useful references that I can follow up on."

★★★★★

"I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a solid understanding of governance and enhance their career prospects".

★★★★★

"This is a five-star course. I enjoyed the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge and the learning experience".

★★★★★

"I'd recommend this course. The content was very up to date and relevant".

★★★★★

Course Leaders

Victoria Garvin Card
Governance Director | Beyond Governance plc

Victoria Garvin

Victoria was Head of Subsidiary Governance at Aviva plc (FTSE 100), a composite insurer covering a range of insurance from life cover through to pet insurance. Victoria started at Aviva within their Life and Pensions business, a role that was extended to also include Secretariat support for the General Insurance business, before being asked to lead the global group-wide function overseeing the application of governance practices across the group. Prior to joining Aviva, Victoria was the Company Secretary for Canada Life Group, the UK Division of The Great-West Life Co, a Canadian financial services group listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Previously she worked at Music Sale Group, a global music publisher as their Company Secretary. Victoria has been a Trustee of a large Company Pension Scheme, a hybrid defined benefits and defined contribution scheme, during her role as a trustee the scheme underwent a triennial valuation and a detailed project on investment options. Victoria is dynamic, versatile and commercially focused, with significant and broad knowledge of Company Secretarial and Governance functions spanning financial services and the media sector. Victoria was named as one of Diligent Corporation’s Modern Governance ambassadors in 2019 and 2020.
Monique Caswell Web
Senior Assistant Company Secretary | Beyond Governance plc

Monique Caswell

Monique is an accomplished company secretary with extensive experience supporting strategic business initiatives and driving governance excellence. Proven expertise in corporate governance, compliance, and project management across UK and international operations. Key contributions include leading governance during high-profile mergers and acquisitions, managing employee share schemes, and overseeing complex transactions such as rights issues and bond issuances. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration with legal, finance, and HR teams. Dedicated to fostering strong governance frameworks and delivering value through strategic insight and execution.
John Davies Card
Governance Director | Beyond Governance plc

John Davies

John is a forward thinking and relationship focused Governance Professional with over 25 years’ experience in a range of sectors. Having had experience of working in many different sectors and types of organisation, John has been able to apply this knowledge to support a high profile public inquiry. John has been involved in the preparation of numerous annual reports, providing narrative content, best practice reviews and the incorporation of proxy voting agency recommendations for FTSE and AIM listed companies. John has helped several companies take stock and prepare for the next phase in their development by providing clear, understandable, practical and appropriate solutions to the governance challenges they face.

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.

Available Dates
19 January 2026
Virtual
Training
09:30 to 16:30
755.00 GBP (ex. VAT) - Non-member
Book now
24 February 2026
Saffron Suite
Training
09:30 to 16:30
755.00 GBP (ex. VAT) - Non-member
Book now
25 March 2026
Virtual
Training
09:30 to 16:30
755.00 GBP (ex. VAT) - Non-member
Book now