The Evolving Role of the Company Secretary

Once known primarily for managing board minutes and compliance filings, the company secretary role has evolved into a cornerstone of modern corporate governance. In a world defined by regulation, reputation, and rapid digital change, company secretaries are no longer quiet administrators but strategic leaders shaping how boards operate and organisations grow.

A recent Bridgehouse Company Secretaries report found that 82% of UK boards now view their company secretary as a strategic partner in digital transformation and sustainability initiatives. This marks a defining shift in perception to one that recognises company secretaries as essential contributors to governance, culture, and corporate strategy.

According to Sage Governance founder Jeri-Lea Brown, “Today’s modern company secretary duties extend far beyond administration. They provide strategic insight, guide governance maturity, and strengthen the bridge between the board, management, and shareholders.”

From Administrative Support to Strategic Adviser

The company secretary role has evolved from administrative tasks to a strategic advisory position central to corporate governance. Today’s company secretary acts as a key adviser to the board on governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. They serve as a trusted link between leadership and stakeholders, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency.

In the UK, this transformation is clearly reflected in how organisations value the position. The Barclay Simpson 2025 Salary Guide reports that company secretaries typically earn between £100 000 and £220 000, with group company secretaries reaching £300 000 or more — highlighting their strategic influence at board level.

Modern boards increasingly depend on the strategic company secretary role to interpret complex frameworks such as the UK Corporate Governance Code and Companies Act. As governance specialist Caroline Doyle of Doyle Clayton explains, “The modern company secretary blends legal precision with commercial understanding — they’re not just keeping minutes, they’re shaping policy.”

As Jeri-Lea Brown adds, “The question has moved from ‘what does a company secretary do’ to ‘how effectively can they influence board culture, resilience, and long-term value?’”

Key Responsibilities in Modern Governance

The company secretary governance responsibilities now extend into nearly every area of board effectiveness and corporate oversight. The corporate secretariat functions of today’s professional include:

• Providing board governance support to ensure decisions are transparent and well-documented

• Guiding directors on regulatory compliance and governance requirements

• Embedding ethical leadership and sustainability principles into board discussions

• Facilitating communication between the board, management, and shareholders

• Managing executive governance support systems that streamline digital board operations

A study by Henley Business School highlights that company secretaries significantly improve board dynamics by anticipating director needs, providing timely information, and fostering trust between board members.

Supporting Hybrid and Regulated Organisations

The shift toward remote and hybrid work has made hybrid organisation governance more complex and demanding. Company secretaries must now manage virtual boardrooms, secure data-sharing systems, and international compliance obligations across time zones and jurisdictions.

For a regulated organisation company secretary, the role demands exceptional awareness of overlapping regulatory frameworks, from the UK Companies Act to GDPR and ESG reporting standards. According to FD Capital’s 2024 report, technological tools such as AI-driven compliance monitoring and secure cloud portals are enabling secretaries to focus more on strategic governance and less on manual administration.

As Jeri-Lea Brown notes, “Effective governance in hybrid environments requires both empathy and agility. A great corporate governance adviser understands people as much as they understand policy.”

Compliance and Risk Management Duties

Strong governance and risk management are fundamental to a company’s stability and reputation. The company secretary compliance responsibilities can now include proactive risk identification, oversight of whistle-blower systems, and maintaining digital audit trails.

Research by London Registrars shows that company secretaries are central information conduits between the board and executive management, ensuring that governance data is timely, accurate, and actionable.

The corporate secretary duties now go hand-in-hand with strategic foresight. The UK Institute of Directors underscores that company secretaries “anchor ethical practice within the organisation and act as trusted guardians of transparency and trust”.

By embedding corporate secretariat best practices into daily operations, company secretaries ensure that governance is not just compliant;  it’s consistent, credible, and future-focused.

Skills Required for the Modern Company Secretary

The company secretary leadership role demands a multidisciplinary skill set. Beyond deep legal and regulatory expertise, company secretaries must demonstrate digital fluency, political awareness, and emotional intelligence.

Recent findings from Bridgehouse Company Secretaries underscore what many in governance already recognise: today’s company secretary is no longer a record keeper but a driver of innovation and sustainability. Viewed as strategic partners in digital transformation and corporate purpose, they now sit at the nexus of governance, technology, and culture.

Key capabilities include:

• Advanced understanding of company secretary governance responsibilities

• Strategic thinking and data-informed decision-making

• Skill in leading digital board processes

• Confidence in managing high-stakes communication

Ultimately, the modern governance advisor blends intellect with integrity, ensuring that governance structures are both effective and adaptable to change.

Conclusion

The evolving corporate secretariat role continues to redefine leadership and accountability across the corporate world. As boards face unprecedented regulatory and technological change, the company secretary's strategic advisory function will remain indispensable.

Jeri-Lea Brown concludes, “Good governance is about foresight, not hindsight. The most effective company secretaries don’t just record the past; they help shape the organisation’s future.”

FAQs

What does a company secretary do in modern governance?

They act as strategic advisers, supporting boards with governance, compliance, and risk oversight while ensuring transparent stakeholder communication.

How has the company secretary role changed over time?

It has shifted from administrative tasks to a leadership role integrating strategy, compliance, and digital transformation.

Why is the company secretary vital in hybrid or regulated organisations?

They maintain effective governance and compliance across hybrid teams, digital systems, and international operations.