Company Secretary Requirements & Responsibilities

Companies should state the specific requirements for the appointment and termination of the limited company secretary in the company's memorandum and articles. If the secretary also happens to be an employee, then this may affect the regulations regarding their departure or induction in the company. A private company will need to alert Companies House of any termination or appointment of a company secretary within 14 days of the event occurring.

For a normal limited company, there is no nationality, gender, or educational requirements regarding the appointment of a company secretary. However, it is advisable that anyone who wishes to become the company secretary should be competent and knowledgeable of all the tasks and responsibilities expected of them. This is paramount to your company, as neglecting to fulfil certain aspects of the role can lead to severe fines.

For a public limited company (PLC), the company secretary requirements are very different, as are the general legal requirements. For example, a PLC must have at least two directors, but the secretary must be extremely well qualified. He or she must have held the office or been secretary of a public company for between three and five years before appointment, or be a barrister, or a solicitor in the UK. Another requirement a company secretary can have is to be a member of: