Enrolment deadline is 5th March 2024

NEW: Just launched

Professional Certificate in Company Secretary

Accelerate your company secretary skills and proficiency to stay ahead in a demanding business landscape.

Contact hours

12-15 hours

Qualification

Professional certificate

Certificate Fee

€1,695

Format

Online, self paced

How to quickly upskill with company secretary training

The increasing call for corporate governance transparency is putting the role of the company secretary in the spotlight. Fast-track your company secretary skills. Stay ahead of the competition with a globally recognised, industry-approved qualification from the global standard in corporate governance education.

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Short course

An effective company secretary with the right skills is essential on every board. Set yourself apart in four modules equivalent to two days of training.

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Cost-effective

Don’t let cost implications stall your professional development. Choose to maintain momentum in your career.

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Fundamentals

Start implementing and solidifying proven good corporate governance practices on your board.

Globally recognised, industry-approved. Awarded by the Corporate Governance Institute

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What our alumni say

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What you’ll learn in each module

The Company Secretary professional certificate will give you the essential and practical knowledge you need to fast-track your role on the board. You will learn through a mix of case studies, interactive exercises, written content and videos with experts.

The Effective Company Secretary

Deepen your understanding of the role of the company secretary on the board. Examine how crucial its function is to the successful operation of the board. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Roles and responsibilities: Gain a deep understanding of the various roles of the company secretary.
  • Leadership: Learn how to effectively model good leadership behaviour.
  • Relationship management: Discover how to build good relations with key stakeholders and the board.
  • Technology in the boardroom: Understand the company secretary’s role in adopting new technology in the boardroom.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Determine whether the board and its directors are performing their legal responsibilities.
  • Identify if the organisation is maintaining appropriate governance systems and processes.
  • Examine if the board papers are contributing to effective decision making.

Speaker on this topic

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Gerry Egan

Experienced chairman, company director and company secretary with over 30 years of experience.

Corporate Governance Architecture - The Essentials

Take an in-depth look at what’s needed to develop the right governance structures for your organisation and the frameworks needed for success. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Roles and responsibilities: Fully understand different board roles and the expected responsibilities of each director.
  • Committees: Explore different types of committees, their purpose and what they look like in practice.
  • Executive team: Learn what needs to be in place to turn heads of function into an effective executive team.
  • Characteristics: Understand the characteristics of each board role and how to identify their impact.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Identify the importance of having a governance structure and what it looks like when it’s done well.
  • Fully understand what a board committee is and what’s expected of it.
  • Confidently speak about the functions and purpose of different types of board committees.

Speaker on this topic

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Diarmaid O’Corrbui

CEO of Carmichael

Governance Building Blocks: The Handbook and Reporting

Clearly understand what the governance handbook is and the purpose of board policies. Learn the importance of good reporting practices and the tools to assist. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Governance handbook overview: Discover the purpose of the governance handbook and what it needs to include to make governance function effectively daily.
  • Board policies: Explore the essential policies that make up a good governance handbook.
  • Board reporting: Elevate your knowledge of why reliable and accurate performance reporting, that includes ESG reporting, is critical for directors.
  • Technology and AI: Learn how technology and AI tools are being used to enhance the reporting process.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Describe the key components of the governance handbook and its role in guiding corporate governance best practice.
  • Identify common board policies included in the governance handbook and the purpose they serve within the governance framework.
  • Explain the foundations of good governance reporting practices.

Speaker on this topic

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Ruth Odih

Assistant Company Secretary at Centrica Plc

ESG for Directors and Executive Leaders

Bring your knowledge of ESG to the next level with this in depth insight into how environmental, social and governance factors impact business. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Key concepts: Gain a solid understanding of ESG and understand the opportunities it creates.
  • Investing: Learn how organisations are effectively approaching ESG.
  • Data: Be clear about the need for quality ESG data and how to interpret it.
  • Performance: Learn how to persuade the board to build an ESG integrated organisation.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Fully understand how your board can navigate the changing landscape of ESG.
  • Identify how your organisation can develop a strategic approach to ESG.
  • Determine how you can build an ESG framework that is future-proofed.

Speaker on this topic

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Rhea Albuquerque

ESG Lead and Head of Product Development at the Corporate Governance Institute.

Learn through a mix of:

  • Case studies
  • Expert speaker videos
  • Discussion groups
  • Interactive Q&A videos
  • Knowledge checks
  • Course material
Frequently asked questions

Browse these questions and answers to help your research

The Company Secretary Professional Certificate course offers detailed training on the roles and legal duties of a company secretary, including governance, compliance, board management, and shareholder relations, equipping professionals with essential skills.

This course is ideal for current and aspiring company secretaries, governance professionals, corporate lawyers, and board members who want to deepen their knowledge of corporate governance and the critical role of a company secretary.

For this course, participants have the flexibility to choose from multiple payment options. They can pay for the course in full using the secure checkout facility on our website. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more flexible payment schedule, there is an option to pay in three monthly instalments via Klarna, available directly at checkout. This allows participants to manage their finances more comfortably while gaining access to the course content immediately.

You have four months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. This duration includes finishing all course modules and assessments. This structured timeline ensures that you can progress through the course at a steady pace while managing other commitments.

The course is delivered entirely online and is self-paced, offering participants the flexibility to learn at their own pace and convenience from any location. This format is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, allowing them to manage their learning around existing commitments. The course includes a mix of video lectures, interactive exercises, real-life case studies, and downloadable content, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

The course includes four graded assessments, with one graded assessment corresponding to each module. These assessments are structured to evaluate your understanding and application of the key concepts covered throughout the course. Designed to ensure that you are ready to apply this knowledge in a professional setting, each assessment tests your grasp of the principles discussed in each module, reinforcing the learning objectives and enhancing your mastery of the subject matter.

If you need to retake an assessment or require an extension for completing the course, please contact our learning support team for assistance. You can reach them via email at [email protected]. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and instructions to proceed, ensuring you have the support needed to successfully complete your coursework. The fee for an extension is €150 for an additional 3 months course access.

Yes, support is available throughout the duration of the course. Our dedicated support team is on hand to assist you with any issues or queries you may have, including course material, technical difficulties, navigation issues, or administrative assistance. You can contact them via email at any time for help to ensure you have a supportive and enriching learning experience.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate that acknowledges your skills in the respective subject area. This certification serves as a validation of your professional development and expertise, enhancing your credentials for roles in corporate governance, sustainability, or other relevant fields. You can also share this certificate on professional networks like LinkedIn to highlight your achievements and capabilities to your network and potential employers.

Once you have enrolled in the course, you will receive an email containing your login details for the online learning platform. All course materials, including videos, module presentations, readings, and supplementary resources, will be accessible on this platform. You can start engaging with the materials and begin your learning journey immediately after logging in.

Don't fall behind

Accelerate your company secretary skills in just four comprehensive modules.