Role of the Company Secretary

5. Complementary Roles

Particularly in small companies, the company secretary is often expected to take on other duties as well. At all times, the company secretary's principal responsibility is to the directors.

5.1 It may make sense for you to take on other administrative responsibilities.

For example:

• PAYE and payroll.
• VAT registration.
• Insurance and pensions.
• Managing the company's premises and facilities.

5.2 Company secretaries are often asked to take on responsibility for legal matters.

• You might be required to advise the directors on their duties, and to ensure that they comply with corporate legislation and the Articles of Association of the company.
• You might also be asked to ensure compliance with other legislation, including data protection and health and safety.
• You might be asked to act as a signatory on behalf of the board. For example, to sign leases or, more generally, on the bank account and statutory documents.
• You might be asked to take responsibility for arranging adequate insurance to protect the company and the directors.