A company secretary ensures that a business follows company law, meets its statutory duties and maintains strong corporate governance.
In 2026, the role is far more strategic than it once was. A company secretary supports directors, manages Companies House filings, keeps statutory registers accurate and acts as the main link between the board, shareholders and regulators.
Key points:
- A public limited company must legally appoint a company secretary.
- A private limited company does not usually need one, but many still appoint one.
- The role now combines legal compliance, governance and business administration.
- Company secretaries often advise directors and reduce the risk of missed filings or penalties.
- In smaller businesses, they may also manage GDPR, payroll, insurance and HR-related tasks.
What is a Company Secretary in the UK?
A company secretary is a senior officer responsible for ensuring a business complies with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements.
Although the title sounds administrative, modern company secretaries are governance professionals who help organisations run properly and stay compliant.
They work closely with directors, ensuring the company follows the Companies Act 2006, maintains accurate records, and submits required filings to Companies House on time. In many businesses, they also act as a key adviser on governance matters.
“The company secretary is no longer simply an administrator. In modern organisations, they are central to effective governance and board performance.” – Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
The role is especially important in larger companies, charities, and public organisations where governance requirements are more complex.
Is a Company Secretary Still Required for a Business in 2026?
In the UK, the legal requirement depends on the type of company.
Public limited companies (PLCs) must appoint a company secretary. Under the Companies Act 2006, every PLC is legally required to have one, and the person appointed must have suitable knowledge and experience.
Private limited companies are different. Since April 2008, they are no longer legally required to appoint a company secretary unless their articles of association say otherwise. Many companies formed using the standard model articles do not need one.
When a company secretary is legally required:
| Company Type | Is a Company Secretary Required? | Notes |
| Public Limited Company (PLC) | Yes | Must appoint a qualified and experienced company secretary |
| Private Limited Company (Ltd) | Usually No | Only required if the articles of association say so |
| Charity or Not-for-Profit | Depends | Governance role may exist under a different title |
| Group Company | Often Yes | Usually appointed to oversee multiple companies |
Even where the role is optional, many private companies still appoint a company secretary because directors remain legally responsible for the business.
Without one, the directors must personally handle compliance, records and filing obligations.
What Does a Company Secretary Actually Do Day-to-Day?
The answer to “what does a company secretary do” depends on the size of the business, but the daily role usually includes board support, record-keeping and compliance.
Typical day-to-day responsibilities include:
- arranging board meetings and annual general meetings
- preparing agendas and board papers
- recording accurate minutes
- maintaining statutory registers
- filing confirmation statements and changes with Companies House
- communicating with shareholders
- keeping company records secure and up to date
A company secretary is often responsible for ensuring that all board decisions are documented properly and carried out.
They may also track deadlines for annual accounts, confirmation statements and changes to directors or shareholdings.
Common day-to-day duties of a company secretary:
| Task | What It Involves | Why It Matters |
| Board Meetings | Preparing agendas, notices and minutes | Ensures decisions are recorded correctly |
| Statutory Registers | Updating records of directors, shareholders and PSCs | Keeps the company legally compliant |
| Companies House Filings | Filing confirmation statements and officer changes | Prevents penalties and late filing issues |
| Shareholder Communication | Sending notices, dividend updates and share transfers | Builds trust and transparency |
| Document Security | Storing legal and company records safely | Protects the business from disputes |
A company secretary in a small business may also take on extra duties, such as dealing with accountants, managing insurance policies or supporting payroll and VAT submissions.
“A company secretary often becomes the person who prevents minor administrative issues from turning into major legal problems.” – Senior Companies House Compliance Adviser
How Does a Company Secretary Support Directors and the Board?
A company secretary plays a major role in helping directors make informed decisions. They ensure that the board follows correct procedures, receives the right information and complies with corporate governance rules.
How Does a Company Secretary Help Improve Board Decisions?
The company secretary ensures that board members receive papers, reports and legal guidance before meetings take place. This means directors can make decisions based on accurate and complete information.
They also prepare meeting minutes, track follow-up actions and make sure that decisions are implemented. This creates accountability and reduces confusion after meetings.
Why is the Company Secretary Often Called the Board’s Trusted Adviser?
Because the company secretary works closely with the chair and directors, they often become a confidential source of advice. They may warn directors if a proposal could create legal, regulatory or reputational risks.
One business owner recently explained the value of this support:
“When our company expanded and added new investors, I realised I could not manage governance alone. Our company secretary spotted filing deadlines we had missed and helped the board make better decisions.” – James, Managing Director of a Manchester technology firm
The company secretary also helps with the induction of new directors, ensuring they understand the company’s structure, duties and governance processes.
What Filings and Legal Records Does a Company Secretary Manage?
A company secretary is often responsible for the company’s statutory records and filings. This includes keeping all information up to date and making sure changes are reported within the required time limits.
The most common records include the register of directors, register of shareholders and the register of people with significant control (PSC). They also handle changes to the registered office address and company ownership.
Key filings and records managed by a company secretary:
| Filing or Record | Purpose | Deadline or Requirement |
| Confirmation Statement | Confirms company information is correct | Usually every 12 months |
| Register of Directors | Lists current and former directors | Must be updated immediately |
| PSC Register | Identifies individuals with significant control | Required by law |
| Registered Office Update | Changes official company address | Must be filed promptly |
| Appointment or Removal of Officers | Updates director or secretary details | Normally within 14 days |
Failure to maintain these records can lead to fines, reputational damage and, in some cases, legal action against the directors.
Why Would a Business Appoint a Company Secretary if It is Not Compulsory?
Many businesses choose to appoint a company secretary because the practical benefits outweigh the cost. The role can reduce administrative pressure, improve governance and help avoid expensive mistakes.
Businesses often appoint a company secretary because they want:
- fewer missed filing deadlines
- better communication with shareholders
- stronger board procedures
- support with compliance and risk management
- more time for directors to focus on growth
Do Private Limited Companies Still Need a Company Secretary?
Private companies are not usually required to appoint one, but many still do. This is especially true when the business is growing, has several shareholders or needs help managing governance.
A small business owner described the difference it made:
“I used to handle all Companies House filings myself, but it became too much as the company grew. Since appointing a company secretary, I spend more time developing the business and less time worrying about compliance.” – Sarah, Owner of a London-based retail company
For growing businesses, appointing a company secretary can be a practical investment rather than a legal necessity.
Is a Company Secretary the Same as a Director?
No. A company secretary and a director have different roles.
A director is responsible for managing the company and making business decisions. A company secretary supports the directors by ensuring those decisions are made correctly and in line with legal requirements.
Directors have overall legal responsibility for the company. Even if a company secretary is appointed, the directors remain accountable if the business fails to meet its obligations.
Can a Director Also Be the Company Secretary?
Yes, in many private companies a director can also act as company secretary. However, one person cannot sign the same document in both capacities if separate signatures are required.
For example, if a contract needs a signature from both a director and a company secretary, the same individual cannot sign twice.
What Qualifications and Skills Does a Company Secretary Need?
There is no single route into the role, especially in private companies. However, strong knowledge of company law, governance and administration is essential.
Useful qualifications and skills include:
- membership of the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI)
- legal, finance or business qualifications
- knowledge of the Companies Act 2006
- strong organisational and communication skills
- experience dealing with directors and shareholders
“The best company secretaries combine technical knowledge with the confidence to challenge the board when necessary.” – Governance Director, Institute of Directors
In public companies, the board must ensure that the company secretary has the experience and qualifications needed for the role.
How Much Does a Company Secretary Earn in the UK?
Company secretary salaries vary according to experience, industry and the size of the business.
According to UK careers data, a junior company secretary may earn around £26,000 a year, while experienced professionals in large organisations can earn £90,000 or more.
Those working in listed companies, financial services or large corporate groups often receive the highest salaries because the governance requirements are more complex.
Freelance and part-time company secretaries are also becoming more common in 2026, particularly among smaller businesses that do not need a full-time appointment.
How Has the Company Secretary Role Changed for Businesses in 2026?
The role of the company secretary has evolved significantly. In 2026, it is no longer limited to filing paperwork or arranging meetings.
Businesses now expect company secretaries to support risk management, governance, and long-term strategy.
Digital systems have also transformed the role. Most filings are completed online, with specialist software used to manage statutory records and deadlines.
The modern role often includes:
- Data protection and GDPR compliance
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting
- Managing investor and shareholder expectations
- Supporting cyber security and document retention
As scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders increases, the company secretary has become essential for maintaining a well-managed and compliant business.
While not always legally required, many organisations now consider the role necessary in practice.
Conclusion
In 2026, understanding what does a company secretary do is essential for any UK business. Although private limited companies are not always required to appoint one, the role offers major benefits.
A company secretary supports directors, manages Companies House filings, maintains statutory records and strengthens corporate governance. They also help businesses avoid penalties, improve board decisions and save valuable time.
For growing companies, appointing a company secretary is often less about legal necessity and more about creating a stronger, more organised and compliant business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a company secretary legally required for every UK company?
No. Public limited companies must appoint one, but most private limited companies do not unless their articles of association require it.
Does a company secretary have decision-making power?
Usually no. They advise the board and support decision-making, but directors remain responsible for the company.
Can a small business appoint a company secretary?
Yes. Many small businesses appoint one to help with Companies House filings, records, and governance.
What is the difference between a company secretary and a governance professional?
A governance professional is a broader term. Company secretary is the traditional title often used in corporate settings.
Do company secretaries deal with shareholders?
Yes. They often manage share transfers, dividend communication, and shareholder enquiries.
Can a company operate without a company secretary?
Most private limited companies can, but the directors then become responsible for all company secretarial duties.
Is company secretary a senior role?
Yes. In many businesses, the company secretary is considered a senior adviser to the board and leadership team.
