Course Overview

This program provides an in-depth exploration of the legal and compliance responsibilities of company secretaries in modern organizations. It equips participants with the knowledge and tools to ensure compliance with corporate laws, governance codes, and regulatory frameworks. The course emphasizes practical applications, including drafting compliance reports, managing board processes, and ensuring adherence to statutory obligations. Participants will gain insights into the evolving role of the company secretary as a governance professional, strategic advisor, and compliance leader.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the statutory duties and responsibilities of a company secretary.

• Interpret and apply corporate laws, governance codes, and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure compliance with company registration, reporting, and disclosure obligations.

• Support the board in governance processes, including meetings, resolutions, and filings.

• Develop effective compliance frameworks and risk management strategies.

• Manage shareholder communication and stakeholder engagement.

• Apply best practices in corporate governance and ethical leadership.

• Anticipate and respond to emerging compliance challenges, including ESG and digital governance.

Course Outline

Module 1: Role of the Company Secretary

• Evolution of the company secretary’s role

• Statutory duties and responsibilities

• Strategic advisor to the board and management

• Case study: The company secretary as a governance leader

Module 2: Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Corporate law requirements (Companies Act and related legislation)

• Securities exchange and listing rules

• Governance codes and compliance obligations

• Director liabilities and fiduciary duties

Module 3: Board and Committee Support

• Organizing board meetings and drafting agendas

• Preparing minutes, resolutions, and statutory filings

• Supporting audit, risk, and remuneration committees

• Ensuring effective board evaluations and governance reporting

Module 4: Compliance and Risk Management

• Designing compliance frameworks and policies

• Monitoring regulatory changes and reporting obligations

• Risk management and internal controls

• Whistleblowing and compliance investigations

Module 5: Shareholder and Stakeholder Engagement

• Managing shareholder communication and annual general meetings

• Disclosure obligations and investor relations

• Stakeholder engagement in governance and compliance

• Case study: Handling shareholder activism

Module 6: Contemporary Compliance Challenges

• ESG compliance and sustainability reporting

• Data protection and cybersecurity governance

• Digital transformation and compliance risks

• Global trends in corporate governance

Capstone Project

• Participants prepare a compliance framework for a simulated company

• Identify gaps in governance and propose corrective measures

• Present recommendations to a mock board

Who Should Attend

• Company secretaries and assistant company secretaries

• Corporate governance professionals

• Legal advisors and compliance officers

• Board members and senior executives

• Risk and audit professionals

• Professionals aspiring to governance and compliance leadership roles