THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF CHARTERED SECRETARIES AND ADMINSTRATORS

Chartered Secretaries

Chartered Secretaries are professionals who are qualified in corporate law, finance governance, company secretaryship and management. They are often appreciated for their pragmatic understanding of how each of these areas of knowledge applies in the “real world” of their business. Chartered Secretaries are the primary source of advice on corporate governance in many companies, public sector bodies and charities. Within the financial sector, Chartered Secretaries have contributed particularly to the development of principles based regulation (e.g. Higgs Committee on the role of non-executive directors, Listing Rules, City Code on Take Overs and Mergers) and regulatory compliance, including the Companies Act 2006. Chartered Secretaries work as chairs, chief executives and non-executive directors, as well as managers and company secretaries.

The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators is the Livery Company for Chartered Secretaries. Its related professional body is the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) which was founded in 1891 and is the recognised global voice on governance and regulatory issues in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Working with governmental and other statutory bodies, ICSA promotes best practice and provides guidance on good governance.

World Class and Fit for the Future

■ In order to qualify as a Chartered Secretary, candidates must undertake the rigorous professional examinations of the ICSA’s International Qualifying Scheme. It is the only professional accreditation scheme to offer postgraduate training across all board-level business practices. On passing their examinations, graduates can use the designatory letters Grad ICSA.

Subsequently, the ICSA’s Professional Development Profile provides a framework for graduates to validate work experience and progress towards obtaining Associateship (ACIS) and Fellowship (FCIS) status.

■ In the last three years, the Institute has increased its suite of qualifications to include a Certificate and Diploma in Business Practice and a range of self-standing awards to appeal to those working in such sectors as local government and further education. The Institute also has Certificates and Diplomas in such subjects as Offshore Finance and Administration and in Employee Share Plans; the Livery Company provides bursaries for members and non-members to study at City University and other educational establishment in the City.

Country issues

■ The Institute is an international organisation and is represented in 70 countries worldwide. In addition to the United Kingdom and Ireland, the Institute has eight main divisions, in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its advice has also frequently been sought on the introduction of corporate governance structures to countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, seeking to emulate best UK practice. The Institute would be delighted to support the Lord Mayor during his visits, particularly those to India, the Republic of Ireland, Nigeria and Russia.

Contact: Philip Marcell on 01428 651421 or p.marcell@btopenworld.com