The Digital Company Secretary: Leading modern governance in a tech-first world
The perception of the Company Secretary role has undergone significant change in recent years, driven by innovations in digital governance platforms and changes in the regulatory landscape.
Once seen primarily as an administrative function, the Company Secretary is now recognised as a key player in shaping corporate governance strategies and an advisor to the board. They are also champions of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, ensuring compliance across all levels of the business.
The shift from Company Secretary to Governance Professional
The evolving demands on the Company Secretary have led to the emergence of a new title: Governance Professional. This distinction was highlighted in the Governance Market Guide published by Kuberno and DMJ at the end of 2024, reflecting the growing responsibilities and strategic importance of the role in today’s environment.
As governance evolves, Company Secretaries are increasingly expected to embrace digital tools to manage their expanding responsibilities. Grant Thornton has noted the growing recognition of governance as a fundamental enabler of trust, emphasising transparency and accountability in stakeholder relationships: “Governance frameworks guide decision-making in organisations and dialogue with stakeholders.”
In short, the modern-day, digital-first Company Secretary is expected to lead from the front. Their role extends beyond policy and regulation to include safeguarding the company’s governance framework, whilst actively managing the Secretariat’s digital toolkit to reduce manual workloads and alleviate the overall administrative burden.
From Administration to Strategy
In the past, a Company Secretary’s duties were largely perceived as administrative: preparing board meeting minutes, maintaining statutory records, and issuing Regulatory News Service updates in a timely manner. This perception of the role is now outdated; the modern-day Company Secretary’s remit now includes risk management, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement, to name just a few of their expanding areas of responsibility.
The digital-first Company Secretary is no longer seen just a record-keeper, they’re strategic leaders in governance.
These expanding duties require Company Secretaries to do more than meet basic standards; they must exceed expectations by enhancing internal controls and driving the organisation’s governance forward. Today’s demands also require forward-thinking strategies.
Technology’s role
With the growing demands placed on the Secretariat function, technology is no longer just an optional extra, it has become essential. The expanded responsibilities of the Company Secretary require efficient solutions that can streamline administrative tasks, reduce time spent on routine activities, and improve compliance management and data security.
Digital tools, particularly Corporate Governance apps, have been a game-changer. These apps enable Company Secretaries to approve permissions and communicate securely from anywhere, helping them to better place resources and manage time effectively. For example, modern governance platforms allow professionals to automate tasks such as compliance tracking and board meeting management, freeing up valuable time for more strategic activities.
Integrating technology into corporate governance is now a necessity for organisations to remain agile and efficient. With these tools, governance professionals can navigate the complexities of modern corporate governance with greater ease, positioning themselves as strategic leaders within their companies. In addition to improving efficiency and compliance, digital solutions empower Company Secretaries to drive innovation and lead change within their companies.
| Aspect | Traditional Company Secretary | Digital Company Secretary |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Admin and compliance | Strategy, Tech, Governance |
| Tools | Manual documents and Email | Governance platforms and Apps |
| Visibility | Back-office | Strategic advisors to the board |
The future of the Digital Company Secretary
The perception of the Company Secretary role has evolved dramatically, transitioning from administration to strategic governance leadership. With increasingly complex regulatory landscapes and heighted demands for transparency and accountability, the role is now integral to shaping corporate governance frameworks. The incorporation of digital tools into the function’s workflow has become essential, enabling governance professionals to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and increase compliance.
The Secretariat function continues to evolve as a vital enabler of the organisation’s long-term success. With this perpetual adaption, technology will remain the heart of governance strategies, empowering professionals to manage their responsibilities with greater agility and foresight.
