Price: from £10.00
A Company Secretary is usually a person who assists with correspondence, making appointments, and carrying out administrative tasks. Company secretaries guide company directors about the day-to-day management of their company, including compliance with legal and statutory requirements.
Who can be a Company Secretary?
It is not a requirement to appoint a secretary to a Limited Company, this is optional. They can be an individual of any nationality and reside anywhere in the world. You can also appoint a corporate secretary, this is where another company will act as secretary of your company.
How do I add a new Secretary to my company?
You will be required to supply the following details:
- Name
- Address
How do I change the details of a secretary?
CFS Formations are able to change the details of your Secretary. Our price for this service is £10.00
You are able to choose which secretary you would like to terminate together with the date of the termination.
All changes within a UK Company must be reported to Companies House, and can be filed using our Secretarial Services which is linked directly to Companies House.
In order to process the changes electronically you will be required to supply the company number and unique authentication code, these details may already be saved in our system if you formed your company through CFS. If you do not have your unique authentication code that is no problem we can still assist you with adding a new company secretary, please contact us for assistance.
Frequently asked questions about company secretaries
Does every UK company need a company secretary?
No. A private limited company is not normally required to appoint a company secretary, although it may choose to do so. The company’s articles of association should also be checked in case they include a requirement to appoint one.
A public limited company must appoint a company secretary who has the appropriate knowledge and experience for the role.
Can a company director also be the company secretary?
A director of a private limited company can also act as its company secretary. However, appointing a separate person can be helpful where the directors need additional support with company records, filings and administrative work.
The company’s auditor cannot act as its company secretary.
What does a company secretary do?
The exact responsibilities depend on the company and the authority given to the secretary. Typical duties can include:
- Maintaining statutory registers and company records
- Helping to prepare and submit Companies House filings
- Organising board meetings and recording minutes
- Keeping directors informed about filing deadlines
- Managing correspondence with Companies House and other authorities
- Helping the company follow its articles of association and internal procedures
A company secretary’s duties should be agreed clearly when they are appointed.
Do directors remain responsible if the company appoints a secretary?
Yes. Appointing a company secretary does not remove the directors’ legal responsibilities.
Directors remain responsible for ensuring that the company meets its statutory obligations, keeps suitable records and submits required filings on time. A secretary may help complete these tasks, but the directors must still oversee the company’s compliance.
What is the difference between a company secretary and a director?
A director is responsible for managing the company and making decisions on its behalf. A company secretary usually supports the directors by helping with governance, company records, meetings and administrative requirements.
A secretary does not automatically have the same decision-making authority as a director. Their powers depend on their appointment and the authority given to them by the company.
Does a private company secretary need formal qualifications?
A secretary appointed to a private limited company does not normally need a specific professional qualification. The company should still appoint someone with the knowledge and ability to carry out the role properly.
Different requirements apply to public companies, which must appoint a suitably qualified or experienced company secretary.
To discuss your requirements further, please call us, email the team, or you can use our Live Chat Facility.
Testimonial
"I am very impressed with the service that CFS provided for the setup of my Seychelles Company. They made the process very easy and straight forward. I would recommend using CFS"
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