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Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
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01 overview
Appointing a company secretary is not just a statutory requirement for some companies, but it also brings substantial benefits in maintaining corporate governance and managing administrative taste.
A company secretary is responsible for duties like maintaining company records and supporting the board of directors in fulfilling their duties.
While appointing a company secretary might seem straightforward, several legal requirements make professional guidance in these matters invaluable. As such, a corporate lawyer can help you understand your obligations and the specific duties of the company secretary within your business.
At Lawhive, we combine the power of technology with the expertise of a regulated law firm to offer high-quality legal services services at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-street law firms.
Our network of experienced corporate solicitors is on hand to provide comprehensive support and guidance through the process of appointing a company secretary, and beyond should you need it.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and get a no-obligation quote for our company secretary appointment services. With Lawhive, you can appoint a company secretary with confidence, knowing that you have expert legal support at every step of the way.
A company secretary is a senior administrative officer responsible for ensuring that a company complies with legal obligations and maintains high standards of corporate governance.
Though not required for all companies, the role of a company secretary is important in many businesses, particularly public companies and larger private companies.
Appointing a company secretary is optional for private companies unless required by the company’s articles of association.
If the articles do not specify the need for a company secretary, private companies can still choose to point a company secretary to manage their administrative and compliance responsibilities if they wish.
Public limited companies are legally required to appoint a company secretary.
The appointed secretary must be:
The requirement to appoint a company secretary varies depending on the type of company and its specific governance needs. Here’s an overview of the legal requirements and practical considerations for appointing a company secretary in the UK:
| Company Type | Legal Requirement | Considerations |
| Private companies limited by shares of guarantee | No legal requirement. | The company’s articles of association might stipulate the need for a company secretary. If they do, the company must comply. |
| Sole traders and partnerships | No legal requirement. | N/A |
| Public limited companies | Legally required to appoint a company secretary by the Companies Act 2006. | The appointed company secretary in a PLC must have the necessary qualifications or experience to fulfill their role effectively. |
The duties of a company secretary include:
In private companies (limited by shares or guarantee) a director can also hold the position of company secretary.
However, it’s important to consider the practicality of one individual managing both roles and ensure that the director who also serves as company secretary has the necessary skills, qualifications, and time to fulfill the duties effectively.
In public limited companies, the roles of director and company secretary must be held by separate people. This reflects the need for higher governance standards and a clearer separation of responsibilities.
The decision to appoint a company secretary typically requires approval from the board of directors first. Once the board has approved the appointment, you should then prepare a written contract or terms of appointment, which outline the company secretary’s duties, responsibilities, and terms of service.
After the appointment is confirmed, you must notify Companies House within 14 days. To do this, you should complete and submit the appropriate notification form.
Corporate secretaries often come from professional service firms that specialise in providing corporate governance and compliance services.
These entities typically employ teams of qualified professionals, including chartered secretaries and legal experts, who can provide expert advice and support.
Private companies in the UK are allowed to appoint a corporate entity, also known as a corporate secretary, as their company secretary rather than an individual.
Public limited companies can also appoint a corporate entity as their company secretary, provided the entity meets the qualifications and experience required to fulfill the role effectively.
When appointing a corporate entity as the company secretary, you must tell Companies House using Form AP04.
Changing or removing a company secretary typically requires approval from the board of directors. This can be done during a board meeting by proposing a resolution to change or remove the company secretary.
If the company secretary is being removed or resigning, they should also be formally notified of the board’s decision. Then, once the change is confirmed, you must notify Companies House within 14 days by completing Form TM02.
If you are changing the company secretary and appointing a new one, you should follow the process as outlined in the official appointment procedure, including notifying Companies House of the new appointment using the appropriate form.
The primary liability for company decisions and actions typically rests with directors, however a company secretary can sometimes be held liable for:
To mitigate the risk of personal liability, however, many companies provide Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance, which can cover company secretaries. This type of insurance protects against claims arising from decisions and actions taken in official capacities.
Although not always legally required for small private companies, appointing a company secretary can provide lots of benefits that support the business’s growth and sustainability, such as freeing up time for directors and owners to focus on strategic decision-making and business operations.
Small businesses often need to balance the cost of appoinitng a company secretary with the benefits they bring. For many, the cost is justified by the value added in terms of compliance, governance, and operational efficiency.
Professional service providers employ company secretaries with extensive knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, and administrative functions. They are often members of recognised professional bodies like the Chartered Governance Institute or have significant experience in similar roles.
By outsourcing the company secretary role, businesses can reduce the administrative load on their directors and senior management, allowing them to focus on strategic and operational priorities.
What’s more, professional services often provide company secretarial support at a lower cost than hiring a full-time in-house secretary.
A company secretary is a senior officer within a company responsible for overseeing corporate governance, compliance, and administrative functions, while a company administrator (or office manager) typically handles the day-to-day administrative tasks that keep a company running smoothly.
The role of a company administrator is more focused on operational and clerical support rather than the governance and compliance responsibilities handled by a company secretary.
A company secretary’s contract or terms of appointment should include:
Lawhive offers expert legal support to help businesses draft comprehensive and tailored company secretary contracts. Our network of experienced corporate lawyers can draft or review company secretary contracts to ensure they are tailored to your specific needs.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist lawyer to draft or review your company secretary’s contract.
For companies that are legally required to appoint a company secretary, failing to do so can lead to penalties, including fines and sanctions from regulatory bodies. In some cases, the board of directors could be held personally liable for the company’s failure to appoint a company secretary.
Additionally, without a company secretary, a company may struggle to meet its statutory filing and reporting obligations. Failure to file these documents on time can result in late filing penalties from Companies House, which can build up and impact the company’s financial position.
In many companies, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises and private companies, the company secretary is often an employee of the company.
However, larger companies, public limited companies, or those with more complex governance needs may choose to appoint an independent, external company secretary to leverage their expertise, impartiality, and flexibility.
When a company secretary fails to perform their duties, it can lead to significant legal, operational, and financial consequences for the company and potentially the company secretary themselves.
Consequences for the company can include:
Consequences for company secretaries themselves can include:
Appointing a company secretary is an important step for many businesses. Whether you’re a small private company trying to understand the basics of statutory requirements or a large public company dealing with complex governance frameworks, having the right support can make all the difference.
At Lawhive, our network of experienced corporate lawyers offers tailored services designed to help you appoint a company secretary who will enhance your governance and compliance capabilities.
Our network of corporate lawyers has extensive experience and deep knowledge of company law, corporate governance, and compliance.
They provide expert advice and guidance to ensure your company appoints a qualified and effective company secretary.
From drafting and reviewing the company secretary’s contract to providing ongoing governance and compliance support, Lawhive offers a full suite of services to manage every aspect of the appointment and performance of your company secretary.
At Lawhive, we combine the expertise of a regulated law firm with the efficiency of a tech-driven platform, offering high-quality legal services at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-street firms.
Our transparent pricing means that you receive exceptional value without compromising on the quality of support, with no hidden costs in sight.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and discover how Lawhive can help you appoint a company secretary who will support your business’s growth, compliance, and governance needs.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
