The Role of Corporate Secretaries in Corporate Governance

13^th-14^th March, 2025                            9^th-10^th June, 2025

14^th-15^th August, 2025                           30^th-31^st October, 2025

Introduction

Corporate Secretaries play a vital role in corporate governance by ensuring the company operates within legal and ethical boundaries, and that the board of directors and other stakeholders are well-informed and compliant. Their responsibilities include managing board and committee meetings, maintaining corporate records, advising on governance matters, and ensuring compliance with regulations. 

A course on the role of Corporate Secretaries in Corporate Governance would cover the core responsibilities, legal and regulatory framework, and practical aspects of the position, with a focus on how the company secretary supports the board and ensures effective governance. Key topics include statutory compliance, meeting management, director duties, and the secretary’s role in facilitating effective board operations. 

This course aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel as a Company Secretary and contribute to effective corporate governance within an organization. 

Course Content:

1. Introduction to Corporate Governance and the Company Secretary: 

• Defining Corporate Governance and its importance.
• Understanding the role of the Company Secretary within the governance structure.
• The legal and regulatory framework governing the company secretary’s role.
• When is a Company Secretary required?
• Appointment and removal of a Company Secretary.
• Overview of key governance codes and principles.

2. Core Responsibilities and Duties:

• Statutory
  Compliance: Ensuring the company adheres to all relevant laws and regulations. 
• Meeting Management: Organizing, preparing for, and managing board meetings, committees, and shareholder meetings. 
• Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date statutory records. 
• Communication: Facilitating communication between the board, shareholders, and other stakeholders. 
• Advice and Support: Providing guidance to the board on governance matters, legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Director Support: Assisting the Chair and other directors in fulfilling their duties. 
• Risk Management: Identifying and managing potential risks related to governance and compliance. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering
  positive relationships with shareholders and other stakeholders. 
• ESG and Sustainability: Understanding
  and managing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. 

3. Specific Areas of Focus:

• Director Duties: Understanding the legal duties and responsibilities of directors. 
• Conflicts of Interest: Managing
  potential conflicts of interest within the board and the company. 
• Shareholder Communications: Handling shareholder communications and facilitating Annual General Meetings (AGMs). 
• Regulatory Reporting: Ensuring timely and accurate regulatory filings and reporting. 
• Boardroom Technology: Utilizing technology to enhance board effectiveness and efficiency. 
• Crisis Management: Developing and implementing strategies for handling crises and emergencies. 

4. Practical Application and Case Studies: 

• Developing practical skills for the company secretary role.
• Learning how to apply governance frameworks and tools.
• Analyzing real-world case studies to understand governance challenges.

5. The Evolving Role of the Company Secretary: 

• Adapting to changing regulations and best practices.
• Becoming a trusted advisor and influencer.
• Maximizing the company secretary’s impact on the organization.

Duration: Two (2) days                         Fee: N200,000

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