Company Secretary (Governance) Trainee in London

Flex Legal is delighted to be recruiting its third cohort of Company Secretary trainees. Following the success of our legal training programmes and the fantastic launch of our CoSec scheme with household-name companies like The Crown Estate and Diageo, we are looking for the next generation of governance leaders. This programme is designed for academically strong graduates from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who are keen to build an exciting and influential career by qualifying as a Company Secretary.

Why choose a career as a Company Secretary? Often described as the "conscience of the company", a Company Secretary is a strategic adviser who sits at the intersection of the business and its board. It’s a fantastic career choice for those who enjoy business law and are fascinated by how major companies are run.

An alternative to law: The role requires many of the same skills as a lawyer such as organisation, analytical thinking, and excellent communication, but offers a different path. You will gain a unique view of the entire organisation, working with teams like Finance, Legal, and Investor Relations.

C‑Suite exposure: From the very beginning of your career you will support and attend board meetings, help organise the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and draft board minutes, giving you incredible access to the Board and senior leadership.

A growing field: With corporate governance and compliance becoming ever more critical, the importance of the Company Secretary is rapidly increasing. You’ll be joining a profession that is essential to helping companies navigate a complex regulatory landscape and achieve a net‑zero future.

Rapid career progression: Many people who have chosen a career as a company secretary will see faster career progression compared to their legal counterparts.

The role of a trainee Company Secretary: As a Company Secretary trainee, your role will be varied and dynamic. You will be part of a team that is responsible for ensuring the company operates smoothly and complies with its statutory and regulatory obligations. Every trainee will have a slightly different experience, depending on the client they are seconded to, but key responsibilities could include:

• Board and Committee Support: Assisting with the planning and organisation of board and committee meetings. Helping to prepare and distribute board packs and other meeting materials. Developing skills in writing minutes and creating minute templates.
• Annual Reporting and General Meetings: Supporting the team in running the entire annual report & accounts process. Assisting in the organisation of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), including liaising with registrars, preparing key documents and minuting meetings.
• Corporate Governance and Compliance: Making statutory filings with Companies House and maintaining statutory records. Maintaining and updating in‑house compliance software to ensure deadlines are met. Researching changes in regulations and legislation to keep the team updated.
• Stakeholder and Project Management: Collaborating with cross‑functional teams such as Legal, Finance, and Investor Relations on various projects. Assisting with special projects which could include mergers, share capital adjustments, or director onboarding. Liaising with various stakeholders throughout the business.
• General and Administrative Tasks: Managing document signings and notarisation. Responding to routine queries from the business and auditors. Performing general administrative duties to support the team.

Application Process:

• Stage 1: Submit your CV and covering letter via the online application portal and fill in our social mobility criteria.
• Stage 2: Successful applicants will be sent a link to complete an online assessment.
• Stage 3: You will be invited to an interview and assessment centre with the Flex Legal team.
• Stage 4: If successful you will become a “Trainee in waiting” and we will help you prepare for final interviews with our clients.
• Stage 5: You will interview with our clients in the hope of finding your ideal secondment.
• Stage 6: If successful, you will be offered a place on the scheme.

The Flex Trainee Programme: How It Works:

• Structure: You will be employed by Flex Legal for 24 months and seconded to one of our amazing clients to work within their in‑house Company Secretary team.
• Pre‑placement training: Before you start your secondment, you will join our comprehensive three‑week Readiness Programme, covering essential human skills, professional skills and foundational co‑sec and some legal training.
• Work and study: You will work 4.5 days a week with your assigned company and spend half a day dedicated to studying part one of the Chartered Governance Institute's Qualifying Programme.
• Cohort experience: You’ll be part of a supportive cohort of trainees on the same journey as you, with plenty of opportunities to network and share experiences.

What you receive: Wherever you go during the programme, your "home‑base" will always be Flex, who will make sure that you're well taken care of. As a Flex Trainee you will receive:

• A year 1 salary of £32,000 in London or £28,000 in the regions. A year 2 salary of £35,000 in London or £31,000 in the regions.
• You will study Part One of the Chartered Governance Institute's Qualifying Programme and tuition will be arranged with an external provider. Working 4.5 days a week whilst studying.
• A three week Readiness Programme before you start your first placement to allow you to hit the ground running.
• An in‑house supervisor, who will meet with Flex every month to review your progress.
• Regular coaching opportunities and an industry mentor in Y2.
• Professional development opportunities with Flex through professional and industry networking events.
• A range of personal benefits, including a cycle to work scheme, nursery benefits and private health care with Bupa (upon successful passing of probation).

The ideal candidate: You are a proactive and curious individual who enjoys learning and wants to build a career in governance. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• A passion for governance: A genuine interest in corporate governance, company law, and how companies operate.
• Excellent communication: The ability to listen, absorb information, and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills: You are comfortable multi‑tasking, working under pressure, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset: You are a good team player, comfortable collaborating with different areas and levels of the business to deliver excellent service.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills: You have good analytical skills and the ability to develop a problem‑solving mindset.
• A proactive and positive attitude: You are a self‑starter, keen to develop your skills, and embrace new technologies like AI to improve processes.