The role of the Company Secretary in the UK has evolved more rapidly over the past three years than in any period since the introduction of the UK Corporate Governance Code. Once perceived as a predominantly administrative or statutory function, today’s Company Secretary sits firmly at the heart of corporate governance: shaping board effectiveness, stewarding governance culture, and ensuring organisations remain resilient amid increasing regulatory expectations.

Across listed companies, large private groups, PE backed organisations and fast scaling businesses, demand for experienced Company Secretaries continues to rise. With sweeping reforms from the FRC, new expectations around ESG disclosure and audit assurance, and heightened scrutiny from investors and regulators, UK boards are now looking for governance professionals who combine exceptional technical knowledge with strategic influence.

For employers, this creates a competitive hiring landscape. The pool of candidates with strong UK governance experience - particularly those with premium listed FTSE exposure - is limited. As a result, organisations are competing for a relatively small group of senior governance professionals whose skills have never been more valuable.

This guide explores how the Company Secretary role is changing in the UK, the current hiring challenges, and what both employers and candidates prioritise in 2026.

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