Fireside Chat: Unlocking the value of the Company Secretary
Details
Boards are only as effective as the information, processes, and governance that support them - and the company secretary (CoSec) sits at the heart of this. Yet the role is often misunderstood as purely administrative.
In this Nurole Plus session, we will explore how a skilled CoSec adds strategic value, supports NEDs in their roles, and becomes indispensable during times of pressure or crisis.
Why attend
Whether you are an experienced NED or preparing for your first appointment, understanding the role of the company secretary will make you a more effective board member. This session will help you:
Recognise what “good” board support looks like - and what to ask for.
Get more out of your relationship with the CoSec, from induction to ongoing board work.
Learn from real examples of board successes (and crises navigated well) where the CoSec made the difference.
Key Takeaways
1. Why the Company Secretary is a strategic asset
Learn how a modern CoSec goes beyond compliance - shaping agendas, ensuring quality board reporting, horizon-scanning for regulatory changes, and preserving corporate memory as board membership changes.
Understand why a good CoSec is essential for aligning board time with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
2. How the CoSec supports NEDs
Gain practical insight into how a CoSec can accelerate your induction, help navigate conflicts of interest, and act as a trusted sounding board for sensitive issues.
Learn how to use the CoSec as a resource - from board process improvements to difficult director exits.
3. The CoSec in times of crisis
Discover how the CoSec provides calm, structured guidance when the stakes are high - during M&A, refinancing, or even insolvency.
Hear real-world case studies of boards who relied on their CoSec to steer them through intense, high-pressure moments.
Event Format
Date & Time: 12th November, 5:00 – 6:00 PM GMT, via Zoom
Format:
5:00 - 5:30pm: Panel discussion with Bernadette Young and Lord Leigh of Hurley
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Live audience Q&A
Speakers
Bernadette Young
Bernadette Young is a highly experienced governance professional and company secretary, with a track record of supporting boards through acquisitions, restructurings, and strategic transformation. She is known for turning complex regulatory challenges into practical, value-adding solutions - including award-winning work on employee share plans. View profile.
Lord Leigh of Hurley (Howard Leigh)
Lord Leigh of Hurley is a UK Parliamentarian, finance expert, and long-standing advocate for best practice governance. He brings unique insight from both corporate and policy perspectives, offering a rare view into how boards can anticipate and navigate external pressures. View profile.