For a management committee to function effectively, an organised and efficient secretary is essential. They have a pivotal role supporting the strategic leadership of the organisation. Working closely with the Chairperson they will maintain effective records and manage the administration of the organisation. The secretary needs to know about legal requirements and responsibilities and their own key functions.

This course is aimed at anyone who is currently in the role of secretary or thinking about putting themselves forward for this position. The skills learnt will help you to develop a deeper understanding of functions and responsibilities of this role.

Module 1 - The role of secretary - In this module you will look at the role of the secretary, electing a secretary, role description, other roles within a committee and forward planning.

Module 2 - Trustee responsibilities – registered companies - In this module you will look at secretary requirements, responsibilities of trustees, CIC ‘v’ CLG’s, reporting to companies’ house, tax and community interest companies.

Module 3 - Trustee responsibilities – charity requirements - In this module you will look at charity requirements, secretary responsibilities, registered charities, becoming a charity, CIO’s, roles and skills, types of accounts, SORP and SOFA.

Module 4 - Key functions of a secretary - In this module you will look at arranging meetings, barriers to attending meetings, planning, preparation, during and after the meeting, distributing, benefits and storage of minutes, agenda’s and dealing with correspondence.

Module 5 - The importance of a secretary - In this module you will look at key tasks of a secretary and the consequences if there were no secretary.

Module 6 - Effective skills for the secretary - In this module you will look at skills and key tasks when arranging meetings, qualities and transferable skills of a secretary.