Role: Flex Co Sec Trainee, Spring 2027 cohort
Start date: March 2027
Applications close: Monday 23rd November at 9am
What is the Flex Early Careers Programme?
The Flex Early Careers Programme creates fixed-term employment opportunities for aspiring solicitors or company secretaries from under-represented socio-economic backgrounds.
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 core skills as a legal path, such as organisation, analytical thinking, and excellent communication, while offering a distinct career trajectory. As a trainee, you will gain early cross-functional exposure by working alongside teams in Legal, Finance, and Investor Relations.
Senior leadership exposure: You will support board meeting preparation, help organise AGMs, and assist in drafting board minutes, offering valuable insight into corporate governance and executive-level operations.
A growing field: With compliance, ESG, and corporate governance growing increasingly critical, company secretaries are essential strategic partners. Starting as a trainee puts you on track to help organisations navigate changing regulatory landscapes and net-zero commitments.
Rapid career progression: The structured governance path often allows trainees to take on meaningful responsibility quickly.
The role of a trainee Company Secretary
As a Company Secretary trainee, 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 annual report & accounts process.
Assisting with organising 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 regulatory and legislative changes 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, including 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: If you perform well in the online assessment, you will be invited to a virtual interview with a member of the Flex Talent Team.
Stage 4: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment centre with the Flex Talent 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…