Our governance

Under the terms of our Royal Charter, management of the Institute is vested in the Council which operates in accordance with the terms of the Charter and the Bye-laws passed by Members and approved by Her Majesty’s Privy Council.

The Institute’s Bye-laws stipulate that the Council has the power to designate countries or groups of countries as Divisions and establish Committees of Council to which it can delegate some responsibilities to manage the affairs of the Institute. The Council has established Divisions and Committees in Australia, Canada, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. Management of the Institute’s affairs in the United Kingdom, Ireland and all other parts of the world is vested in the United Kingdom Committee which is a Standing Committee of Council.

The Composition of Council

The Council comprises a member from each of the Divisions, elected by Members in each Division. An additional 15 members are elected by Members in the UK and Ireland. Each year, the Council elects a President and up to three Vice Presidents from amongst its own membership. Although Council has delegated some of its powers, it remains the final authority and meets twice a year to review, monitor and determine the strategic direction and operations of the Institute worldwide.

The Professional Standards Committee

The Professional Standards Committee advises Council on the development and maintenance of the Institute’s professional standards and comprises members from academia and practice. The Committee plays an important role in Institute affairs and meets twice annually to review the delivery of academic and professional standards required by the Council to qualify and admit candidates to the profession as Chartered Secretaries.

Executive management

Each of the Divisions has its own chief executive supported by an executive staff. The UK chief executive is also chief executive of the international Institute and secretary to the Council. The chief executive is responsible to the Council and the UK Committee for the day-to-day management of the Institute and the development of strategic plans and objectives.