What we do
The ICSA promotes best practice in corporate governance, liaising with governments and regulatory bodies worldwide. We publish guidance notes and best practice guides and through our subsidiaries provide information and training, boardroom performance evaluation and dedicated software. The ICSA has 36,000 members worldwide and is represented in over 70 countries.
Why choose us
Chartered Secretaries are highly valued by employers and benefit from a career that is well remunerated and flexible. Once qualified, Chartered Secretaries can choose to work in the public, private or not-for-profit or set up their own business. Welcome to the profession with a world of possibilities.
Who we support
The ICSA supports its members and students and those seeking advice and guidance on corporate governance and regulatory issues.
Our mission: Growing the Chartered Secretary profession through standards, training, revenues and reputation.
Why ICSA is different
The ICSA's International Qualifying Scheme is unique. No other professional body provides a post graduate qualification that is as broad based as the ICSA's. Chartered Secretaries are trained in business, company law, corporate governance, management, finance, administration and company secretaryship.
About ICSA
ICSA In Europe
The ICSA is establishing a voice in Europe in order to influence the
development of EU Company Law and Corporate Governance. A key issue for
us is that the role of Company Secretary does not exist in the same way
in most EU member states.
The ICSA is building its profile by
meeting with members of the EU institutions to lobby them on matters of
direct relevance to the profession. It is important to lobby all 3 EU
institutions – the Commission, Council and Parliament (by speaking to
MEPs), and this in itself adds a further level of complexity. We have
established good links with all 3 bodies. In particular, we have had a
number of useful meetings with the Commission and specifically
Commissioner McCreevy, who is responsible for the ‘internal market’
which includes company law and corporate governance.
Lobbying is important because without it we may find that we are required to
adopt
legislation which is not in the interests of our members and the UK
market. The Institute is also developing useful networks with other
professional bodies in the EU which raises our profile and is useful
for sharing views on lobbying issues. There may be times when a common
lobbying approach may be appropriate.
If you have concerns or
comments about issues that you feel ICSA should be lobbying on in
Europe, please let us know via the ‘Your Views’ section on this site.
The EU institutions actively seek out views and we have found that our
input has been welcomed.
In the longer term, the Institute
hopes to use its higher profile to develop European interest in the
role of the Company Secretary, thereby creating increased opportunities
in Europe for the profession.