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
Our Governance
Under the terms of our Royal Charter, management of the Institute is vested in the Council which must operate in accordance with the terms of the Charter and the Bye-laws passed by Members and approved by Her Majesty’s Privy Council.
Under the Institute’s Bye-laws 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 within designated Divisions. The Council has established Divisions and Committees in the following Countries and/or territories:
• Australia
• Southern Africa
• Canada
• New Zealand
• China
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• 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
Currently the Council comprises a member from each of the Divisions elected by Members in the Division. An additional fifteen members are elected by Members in the UK and Ireland to serve. Each year the Council elects a President and up to three Vice Presidents from amongst its own membership. A Past President of the Council may remain a member of Council in an ex officio capacity for up to five years.
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 was created by the Council to advise it 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.
The United Kingdom Committee
The United Kingdom Committee comprises the members elected to Council by members in the UK and Ireland and Past Presidents of Council (if they are based in the UK and/or Ireland). Each year the United Kingdom Committee elects a President and up to three Vice Presidents and a Treasurer. Past Presidents of the UK Committee may continue to serve as Past Presidents on UK Committee for up to five years regardless of whether they are members of the Council.
The United Kingdom Committee meets a minimum of three times a year customarily in the Council Chamber at Park Crescent. The UK Committee has established a Standing Committee structure through which it exercises its responsibility to manage the organisation and the delivery of professional standards.
Operational management of the Institute and its Divisions
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.
Click here to access the good governance guidance pertaining to each particular geographical and legislative jurisdiction.
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