From Law to Governance: Daphine Jemwa’s Journey into Corporate Secretarial Work

Meet Daphine Jemwa: A dedicated legal professional who discovered her passion for governance after gaining experience in both private practice and in-house roles.

Drawn to the tangible impact of corporate governance, Daphine joined the Flex CoSec programme to build a strong foundation in company secretarial work. With a keen interest in supporting boards and shaping governance strategy, she has embraced every opportunity to develop her technical skills and industry knowledge.

In this interview, Daphine shares her journey into governance, her experience as a trainee at Centrica, and how Flex’s mentorship and community have supported her career growth every step of the way.

What did your personal journey into the area of governance look like?

After completing my undergraduate studies in law, I pursued the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and gained valuable experience working in private practice. Transitioning to an in-house role allowed me to witness the direct impact of my work on the business, which I found incredibly fulfilling. During this period, I discovered the world of corporate governance and decided to apply for trainee co-sec roles, as they offered the perfect blend of legal work and tangible business impact.

Do you feel this career path is accessible enough for aspiring professionals?

I believe the career path is accessible. Over time, as I started applying for trainee co-sec roles, I noticed an increase in opportunities for trainees. Having corporate experience certainly makes it easier to enter this field.

Can you talk to us about the kind of work you’ve been doing, and what the highlights of your placement have been?

So far, my work has involved assisting with the preparation for board meetings, such as drafting agendas, compiling the board pack, and sending communications to request board papers. I have also been involved in the dividend payment process, including navigating the sanctions process. The highlight of my placement so far has been attending and preparing for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This experience has given me early exposure to the planning and organisation of an AGM, as well as the opportunity to meet various stakeholders, both internal and external.

Please can you tell us about your experience of studying for the CGI examinations?

Studying for the CGI exams has been a smooth experience, thanks to the clear and practical resources on the CGI website. What’s made the biggest difference, though, is the support from other co-sec trainees. The community we’ve built has been incredibly helpful for sharing knowledge, staying motivated, and navigating challenges together. Flex also provided a mentor, which added some helpful guidance along the way.

How has Flex supported you through this programme? And how has this opportunity supported you with your long-term career goals?

Flex has supported me by providing a mentor who helps me stay accountable and focused on my development goals. This structure has kept me on track following the readiness programme and encouraged ongoing growth. The experience is also helping shape my long-term career direction by highlighting the areas I want to develop and explore further.

And finally... Where do you see your career heading in the future following Flex CoSec?

As I begin the Flex CoSec programme, my goal is to build a strong foundation in company secretarial work through hands-on experience and structured learning.

Looking ahead, I see this programme as the starting point of a long-term career in governance. I’m keen to develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to support boards and contribute to effective corporate governance. I hope to grow into a role where I can take on more responsibility, advise senior stakeholders, and play a part in shaping governance strategy. The exposure and training I gain through my placement will be key to helping me progress confidently toward these goals.