Applications for Flex CoSec Trainee's Spring 2026 Cohort are now live!
Please email trainee@f-lex.co.uk with any questions you may have on the application process.
What is a company secretary and how does our programme work?
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Often described as the conscience of the company, a Company Secretary is a trusted adviser operating at the critical intersection between business and the board. For those intrigued by corporate law, governance, and how major organisations are run, it’s an exceptional career path, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional legal roles. You’ll develop a holistic understanding of how a company operates, gain direct exposure to C-suite decision-making from day one, and enjoy faster career progression than many of your peers.
The Flex CoSec Trainee Programme offers an industry-leading route into the governance profession. Over two years, you’ll be embedded within a Company Secretarial (or Governance) team, gaining hands-on experience while studying Part One of the Chartered Governance Institute’s Qualifying Programme. We’ll equip you with comprehensive pre-placement training, personalised coaching, continuous learning and development opportunities, and access to exclusive networking events - all within a supportive cohort of fellow trainees.
The CoSec Trainee programme is run in two separate cohorts - Spring and Summer. This allows us to coordinate the requirements and provide the best support to the candidates and to the firms hosting the training.
Please email trainee@f-lex.co.uk with any questions you may have on the application process.
The role of a CoSec Trainee
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As a trainee, your role will be dynamic and central to ensuring the company operates smoothly and complies with all its obligations. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Board & Committee Support: Assisting with the planning and organisation of board meetings, preparing board packs, and developing skills in writing minutes.
- Annual Reporting & General Meetings: Supporting the team through the entire annual report process and helping to organise the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Corporate Governance & Compliance: Managing statutory filings with Companies House, maintaining official records, and researching changes in regulations to keep the team updated.
- Stakeholder & Project Management: Collaborating with teams like Legal, Finance, and Investor Relations on a variety of special projects, from director onboarding to mergers.
- General & Administrative Tasks: Handling essential duties such as managing document signings, responding to queries, and providing general administrative support to the team.
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What do CoSec Trainees receive?
- A salary of £32,000 in London or £28,000 elsewhere.
- Full funding for Part 1 of the Chartered Governance Institute's (CGI) Qualifying Programme.
- A bespoke Readiness Programme before you start, to allow you to hit the ground running.
- A Company Secretariat supervisor, who meets with Flex every month to review your progress.
- Regular 1:1s with a mentor from Flex.
- Introductions to mentors across the governance industry.
- Exclusive access to industry networking events.
- Other benefits including: private health care, a cycle-to-work scheme, and nursery benefits.
The Flex CoSec Trainee application process
When applications open the job will become available on our careers site. Please take a look through our 11 step application process before applying to become a Flex CoSec Trainee.
Who we're looking for
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We are incredibly keen to help as many aspiring company secretaries to break into the industry as we can, but we still have minimum entry criteria. Here's a quick run-down:
- A minimum 2:1 degree in Law, Business Management, Accounting or Finance, or a related field.
- You must meet our social mobility criteria, which is designed to support aspiring professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- A strong and demonstrable commitment to completing the Corporate Governance Institute exams and qualifying as a Governance professional.
- A proactive and collaborative problem-solver with a passion for governance, exceptional communication skills, and strong organisational abilities.
- Successful candidates will be required to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.
Our ideal candidate
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You are a proactive and curious individual who enjoys learning and wants to build a career in governance. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- A passion for governance: A genuine interest in corporate governance, company law, and how companies operate.
- Excellent communication: The ability to listen, absorb information, and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with strong attention to detail.
- Strong organisational skills: You are comfortable multi-tasking, working under pressure, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines.
- A collaborative mindset: You are a good team player, comfortable collaborating with different areas and levels of the business to deliver excellent service.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills: You have good analytical skills and the ability to develop a problem-solving mindset.
- A proactive and positive attitude: You are a self-starter, keen to develop your skills, and embrace new technologies like AI to improve processes.
What happens at the end of the two years?
Upon completing the two-year programme, your next steps will depend not only on whether you’ve completed Part 1 of the CGI examinations, but just as importantly, on what you want to pursue next.
We’re here to support you throughout this process, helping to ensure that your path forward aligns with your goals and aspirations.
- For trainees with CGI Part 1: Congratulations on reaching this milestone! We’ll help you plan the best route to finish your remaining exams and continue your professional journey.
- For trainees still completing CGI Part 1: We remain on hand to provide support where we can, from advising on CVs and interview prep to insights into the governance market and salaries. Some host organisations are able to retain trainees until you complete Part 1 of the CGI examinations. If this is not an option, we can support you through deciding what your next steps are.