A flexible way to grow socially mobile talent

A group of young aspiring lawyers with 8 fingers up to signify eighth cohort with a screen behind saying 'Welcome to Flex'

Looking to enhance your governance team whilst shaping the career of future company secretaries?

Our CoSec Trainee scheme pairs your business with driven, diverse, socially mobile junior talent. You’ll gain invaluable support for your governance needs while providing the next generation with critical, hands-on experience.

Through listening to feedback from our clients, we know that company secretarial functions are growing due to an increase in regulation and compliance requirements. Considering that alongside the fact that many of today's CoSecs "fell" into the profession, we have built on our successful Flex Trainee scheme to create a new initiative attracting the best graduate talent into a career as a company secretary.

Get in touch to join forward-thinking organisations such as Diageo in building a pipeline of invaluable future corporate governance talent.

Testimonials

“The Flex CoSec scheme has been a real asset to The Salvation Army. Divaani joined us well-prepared and quickly became a valued member of our governance team. Her professionalism and enthusiasm stood out from day one, and the ongoing support from Flex made the whole process smooth and effective.”

Elliot Thomas, General Counsel & Company Secretary at The Salvation Army

Testimonials

“I have had such a positive experience with the Flex CoSec programme to date. The team at Flex are great to deal with and took the time to fully understand the type of candidate that would suit our business. They have also created a Readiness Programme that really sets the candidates up for success and in turn benefits the participating company.”

Julie Trundle, Head of Company Secretariat PLC at Diageo

Testimonials

“Flex Co-sec has been a fantastic opportunity for me to further my interests in both company law and corporate governance, whilst breaking into a field that many people may not be as familiar with. Flex have been supportive throughout and I look forward to qualifying as part of the first cohort of Flex Co-secs!”

Vanessa Diaba, Flex Co-Sec Trainee at Diageo

Testimonials

“Flex Trainee has provided us with something which we could not have pulled off ourselves: brilliant and aspiring individuals from under-represented backgrounds who have made an impact in our legal team. We really value the service Flex provides, and we’re glad that a new trainee is also joining our CoSec team this year (2025).”

Jeremy Mavor, Senior Counsel at National Grid

Testimonials

“As a recent graduate, Flex Cosec has been really valuable in helping me transition into the professional world. The programme has provided helpful exposure to the governance field and connected us with experienced governance professionals across the industry. My experience on the programme has been incredibly positive. The team at Flex has been consistently supportive, ensuring we are well settled and feel confident in our placements.”

Divaani Gunalingam, Flex Co-Sec Trainee at Salvation Army

Testimonials

“Flex have been a great support in boosting my confidence on the programme. By providing the robust readiness programme, Flex provided several opportunities to tailor my soft and technical skills which put me in good standing to commence my training at NatWest. My colleagues were highly impressed with the skills and prep that Flex provided.”

Ejiroghene Jessah, Flex Co-Sec Trainee at Natwest

Testimonials

“The 3-week readiness programme has been a strong introduction to the Flex CoSec journey. It prepared me well for the role and offered practical guidance on navigating the corporate environment. What I found especially valuable were the insights shared by qualified professionals. Listening to their stories, from those just starting out to those with many years of experience, was inspiring and reassuring.”

Daphine Jemwa, Flex Co-Sec Trainee at Centrica

Testimonials

“I am so proud of the Flex team for blazing a trail with our new social mobility initiative, helping aspiring company secretaries to qualify. This offering reflects Flex’s DNA - creating opportunities for individuals in the legal sector at all stages in their career journeys.”

Kate Gaskell, CEO at Flex Legal

Finding socially mobile aspiring company secretaries

Through a targeted social media strategy, strong relationships with university career departments and societies across the UK and various social mobility legal charities, we work to find talented and deserving socially mobile aspiring company secretaries.

Each applicant completes our rigorous assessment process, including assessments and interviews, and we will work with you to understand your ideal candidate. It's a process which ensures the best chance of success.

Preparing candidates for success

Flex Legal's Readiness Programme - speaker from Mishcon de Reya delivering a session on court room etiquette

All of our aspiring company secretaries start their Trainee journey by taking part in our intensive Readiness Programme which equips them with the network, practical skills, knowledge and acumen that they need to thrive in a professional environment.

The programme has guest company secretary speakers and allows your candidate to hit the ground running, armed with practical insight into:

  • What is the difference between an in-house legal team and company secretary team?
  • The role of the company secretary and opportunities for self development
  • How to take good Board minutes
  • How to communicate and how to have difficult conversations
  • The legal and regulatory responsibilities of a company secretary

Supporting supervisors

A full cohort of Flex Trainees are seen across a sofa in the Flex Legal office. They are as diverse as they are happy, and each bear a warming smile.

Flex Legal is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to you as well as your trainee, ensuring the scheme is a success.

For supervisors:

  • Each client meets their own Account Manager every month to review progress.
  • All CoSec Trainees will complete Part 1 of the CGI examinations.
  • Flex Legal will handle all employment matters, qualification requirements, education and exams, compliance, and on-going training sessions.
  • Once the placement has finished, you have the option to retain the candidate and move them to a permanent role within your CoSec team.

Are you a candidate interested in the CoSec Trainee scheme?

If you're a potential candidate for our CoSec Trainee scheme then click here to find out more about how the programme works.