1st – 3rd May 2018 | Conrad Dubai, UAE

10th Annual 

Board Secretary

Members of ICSA: The Governance Institute, who participate in this conference can declare up to 11 hours of formal continuing professional development

1) What are your thoughts on the evolving roles of a board secretary in today’s business landscape?

The roles of the Board Secretary have changed from assisting the Chairperson to a wider scope with the development of the corporate governance concept. The role is not limited to, providing support to the chairperson and taking notes to being one of the key governance and compliance functions within the organization.

2) What would be the best traits for a board secretary to have in nurturing employee engagement and potential in developing the company’s workforce? 

In my opinion, the best traits for board secretary have in nurturing employee engagement and potential in developing the company’s workforce is the transparency in communicating the vision of the Board of Directors and the higher management.

3) From your experience, what are the top 3 common causes of conflicts within the boardroom and how does a board secretary act as a mediator to support the board?

Luckily, I have not witnessed much of the conflicts in the boardroom. However, I think the common causes of conflicts within the boardroom are, the lack of chemistry between Board members, tough decisions, especially during a critical time, and lack of miss-understanding between members.

4) Kindly elaborate on the various distinctions between a board secretary’s responsibilities within and outside of a boardroom?

The responsibility of the corporate secretary goes beyond preparing for the meeting, taking minutes, advise the Chairman and the members and support the decision making process. Nowadays the corporate secretary is considered to be the key governance officer.

5) What are the necessary steps taken by a board secretary to oversee the integrity of the company’s senior management in preventing corruption and bribery? 

The main step is to ensure the establishment of strong corporate governance. That will lead to the development of detailed and strong policies and procedures, which will enhance the transparency, accountability and the ethical standard.

6) In your opinion, how would a board secretary’s role further evolved in the future? 

As indicated before the corporate secretary is considered as the key custodian of the governance and compliance functions within the organization. The Corporate secretary role will emerge to the educational role of the board and executive management and balance the relationship between the board and the executive management.