Start date: March 2027

Applications close: Monday 23rd November at 9am

What is the Flex Early Careers Programme?

The Flex Early Careers Programme creates fixed-term employment opportunities for aspiring solicitors or company secretaries from under-represented socio-economic backgrounds.

Why choose a career as a Company Secretary?

Often described as the "conscience of the company", a Company Secretary is a strategic adviser who sits at the intersection of the business and its board. It’s a fantastic career choice for those who enjoy business law and are fascinated by how major companies are run.

An alternative to law: The role requires many of the same core skills as a legal path, such as organisation, analytical thinking, and excellent communication, while offering a distinct career trajectory. As a trainee, you will gain early cross-functional exposure by working alongside teams in Legal, Finance, and Investor Relations.
Senior leadership exposure: You will support board meeting preparation, help organise AGMs, and assist in drafting board minutes, offering valuable insight into corporate governance and executive-level operations.
A growing field: With compliance, ESG, and corporate governance growing increasingly critical, company secretaries are essential strategic partners. Starting as a trainee puts you on track to help organisations navigate changing regulatory landscapes and net-zero commitments.
Rapid career progression: The structured governance path often allows trainees to take on meaningful responsibility quickly.

The role of a trainee Company Secretary

As a Company Secretary trainee, you will be part of a team that is responsible for ensuring the company operates smoothly and complies with its statutory and regulatory obligations. Every trainee will have a slightly different experience, depending on the client they are seconded to, but key responsibilities could include:

Board and Committee Support:

Assisting with the planning and organisation of board and committee meetings.
Helping to prepare and distribute board packs and other meeting materials.
Developing skills in writing minutes and creating minute templates.

Annual Reporting and General Meetings:

Supporting the team in running the annual report & accounts process.
Assisting with organising the Annual General Meeting (AGM), including liaising with registrars, preparing key documents, and minuting meetings.

Corporate Governance and Compliance:

Making statutory filings with Companies House and maintaining statutory records.
Maintaining and updating in-house compliance software to ensure deadlines are met.
Researching regulatory and legislative changes to keep the team updated.

Stakeholder and Project Management:

Collaborating with cross-functional teams such as Legal, Finance, and Investor Relations on various projects.
Assisting with special projects, including mergers, share capital adjustments, or director onboarding.
Liaising with various stakeholders throughout the business.

General and Administrative Tasks:

Managing document signings and notarisation.
Responding to routine queries from the business and auditors.
Performing general administrative duties to support the team.

Application Process

Stage 1: Submit your CV and covering letter via the online application portal and fill in our social mobility criteria.
Stage 2: Successful applicants will be sent a link to complete an online assessment.
Stage 3: If you perform well in the online assessment, you will be invited to a virtual interview with a member of the Flex Talent Team.
Stage 4: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment centre with the Flex Talent team.
Stage 4: If successful you will become a “Trainee in waiting” and we will help you prepare for final interviews with our clients.
Stage 5: You will interview with our clients in the hope of finding your ideal secondment.
Stage 6: If successful, y
ou will be offered a place on the scheme.

Trainee in Waiting process

Joining the Trainee in Waiting pool confirms that you have passed the Flex Trainee recruitment process and may be considered for suitable client vacancies. It does not constitute an offer of employment or guarantee a secondment. We may share opportunities that align with your experience and preferences. You may decline opportunities presented to you, although doing so may reduce the likelihood of securing a role during that recruitment cycle. Flex Legal may make a formal offer of fixed-term employment after a client selects you for a secondment and you accept the proposed opportunity.

We assess applications on a rolling basis and recommend applying early. Assessment centre capacity is limited, and invitations are issued to suitable candidates as they progress through the process. Applying early may give you a wider choice of available assessment dates.

We will endeavour to respond to every applicant, although there may be delays. For some candidates, progression will depend on confirming suitable client vacancies in their preferred location. If this affects your application, we may place your application on hold and update you when further information is available.

Job requirements

The Flex Early Careers Programme: How It Works

Structure: You will be employed by Flex Legal and seconded to one of our amazing clients to work within their in-house Company Secretarial team. Secondments are typically two years but could be shorter.
Pre-placement training: Before you start your secondment, you will join our comprehensive three-week Readiness Programme, covering essential soft skills, professional skills and foundational co-sec and some legal training.
Work and study: You will typically work 4.5 days a week with your assigned company and spend half a day dedicated to studying the Chartered Governance Institute's Qualifying Programme.
Cohort experience: You will be part of a supportive cohort of trainees on the same journey as you, with plenty of opportunities to network and share experiences.

What you receive:

As a Flex Trainee you will receive:

A year 1 salary of £32,000 in London or £28,000 in the regions. A year 2 salary of £35,000 in London or £31,000 in the regions.
You will study the Chartered Governance Institute's Qualifying Programme, with tuition arranged with an external provider. You will work 4.5 days a week whilst studying.
A three-week Readiness Programme before you start your first placement to allow you to hit the ground running.
An in-house supervisor, who will meet with Flex every month to review your progress.
Regular coaching opportunities and an industry mentor in Y2.
The opportunity to attend professional and industry networking events.
A range of personal benefits, including a cycle-to-work scheme, nursery benefits and private health care with Bupa (upon successful passing of probation).

Eligibility:

A minimum 2:1 degree in Law, Business Management, or Accounting.
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 Chartered Governance Institute exams and pursuing a long-term career as a Governance professional.
Successful candidates will be required to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.

The ideal candidate:

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.

Application deadline is Monday 23rd November at 9am

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