Resourcing the Company Secretarial Function: What’s Your Model?

Introduction

Appointing a Company Secretary is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions - but how you resource and support that function is entirely up to you. And that’s where things get interesting.

Some startups rely on their accountants. Others delegate to paralegals. Some hire dedicated governance professionals. Many outsource to platforms like OSOME or BoardRoom. And yes - some founders do it themselves.

This blog explores the real-world models businesses use to manage their company secretarial responsibilities, the pros and cons of each, and how your approach will inevitably evolve as your business grows. One thing is certain: every business faces this challenge, and the earlier you build discipline into your governance approach, the better.
 

The Resourcing Models in Practice

🧍‍♂️ The DIY Founder Model

◼️Who uses it: Solo founders, early-stage startups, bootstrapped businesses.

◼️What it looks like: The founder prepares resolutions, manages filings, and handles board logistics - often using templates or online guides.

◼️Pros: Cost-saving, full control, immediate responsiveness.

◼️Cons: Time-consuming, distracting, and risky if the founder lacks governance experience.

Commentary: This model is common - and understandable. But it’s also a classic example of “white noise” work that distracts founders from strategic priorities. Governance matters, but it shouldn’t consume your bandwidth. That’s why GLS gives you free resolution templates and guidance - so you can do it right, fast, and move on.

👩‍💼 The Paralegal-Supported Model

◼️Who uses it: Startups with small legal teams.

◼️What it looks like: A paralegal handles filings, resolutions, and meeting logistics under lawyer supervision.

◼️Pros: Cost-effective and flexible.

◼️Cons: Risk of errors if not properly trained in governance procedures.

🧾 The Accountant-as-Secretary Model

◼️Who uses it: Small businesses and early-stage startups.

◼️What it looks like: The company’s accountant prepares resolutions and handles filings as part of their service package.

◼️Pros: Convenient and bundled with other services.

◼️Cons: Often lacks governance nuance; may not prioritise legal accuracy or procedural integrity.

🏢 The Outsourced Provider Model

◼️Who uses it: Startups and SMEs looking for turnkey solutions.

◼️What it looks like: A third-party firm (e.g. OSOME, BoardRoom, etc.) manages filings, resolutions, and compliance calendars.

◼️Pros: Scalable, affordable, and often tech-enabled.

◼️Cons: Quality varies; limited customisation; may lack strategic governance input.

Commentary: Some providers offer unlimited resolutions as part of subscription plans - which can be great value. But others charge per document or per filing, which adds up fast. Know what you’re getting, and make sure it fits your growth stage.

🧠 The Dedicated Corp Sec Professional

◼️Who uses it: Mid-sized to large companies, or startups with complex structures.

◼️What it looks like: An in-house Company Secretary or governance officer with legal or ICSA training.

◼️Pros: Deep expertise, continuity, and control.

◼️Cons: Costly for early-stage companies; may be underutilised in lean teams.

🔀 The Hybrid Model

◼️Who uses it: Growth-stage companies or those with international operations.

◼️What it looks like: A mix of in-house oversight and outsourced execution, often supported by legal tech platforms.

◼️Pros: Balances control and efficiency.

◼️Cons: Requires coordination and clear role definitions.
 

Your Approach Will Evolve

As your business grows, so will your governance needs. What works at seed stage won’t cut it at Series B. And what’s manageable with one entity becomes a headache with five subsidiaries.

That’s why it’s important to:

◼️Build discipline early - even if you’re DIY-ing it.

◼️Use templates and tools to reduce risk and save time.

◼️Know when to upgrade your model - before governance gaps become liabilities.

GLS has already given you what you need for the most common resolutions - lean into that where it makes sense.
 

People Also Asked (PAA)

Q: Can a founder act as Company Secretary?

A: Yes, in many jurisdictions - but it’s not recommended unless they have governance experience. It can distract from core business activities and increase risk.

Q: Is it okay to let my accountant handle company secretarial work?

A: It’s common, but risky - accountants may not be trained in governance law or procedural compliance.

Q: What’s the benefit of outsourcing the company secretarial function?

A: It’s cost-effective and scalable, especially for startups - but quality and responsiveness vary by provider.

Q: Do I need a full-time Company Secretary?

A: Not always. Many startups use part-time or outsourced support until complexity or scale justifies a dedicated role.
 

How GLS Helps You Do It Smarter

GLS gives you the tools to resource your company secretarial function intelligently, no matter your model.

◼️✅ Free Resolution Packs

Access board and shareholder resolution templates instantly.

🔗 Board Resolutions

🔗 Shareholder Resolutions

◼️✅ Corp Sec Line: Resourcing Guidance

Learn how to structure and scale your governance support.

🔗 Corp Sec Line - Resolutions

◼️✅ GLS Knowhow Centre - Corp Sec Templates

Access a full suite of templates for agendas, notices, minutes, and more.

🔗 Corp Sec Template Module

◼️✅ Legal Operations Platform

Build your own legal infrastructure with tools, workflows, and automation - all designed for lean legal teams.

🔗 GLS Legal Operations Centre
 

Final Thoughts

Company secretarial work is important - but it can become white noise that distracts founders from building the business. That’s why choosing the right resourcing model matters. Whether you DIY, outsource, or build in-house capability, the key is discipline, clarity, and access to the right tools.

GLS gives you what you need for the most common resolutions - for free. Lean into that. And as your business grows, evolve your approach. Because governance isn’t just a startup issue - it’s a business-wide challenge that never goes away.