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An International Qualification The Institute now has a worldwide membership of 45,000 plus 28,000 students in over 70 countries working to ensure the smooth functioning of their organisations. There are autonomous divisions in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and Zimbabwe; semi-autonomous associations in 20 other countries, and members linked directly with Great Britain in another 60 countries. Members are recognised internationally and are entitled to use the designation Chartered Secretary as well as internationally recognised post nominals (ACIS and FCIS). With a network this vast, the ACIS and FCIS post nominals are your passport to the world and those who possess them can compete with confidence in the global job market. Dealing with governance issues in one jurisdiction is challenging - but in a global economy - organizations must understand the laws, procedures and business requirements of many different countries. ICSA affiliation and contacts provide an enhanced ability to navigate global markets. For our members, this means a transportable designation with a worldwide network of colleagues, available to advise and consult at the touch of a button. For prospective employers, they can be assured that when they hire an ICSA graduate, they've got the best the world has to offer. [ Back to Top ] The Institute in Canada has over 1,000 members. The first Canadian Branch was established in 1920, and the Canadian Institute was incorporated federally in 1957. Today it has branches across Canada and in Bermuda with representation in every province, in Bermuda, and in the Caribbean. As the organization of corporate secretaries and professional administrators in Canada, the ICSA is committed to strengthening and advancing Good Governance Procedures and the efficient administration of every type of organization in business and government. [ Back to Top ] What is a Chartered Secretary? The term Chartered Secretary is the professional description for the members of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators - a world-wide organization of executive administrators and advisors in corporate matters. Chartered secretaries are often referred to as corporate secretaries. In North America, the term "secretary" is misleading as it is used most often to describe the clerical profession of executive secretary or administrative assistant. Important: Individuals who may be considering immigrating to Canada should note that when completing Immigration forms to describe their occupation as being a corporate secretary rather than a chartered secretary as the latter term is not a recognized job category by Canada Immigration. Listing one's occupation as a chartered secretary could result in an improper classification of the prospective candidate in a general "clerical" category, rather than in a "professional" category, reflective of education and work experience. [ Back to Top ] What Do Chartered or Corporate Secretaries Do? It's difficult to provide a clear-cut answer. Chartered secretaries occupy a unique position in the company's management team and their duties and responsibilities often cut across all departments. The image conjured up by the term "chartered secretary" is somewhat Dickensian. Think of poor Bob Crachit toiling away as a loyal scribe in Scrooge's business. Happily, this image of depressing servitude is a million miles away from the duties of today's chartered secretary. It is important to keep in mind that the duties and responsibilities of chartered secretaries differ widely from organization to organization. However, certain key areas can be identified:
Corporate Governance
Director/Officer/Shareholder matters
Compliance/ Regulatory and Legal matters
[ Back to Top ] Chartered Secretaries are not executive secretaries Chartered Secretaries are corporate professionals, hired by and reporting to the Board of Directors of their companies. While Boards of Directors are responsible for the overall operations and performance of companies, Boards rely on the company's officers to carry out Board policy and to provide them with competent advice and guidance to ensure the company meets its legal and regulatory obligations. [ Back to Top ] General Duties of a Corporate Secretary
[ Back to Top ] It's easy to forget (sometimes) that the ICSA is really two professional groups in one. The "and Administrators" refers to those professionals who perform some of the chartered or corporate secretarial duties in non-corporate work environments such as non-profit organizations, accounting and legal firms, all levels of government and private corporations (i.e. companies not traded on the stock market). In Canada, Administrators make up 45% of the membership of ICSA in Canada. They receive the same training as their corporate secretary colleagues and receive the same ACIS or FCIS designations, denoting membership in the Institute. Core areas of responsibility for Administrators (and to a certain degree, Chartered Secretaries) may include:
[ Back to Top ] Positions held by Chartered Secretary Canada members
[ Back to Top ] The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) was initially established in 1891 to promote and maintain professionalism in the fields of commerce and administration. The Institute celebrated the Centenary of its Royal Charter in 2002. The Charter was granted on November 4, 1902. Under its Royal Charter, the Institute has as its objective "the promotion and advancement of the efficient administration of commerce, industry and public affairs" (Article 4). Efficient administration remains a fundamental bedrock of organisational success today. In 1964, to reflect the wide scope of the profession and more fully describe the status and capabilities of its members, its name was changed from the Institute of Secretaries to The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. The ICSA is unique in the global business environment - it is the only organization to provide a professional program and designations for chartered secretaries and administrators recognized worldwide. All members join as students of the Institute and, after completing a program of study, become Associates of the Institute and receive the ACIS designation. More seasoned members may apply to become Fellows of the Institute, usually after 8 years of appropriate work experience, and receive the FCIS designation. As the organization of professional administrators in Canada, the ICSA is committed to strengthening and advancing the efficient administration of every type of organization in business and government. [ Back to Top ]
ICSA Secretary Rusell Day must be given credit for ICSA adopting the secretary bird as its crest in 1896. Through a study of the bird, he discovered that its most prominent characteristics were alertness and its ability to successfully prey on snakes. This signified the vigilant character to be instilled in every chartered secretary. A creature of habit, the bird mates for life and is fiercely protective of its territory being a classic, portrayal of a chartered secretary's pursuit of high ethical standards. Russell Day had also shipped from South Africa a specimen of the bird to present it to the ICSA. The mascot was mounted in a glass case but unfortunately was destroyed when the Institute's premises were bombed on December 29, 1940. However, it was later replaced and resumed its duty as a symbol of high professionalism among chartered secretaries. [ Back to Top ] Viewing and printing PDF documents requires Adobe Acrobat
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The secretary bird, a native of southern Africa, acquired its name by the supposed resemblance of its black feathery head plumes to a secretary with a quill pen behind its ear. Strange as it may be, the bird was aptly named as some of its characteristics are appropriate to the secretarial profession.
