Which type of company requires a qualified company secretary?

A public limited company is required to appoint a qualified company secretary to ensure compliance with statutory obligations and to assist in the efficient administration of the company. This requirement stems from the fact that public limited companies have more extensive regulatory responsibilities due to their size and the nature of their operations, including being listed on a stock exchange. A qualified company secretary plays a crucial role in managing these responsibilities, such as ensuring that the company adheres to corporate governance standards, filing necessary documents with regulatory bodies, and maintaining company records.

In contrast, private limited companies are not mandated to have a qualified company secretary, which allows for greater flexibility. Unlimited companies and limited liability partnerships also do not have the same stringent requirements regarding company secretarial positions as public limited companies do. The complexity and public scrutiny associated with public limited companies are significant factors in necessitating the expertise of a qualified company secretary.