Hiring and Sponsoring Professional/chartered company secretaries (SOC Code 2435)

‍

Hiring a professional company secretary from overseas is a realistic option for UK employers who hold a sponsor licence. SOC Code 2435 covers chartered and professional company secretaries - a specialist role that sits at the heart of corporate governance. This guide explains what the role involves, what the Home Office requires, and how sponsorship works in practice.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Company secretaries fall under SOC Code 2435 and are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• The going rate and minimum salary thresholds must be met before a Certificate of Sponsorship can be assigned.
• Chartered company secretaries are regulated professionals - qualifications and ICSA/CGIUKI membership are typically expected.
• Sponsors must keep records, report changes and maintain compliance throughout the worker's employment.

What Is SOC Code 2435?

Role Definition

SOC Code 2435 covers professional and chartered company secretaries. These are senior administrative professionals responsible for ensuring a company meets its statutory and regulatory obligations. The role is classified at RQF Level 6 and above, making it eligible for the Skilled Worker visa route.

Typical Job Titles

• Company Secretary
• Chartered Company Secretary
• Corporate Governance Manager
• Assistant Company Secretary
• Group Company Secretary

What Does a Company Secretary Do?

Core Responsibilities

A company secretary is not simply an administrative assistant. The role carries significant legal and governance responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring the company complies with Companies Act requirements and filing deadlines at Companies House
• Maintaining statutory registers, including registers of members, directors and persons with significant control
• Organising and minuting board and shareholder meetings
• Advising directors on their legal duties and corporate governance best practice
• Managing share issuances, transfers and capital structure changes
• Liaising with regulators, auditors and legal advisers
• Supporting the board on matters of compliance, risk and ethics

Regulated and Unregulated Contexts

Public companies are legally required under the Companies Act 2006 to appoint a qualified company secretary. Private companies are not subject to the same requirement but many choose to appoint one, particularly as the business grows in complexity. Chartered company secretaries are members of the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland (CGIUKI), formerly the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA).

Sponsoring a Company Secretary Under the Skilled Worker Route

Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor a worker under SOC Code 2435, the employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and the role must meet the Skilled Worker visa eligibility criteria. The worker must also satisfy the points-based requirements set by the Home Office.

• The job must be at or above RQF Level 6
• The salary must meet the relevant going rate for SOC 2435
• The worker must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor
• English language requirements must be satisfied

Salary Thresholds for SOC Code 2435

From April 2024, the Home Office increased the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas. Employers must pay whichever is higher out of the general threshold and the going rate for the specific SOC code. For SOC 2435, you should check the current going rate published by the Home Office, as this is updated periodically. Salary must be paid in full and cannot be supplemented by non-cash benefits to meet the threshold.

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once you have confirmed the role meets the requirements, you will need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). The CoS contains details of the job, salary and start date. The worker then uses this reference number when applying for their Skilled Worker visa.

1. Confirm the role meets SOC 2435 criteria and salary thresholds
2. Log in to the Sponsor Management System and request a CoS
3. Enter accurate details including job title, SOC code, salary and start date
4. Assign the CoS to the named worker
5. Worker submits their visa application using the CoS reference number

Qualifications and Professional Membership

CGIUKI Membership

The Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland is the professional body for company secretaries and governance professionals. Chartered membership (FCIS or ACIS) demonstrates a recognised level of competence and is widely expected by employers hiring at a senior level. While the Home Office does not mandate CGIUKI membership for visa purposes, it is often required by employers and can strengthen the case that the role genuinely falls within SOC 2435.

Degree-Level Qualifications

Many company secretaries hold a law degree, a business degree, or a professional qualification in accountancy or governance. Where overseas qualifications are involved, UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC) can provide a statement of comparability to confirm the qualification is equivalent to a UK degree.

Sponsor Duties and Ongoing Compliance

What Sponsors Must Do

Sponsoring a company secretary is not a one-off process. UK employers must maintain ongoing compliance with Home Office sponsor duties throughout the duration of the worker's visa. Failure to do so can result in licence suspension, downgrade or revocation.

• Carry out right to work checks before employment begins and keep copies on file
• Report any changes to the worker's role, salary or circumstances through the SMS within the required timeframes
• Report absences of ten or more consecutive working days without permission
• Keep contact details for sponsored workers up to date
• Notify the Home Office if the worker's employment ends early
• Cooperate with any Home Office audit or compliance visit

Record Keeping

Sponsors must retain specific documents for each sponsored worker, including passport copies, visa documentation, right to work evidence and contact details. These records must be available on request from the Home Office and kept for a specified period after employment ends.

Applying for a Sponsor Licence

Do You Already Hold a Licence?

If your organisation does not yet hold a sponsor licence, you will need to apply before you can sponsor any overseas worker. The application is made online through the Home Office, and most employers receive a decision within eight weeks. A priority service is available for an additional fee if you need a faster outcome.

Licence Fees

• Small or charitable sponsors: £536
• Medium or large sponsors: £1,682

You can find full details on eligibility and the application process on the UK Visas and Immigration sponsor guidance pages at gov.uk.

Common Mistakes When Sponsoring SOC 2435 Roles

Errors That Can Cause Problems

• Assigning the wrong SOC code - particularly confusing 2435 with administrative or legal roles that fall under different codes
• Setting a salary below the going rate for the occupation code
• Failing to update the SMS when the worker's role or salary changes
• Not carrying out right to work checks before the worker's start date
• Keeping insufficient records of sponsored workers
• Missing reporting deadlines for absences or early terminations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 2435?

SOC Code 2435 covers professional and chartered company secretaries. It is used by the Home Office to classify roles for Skilled Worker visa purposes and determines the applicable going rate salary threshold.

Can I sponsor a company secretary on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Company secretary roles under SOC 2435 are eligible for the Skilled Worker visa route, provided the employer holds a sponsor licence and the role and salary meet the Home Office requirements.

What salary do I need to pay a sponsored company secretary?

You must pay whichever is higher: the general Skilled Worker threshold or the going rate for SOC Code 2435. The going rate is published by the Home Office and should be checked before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Does the company secretary need to be a member of CGIUKI?

CGIUKI membership is not a visa requirement set by the Home Office, but it is widely expected in the profession, particularly for chartered roles. Public companies are legally required to appoint a qualified company secretary under the Companies Act 2006.

How long does it take to sponsor a company secretary?

If you already hold a sponsor licence, the process depends on how quickly you can assign a CoS and how long the worker's visa application takes. Standard Skilled Worker visa decisions typically take around three weeks. Priority processing is available for an additional fee.

What happens if I do not meet my sponsor duties?

The Home Office can suspend or revoke your sponsor licence if you fail to meet your duties. This would prevent you from sponsoring any workers and could affect existing sponsored employees. In serious cases, the Home Office may refer matters for civil or criminal investigation.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a company secretary