From tentative to capable.
Find your footing before the role finds you out — and run the rhythm of governance with composure from the very start.
Most people don’t set out to become a company secretary.
They’re appointed from accounting, law, finance or administration — often air-dropped into the role with little warning and less precedent. What looks straightforward from the outside is detailed, statutory, and unforgiving of guesswork.
Foundations is built for that first stretch. It’s shaped around you at the consult — and over a bespoke engagement you move from reacting to each meeting to running the governance cycle with quiet confidence, clear on what the role demands, what the law expects of you, and where the boundaries sit.
Who this is for.
Newly appointed, or about to be.
You’ve just taken on the company secretary role, or know it’s coming. You are just starting your CoSec career in a junior, trainee or support role and need a leg up.
From an adjacent profession.
Accounting, law, finance or EA/administration — the governance mechanics are new to you.
Drafted in on top of another role.
You’re a general counsel, CFO or director asked to take on the role of company secretary as well.
Capable, but second-guessing.
You can keep the work moving but want to stop wondering whether you’re doing it correctly.
What you'll work on.
Your statutory footing
What it means to be an “officer” under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), and the duties that now apply to you.
Compliance basics
Corporate records, statutory registers, and correct, on-time ASIC lodgements.
The board meeting cycle
Agendas, board papers and the board pack, out on time and in order.
Meeting essentials
Notice, quorum, declarations of interest, resolutions and circular resolutions.
Minutes that hold up
Accurate, defensible records of decisions and the basis for them.
Knowing the boundaries
What you can decide, and when to escalate or seek advice.
How it works.
Start with a conversation
A confidential, no-obligation consultation to understand your situation, your role and what looks right for you — now and in the future (your direction of travel).
A program built around you
We shape the focus, depth and rhythm around your real work — the matters in front of you, your board and your goals. No fixed syllabus. Confidentiality is guaranteed.
An ongoing relationship
Regular sessions on live situations, adjusted as you go — and continuing for as long as it’s useful to you.
What's included.
A free initial consultation
A detailed engagement letter
A personalised coaching plan
Professional guidance and support
Summaries of the key points discussed
A post completion satisfaction survey
The meeting cycle runs on time without drama. Papers go out when they should. Minutes are approved without substantial rework. Your ASIC filings are right — and you understand the weight the role carries without freezing under it. You’ve stopped reacting and started running the rhythm of governance.
Coaching is provided by David Cantrick-Brooks. His career began in chartered accounting and led to senior company secretarial and governance roles in highly regulated, complex environments — the kind of judgement you can’t get from a textbook. Every engagement is tailored to the individual or small group. A high-level summary and overview of his profile is available on this site and on LinkedIn.
Common questions.
How much time will it take?
As much or as little as you need — shaped around your commitments and agreed at the consult.
I’m not sure Foundations is the right level.
Start with the free consult — we’ll place you.
Can this be a small group?
Yes.
Will I get a qualification?
No. Coaching complements formal study; we can refer you to an appropriate professional body such as the Governance Institute of Australia.
Discuss your situation, confidentially.
A no-obligation 45-minute consultation, at no cost, to see whether this is the right fit.
Fees are tailored to the engagement and agreed in writing beforehand.