Cost of Secretarial Services
across the UK

# Secretarial Services Trade Body Accreditation

The secretarial services sector in the UK is regulated through several professional bodies and schemes depending on the specific nature of the work offered. The Institute of Qualified Professional Secretaries (IQPS) and the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM) are the primary trade bodies that accredit secretarial professionals, with membership typically requiring relevant qualifications such as the Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration or equivalent experience. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) may also be relevant for providers handling HR-related administrative functions. Additionally, firms offering virtual assistant or remote secretarial services may hold accreditation through the Virtual Assistant Standards Association, whilst those handling confidential documentation may need to comply with Data Protection Act standards and Information Governance certification. These accreditations indicate that a provider has met specific professional standards, continues professional development, and operates under a code of ethics.

To verify a secretarial provider's accreditation, check their membership on the relevant trade body's official register, which is usually searchable on the organisation's website. Request evidence of current professional indemnity insurance, which accredited providers are typically required to maintain, and ask for details of their qualifications and any specialist certifications such as Company Secretary status under the Institute of Company Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). It's also worth confirming how long they've held accreditation and whether they have any disciplinary records, as trade bodies maintain standards through regular audits and member conduct reviews. This verification matters because it provides legal recourse should something go wrong, ensures the provider understands confidentiality and data handling obligations, and demonstrates they possess up-to-date knowledge of administrative best practices and relevant UK legislation.

Accredited secretarial service providers typically charge between 10 and 25 percent more than unaccredited alternatives, reflecting