Chartered secretary and secretaire general rather similar positions?

[mariange]

Well I have not been on Deskdemon for quite a while now although I do enjoy reading the regular newsletter.
Still involved in my  task I would like to get more responsabilities and become something more... as it can happen to some of the assistants.
So while browsing on the internet (and reading an article on our professional net) I came across this lines mentionning chartered secretary.
I assume it seems a very "anglo-saxony " kind of position as here in France or even in other european countries than UK or Ireland,we do not have such role for companies.
We could  at least try to compare the position with the one of the secretaire general (or general secretary?),which does not even exist in all the compagnies,only for big ones or some associations or public collectivities.
So my aim with this topic would be to try to gather more informations regarding the role of chartered secretary (of course I already checked on the internet and learnt a few things amont them about the ICSA) but nothing's better than a fresh experience and easy words to explain.
So would you mind helping me in teling what exactly do the chartered secretary and which diploma you should get?
I do not think I could be one as this position does not exist apart UK,US,Australia,NZ or Malaysia. But it seems to me very similar to some things secretaire general do.
Many thanks for your help and answers,hope this topic is in the right thread anyway.

[rose.winter1980]

Mariange,

You can obtain some more information about Chartered Secretaries from this website: www.icsa.org 

There is a "what is a Chartered Secretary?" section, which you will find very helpful.  As you will see, a chartered secretary is usually quite a high-ranking individual in an organisation.  The qualification you can obtain in England is internationally recognised.

Some Chartered Secretaries are Company Secretaries, whilst others work at CEO level or perhaps in a legal/advisory capacity.  It's a very flexible qualification which can be a stepping stone to lots of opportunities.

I've just completed my law exams and am considering taking this extra step (in my bid for world domination, as my husband says).  It's jolly hard work, but I think it is worth it if you want to progress up the career ladder.  So, I wish you success if you decide to embark on this course of instruction.