A Retainer ship agreement format for a company secretary is a legally binding contract that establishes the terms and conditions under which the company secretary will provide their services on a retainer basis. This agreement ensures a continuous professional relationship between the company and the secretary, providing ongoing support for various compliance and administrative tasks. The Retainer ship agreement format typically includes the following key elements: 1. Parties involved: Clearly state the names and addresses of both the company (referred to as the client) and the company secretary (referred to as the service provider). 2. Scope of services: Specify the range of services to be provided by the company secretary. These may include but are not limited to, maintaining statutory registers, preparing and filing company documents, corporate governance, compliance with laws and regulations, and providing general advice on legal matters. 3. Retainer fee: Clearly outline the amount and frequency of payment to the company secretary for their services. This can be a fixed monthly, quarterly, or annual fee or may be calculated based on an hourly rate for the services rendered. 4. Retainer period: Specify the duration of the retainer agreement, outlining the start and end dates. Additionally, mention any provisions for renewal or termination of the agreement. 5. Confidentiality: Include a clause that ensures the confidentiality of all information obtained during the course of the company secretary's services. This protects both the company's sensitive information and the secretary's professional integrity. 6. Obligations and responsibilities: Explicitly outline the duties, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties involved. This includes timelines for completing tasks, quality standards, and communication protocols. 7. Dispute resolution: Detail the procedure that will be followed in case of any disputes arising during the course of the retainer agreement. This may include mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Different types of Retainer ship agreement formats for company secretaries can vary based on the specific needs and requirements of the company. However, some common variations include: 1. Standard Retainer ship Agreement: This is the most basic format where the company secretary provides general services and advice related to compliance and corporate governance. 2. Specialized Retainer ship Agreement: In this format, the company secretary possesses specific expertise in areas such as foreign direct investment, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, or employment law. The agreement outlines the provision of these specialized services along with general company secretarial duties. 3. Project-specific Retainer ship Agreement: This format is suitable for companies requiring temporary support for specific projects such as restructuring, legal due diligence, or regulatory filings. The agreement defines the scope and duration of the project, along with the retainer fee. In all cases, it is essential to consult a legal professional to ensure that the Retainer ship agreement adheres to the relevant laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where the company operates.