28.01.2020 London: NEDonBoard Board Panel – Changes in corporate governance code, protect yourself as a NED

2018 saw the publication of an updated UK Corporate Governance Code, the introduction of new corporate governance reporting requirements in The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 as well as the establishment of the Wates Corporate Governance Principles for Large Private Companies. The regulations and corporate governance provisions apply in relation to the financial years of companies beginning on or after 1st January 2019.

In Q4 2019, NEDonBoard organised round-tables discussions with experienced NEDs and chairs from a variety of backgrounds and industries, with the objective to discuss the aforementioned changes affecting UK boardrooms and the resulting consequences for NEDs as individual professionals.

The discussions have highlighted that there remains a lack of awareness of the UK Code in FTSE boardrooms, as many senior and experienced NEDs have not read the 2018 Code or do not fully understand its implications. At a time of increased vulnerability of NEDs as individual professionals. Indeed, claims may be brought up against them by the Select Committee, regulators or shareholders, notably with the emergence of activism in the UK. There is also increased pressure from the public for NEDs to meet higher standards. The FRC does not promote the day-to-day implementation of the provisions of the UK Code, but NEDonBoard, the UK professional body for non-executive directors and board members, does.

NEDonBoard is pleased to organise this event on 28 January 2020 to promote and facilitate the understanding of the UK Corporate Governance Code and its implications to the community of NEDonBoard non-executive directors and board members. The panel discussion will provide to attendees practical recommendations on how to interpret the Code, protect yourself as a NED and implement a solid decision-making process at board level.

Panel chair: Michael Hatchard 

Formerly head of the English law practice at Skadden Arps from its inception in 1994, until retirement from the practice of law in December 2017, Michael now assists directors and companies navigating governance and associated challenges that arise from transactions and other non ordinary course events.

Speakers:

Daniel Thomas – Daniel is the executive news editor for the FT. He was previously deputy companies editor, telecoms correspondent and head of the Technology, Media and Telecoms team in London, property correspondent and FT Money reporter. He has worked for various over titles covering property, advertising, finance and media.

Sally Bridgeland – Sally is an actuary with pensions and investment experience both as an adviser and a trustee. She combines consultancy for Avida International with a number of complementary non-executive and advisory roles.

Sally is a non-executive director at insurer Royal London, at Impax Asset Management plc and at Local Pensions Partnership (LPP) Limited. She is a trustee of the Lloyds Bank pension schemes and the Nuclear Liabilities Fund. Until recently she was a trustee and chaired the Investment Committee at NEST Corporation.

A former member of the Institute of Actuaries Council, Sally chaired the profession’s Continuing Professional Development Committee, Finance and Investment Board and, immediately after the merger with the Faculty of Actuaries, its Management Board.

In Professional Pensions’ inaugural Women in Pensions awards Sally was named a Role Model of the Year 2018.

Shefaly Yogendra PhD – Shefaly was most recently the COO of Ditto AI, an explainable AI startup. In 2019-20 she is serving on the external advisory group on UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) AI review.  Shefaly built her career in corporate venturing in the technology industry, followed by strategy advisory to investors, regulators and leaders of operating companies on strategic investment in emergent and regulated technologies. Her work is focused on digital and tech leadership and governance, organisational growth, risk, and decision making.  Shefaly is  an independent governor of London Metropolitan University where she chairs the Governance Committee, and a non-exec director on the board of the LSE-listed JP Morgan US Smaller Co.s Investment Trust where she chairs Remuneration and the FTSE 250 constituent Temple Bar Investment Trust.  She was listed among the “100 Women To Watch” in the 2016 edition of the Female FTSE Board Report. 

Learning objectives:

• Understand the context in which recent corporate governance changes have been adopted

• Increase your knowledge of the UK Corporate Governance Code

• Understand the implications of the Code

• Uncover board best practices to protect yourself as a NED and board member

To whom the event is intended:
The event is designed to meet the ongoing professional development needs of non-executive directors and board members in companies that have adopted the UK Corporate Governance Code as their corporate governance arrangements.
NEDs and board members in companies that intend to follow the Code or have adopted another corporate governance code as their governance arrangements would also benefit from the event, as the UK Corporate Governance Code remains the gold standard.

NEDonBoard also encourages boardroom practitioners to register.

Those that aspire to become a NED or board member and already operate at or near board level are also welcome to attend to prepare themselves for their next role.

Attendees are encouraged to read the UK Corporate Governance in advance of the event to gain the most of the panel discussion (available on the FRC website).

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About NEDonBoard:

NEDonBoard is the Professional Body for non-executive directors and board members in the UK.

Should you have valuable knowledge to share with your fellow NEDs you can highlight this to [email protected] in advance of the event.

FAQs:

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email [email protected] with any questions. We will be happy to help.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes, as long as you update the details before the event. There is a security check at the entrance of the building. We need all names before the event, and you will need to bring photo ID with you also.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes, just send us an email: [email protected]

How many attendees?

Our events are designed for 40 to 60 attendees.

What will be the format of the evening?

Welcome refreshments will be provided at 6:45pm, with the discussion commencing at 19:15.  Following this there will be opportunity for Q&A and networking with your board level peers.

Can I participate if I am not a NEDonBoard member?

Yes, you can attend events as a non-member. Our events are designed for, and will most benefit experienced non-executive directors, and board members. If you are serious about your non-exec career then we recommend you join NEDonBoard. You need to apply here.

How do I become a NEDonBoard member?

You need to apply here: NEDonBoard. We review each profile individually, the process can take up to 24h.