Evolving programme is subject to slight change
Day 1 - Tuesday 7 July 2026
08:30 Registration and exhibition hall open
09:30 Conference begins
09:35 Welcome address
Linda Ford, Chief Executive, Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland
09:45 Why ethics in governance is important now more than ever - Risk, regulation and leadership
Ethical governance is vital in today’s climate of rising risks, uncertain ecopolitical climate, and demands for accountable leadership. This session explores why ethics matter now more than ever and how they shape resilient, trustworthy organisations.
Speaker: Derek Leatherdale, Senior Geopolitical Risk Adviser, Sibylline Ltd
10:20 Ethics in cybersecurity
Cyber resilience is more than just a technology issue. Understand why cyber governance is key to becoming cyber resilient. This talk will cover:
• The Cyber Landscape
• Governing Cyber Risk
• Cyber Governance Code of Practice
• IASME Cyber Assurance Standard
• Becoming Cyber Resilient and Demonstrating Compliance
Speaker: George Quigley, Head of ICA, IASME
10:50 Refreshment break
11:20 Governance Market Survey 2026: The Reality of the Role
Speakers:
- Jon Moores, Founder and Managing Director
- Mariza Dimaki, Director & Recruitment Partner, Core Partnership
11:40 Everyone talks about ESG - But are we talking about the same thing?
We all know what ESG stands for: Environmental, Social and Governance. But beyond the acronym, what is ESG?
Many professionals feel uncertain navigating ESG discussions - and that’s understandable. Although the concept has been in use for over 20 years, it still lacks a single agreed definition or clear boundaries. That flexibility has helped ESG evolve and gain traction, but it has also created confusion, debate, and at times, mistrust.
In this session we will get to the heart of what ESG is - and what it is not - by tracing its origins, evolution, and how it skilfully brought together a wide range of evolving concepts to forever change the worlds of business, finance and asset management. We will explore how and why ESG-related reporting and regulation has developed (occasionally in divergent directions!), and leave you better equipped to bring clarity and confidence to ESG discussions within your organisation.
Speaker: Joshua Domb, Founder and Managing Partner, Gen-R Law
12:25 The AI Wastage Problem
12:55 Lunchtime lowdown
A five-minute recap on this morning sessions
13:00 Lunch break
Lunch and refreshments for all, taking place in the exhibition space
14:00 Breakout sessions
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BREAKOUT 1 - Geopolitical follow up session |
This break-out session will bring forward insights into how other boards have evolved their approach to geopolitical risk considerations and provide those in strategic governance roles with practical suggestions on how they can support their boards in grappling with this agenda. Speaker: Derek Leatherdale, Senior Geopolitical Risk Adviser, Sibylline Ltd |
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BREAKOUT 2 - Getting the most out of your internal board evaluations |
Discover how to turn internal board evaluations into actionable insights that enhance performance and governance. Learn practical tips for making evaluations meaningful and driving continuous improvement. Moderator: Laura Higgins FCG, The CoSec Coach |
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BREAKOUT 3 - Sponsored breakout session |
Topic to be confirmed Session sponsored by Law Deb |
14:35 Movement break
Head to your next session
14:40 Breakout sessions
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BREAKOUT 1 - Trust, Culture, and Connection Between Boards and Team |
Effective governance isn’t just about compliance, it’s built on trust, culture, and connection. This session explores how boards can foster transparent relationships with their executive teams, align values, and create a culture that supports ethical decision-making and strategic resilience. Speaker: Laura Higgins FCG, The CoSec Coach |
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BREAKOUT 2 - Mindful Exclusion |
Speaker: The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland |
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BREAKOUT 3 - Sponsored breakout session |
More information to follow |
15:15 Tea and coffee break
15:45 Breakout sessions
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BREAKOUT 1 – Cultivating Leadership Pipelines in a Changing Governance Landscape |
Discover how to build leadership pipelines that strengthen governance amid regulatory change and evolving risks. Learn strategies to align future leaders with integrity and resilience. Moderator: Terri Le Couteur FCG, Founder, TLC Governance |
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BREAKOUT 2 – Regulatory follow‑on session with Q&A |
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BREAKOUT 3 – Sponsored breakout session |
Topic to be confirmed Session sponsored by Board Intelligence |
16:20 Movement break
Head back to the main auditorium
16:25 Closing keynote - Psychological safety and compassionate leadership
16:55 Conference close
17:00 Drinks Reception and networking