Evolving programme is subject to slight change
Day 2 - Wednesday 8 July 2026
08:30 Registration and exhibition hall open
09:30 Conference begins
09:40 Keynote address
Speaker: Anjli Raval, Management Editor, Financial Times
10:20 What’s keeping your board awake?
This panel brings together experienced governance professionals and industry leaders to explore best practices for engaging with boards, managing complex issues, and building trust.
Gain practical tips on framing discussions, anticipating challenges, and ensuring alignment between leadership teams and board priorities.
Moderator: Justine Blakesley FCG, Founding Partner and CEO, Blakesley Consulting
10:55 Refreshment break
11:25 Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of Diversity
Explore how young leaders and diverse teams are shaping the future of governance and organisational success. This session brings together students and early-career professionals eager to step into leadership roles, alongside governance experts who recognize the transformative power of diversity in leadership.
Moderator: Kayla Schembri, Head of Policy, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
Speakers:
- Gary Ford, Co-founder, Men for Inclusion
- Kako Mavalla ACG, Deputy Company Secretary
- Eileen Mullan Cdir
12:05 Demystifying the next generation of governance
12:40 Lunchtime lowdown
A five-minute recap on this morning sessions
12:45 Lunch break
Lunch and refreshments for all, taking place in the exhibition space
13:45 Ministerial address
Speaker: Blair McDougall MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business and Trade
14:00 Breakout sessions
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BREAKOUT 1 – Turning Crisis Into Composure |
As a governance professional, having to tackle a crisis in your organisation isn't a case of “if” but “when”. When it does happen, how do you rebuild, and how do you know what to prioritise in crisis management? This session will look at what steps organisations have taken to successfully rebuild after failure, and how to foster trust, transparency and accountability during times of crises. Moderator: Richard Young, Editor – Governance & Compliance, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Speakers:
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BREAKOUT 2 – The Accidental Company Secretary |
Speaker: Brendan Boyle |
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BREAKOUT 3 – Sponsored breakout session |
Topic to be confirmed Session sponsored by Vistra |
14:45 Movement break
Head to your next session
14:50 Breakout sessions
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BREAKOUT 1 – Creating a governance career that's right for you |
This session explores pathways within governance roles, the skills boards and organisations value most, and how to position yourself for long-term success. Gain insights into building a career that aligns with your strengths and the evolving governance landscape. Speaker: Laura Higgins FCG, The CoSec Coach |
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BREAKOUT 2 – Composure in action: Strategies for consistent calm |
Following on from our earlier session on crisis management, this practical session will look at how crisis can inform the construction of robust risk assessment frameworks and mitigation strategies that encompass ethical leadership and the fostering of public trust. Moderator: Richard Young, Editor – Governance & Compliance, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Speakers:
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BREAKOUT 3 – Sponsored breakout session |
Topic to be confirmed Session sponsored by Barnett Waddingham (part of Howden) |
15:25 Movement break
Head back to the main auditorium
15:30 Closing Keynote - The Human Factor: Elevating Governance Through Soft Skills
Governance isn’t just about frameworks and compliance—it’s about people. In today’s complex organisational landscape, soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and relationship-building are critical for governance professionals to influence, lead, and collaborate effectively. This session will explore why these skills matter, how they enhance decision-making and stakeholder engagement, and practical strategies to develop them for long-term success.
16:00 Closing remarks
Linda Ford CEO, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland