Overview
The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland are delighted to return this year with the Governance North conference to Manchester on 7 October 2025. This one-day conference offers insights, debate and networking for governance professionals in the North of England. Don’t miss out and book your place today.
Standard Tickets (ex. VAT)
Non-Member £300.00
Subscriber £250.00
Member £225.00
Student £165.00
Payment is due at the time of booking
For any related enquiries please contact us at events@cgi.org.uk, or call us at +44 207 612 7012
Programme
8.30 Main registration, exhibition and networking
9.30 Welcome and opening remarks
09:35 AI Governance – Do you believe the hype?
Incorporating AI into core operations has become imperative for organisations navigating the ever-evolving business and technology landscape, but for many it has left them questioning whether adopting this new technology is what’s right for their organisation.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, the urgency for effective governance frameworks grows. This session will explore the current landscape of AI regulations, ethical dilemmas, and the practical challenges of governing AI technologies.
Marco Murray, Director, EY
10:10 Optimising internal board evaluations: Best practices and strategies
In today's dynamic corporate environment, effective board evaluations are crucial for ensuring robust governance and strategic oversight, but how do you derive the most value from your evaluation and translate it into your board agenda? This panel session will delve into the best practices and strategies for optimising internal board evaluations and remaining productive post survey.
Moderator: Kerry Round, Founding Director, Round Governance
Jude Levy, Consultant, Ellason LLP
Laura McNeil, Deputy Company Secretary, JD Sports Fashion plc
10.45 Regulatory Update from the CGIUKI
11:20 Refreshment break
11:50 Global Tensions, Local Impact: Effective Governance Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
In a time marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and shifting global alliances, the ripple effects are being felt acutely at the local level. This panel brings together governance professionals from across sectors to explore how effective governance can navigate uncertainty and build resilience. With a spotlight on the third sector organisations—we’ll examine how these entities are adapting to global challenges. Join us for a dynamic discussion on cross-sector collaboration, agile leadership, and the strategies needed to govern effectively in a fractured world.
Darren Drabble, FTSE Chief Legal/Risk Officer, Gateley
12.30 Getting Human Rights Right
2025 marks 10 years since the UK introduced the Modern Slavery Act (MSA), which was lauded at the time as the leading global standard of its kind. Earlier this year, the government issued updated guidance on the steps that companies should be taking to comply with the MSA, and in July 2025 the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights recommended that new legislation is needed in this space.
In this session our expert speakers will discuss learnings from the last ten years, and reflect on the range of risks that have crystalised for businesses around the world where their focus on human rights considerations has fallen short. Our speakers will highlight key legal developments in this space globally, offer thoughts on how human rights focused compliance is likely to evolve in the years ahead and share best practices for getting your human rights programme right.
Joshua Domb, Founder, Gen-R Law
13.05 Lunch break
14.05 Breakout sessions
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Breakout 1 Sponsor session
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Breakout 2 Securing your first NED role Embarking on the journey to secure your first Non-Executive Director (NED) role can be both exciting and challenging. This panel discussion brings together seasoned governance professionals who have successfully navigated this path. They will share their insights, experiences, and practical advice on how to position yourself for a NED role. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to take the next step in your governance career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to transition into a NED role, this discussion will provide valuable insights to help you succeed. Darren Drabble, FTSE Chief Legal/Risk Officer, Gateley Rebecca Ganz, Regional Ambassador, Nurole Natalie Paddock, Group Company Secretary, Assurant |
14.40 Movement break
14.45 Breakout sessions
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Breakout 1 Advancing transparency in third sector governance As public scrutiny intensifies and expectations around accountability grow, organisations must ensure that their governance structures are not only robust but also open, inclusive, and trustworthy. This panel will explore how transparency can be meaningfully embedded into governance practices across charities, social enterprises, and community organisations. From board decision-making and financial reporting to stakeholder engagement and ethical leadership, our speakers will share insights, challenges, and practical approaches to making governance more transparent and responsive. Key discussion points include:
Whether you're a trustee, senior leader, or governance professional, this session will offer valuable perspectives and actionable ideas to help your organisation lead with integrity and openness. |
Breakout 2 Sponsor Session
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15.20 Afternoon break
15.50 Strategies for strengthening small governance teams
In the world of governance, small teams often face unique challenges that require resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. This panel discussion is designed to provide governance professionals with practical strategies to enhance the effectiveness and cohesion of their small teams.
Join our expert panel as they explore:
- Building Team Cohesion: Discover techniques to foster strong relationships and trust within small governance teams.
- Effective Communication: Learn how to streamline communication processes to ensure clarity and efficiency.
- Resource Management: Gain insights into optimizing limited resources to maximize team performance.
This session will provide valuable tools and insights to help small governance teams thrive in a dynamic and often demanding environment.
Angela Alabi, Head of Governance and Board Secretary, CITB
Sarah Lay ACG, Head of Governance & CoSec, Co-op Academies Trust
Kerry Round, Founding Director, Round Governance
16.25 Closing keynote
Beth Stallwood, WorkJoy
16.55 Closing remarks
17.00 Drinks reception
Speakers
Rebecca Ganz
Josh Domb
Darren Drabble
Jude Levy
Laura McNeil
Kerry Round
