About Us
In order to better support our members and students in the West Midlands and central Wales, the Institute launched a new local branch in December 2018. Our aim is to bring the company secretarial and governance community together to create a space for networking, professional development events and student support opportunities.
The branch has been established with the momentum of some fantastic volunteers and the creation of a new partnership between the Institute and the Association of Corporate Governance Practitioners (ACGP). ACGP is a Birmingham-based membership body which offers professional qualifications for board members and those working in governance functions and promotes the importance of good governance to the success of all organisations operating in the private, public and third sector. We have much in common and are pleased to welcome members of the ACGP into our global and local communities as Professional Subscribers.
The West Midlands branch will strive to be a reliable source of advice and inspiration for your career development. We are looking forward to welcoming you at our upcoming events.
Upcoming events
The South East of England branch offers a variety of events to support your professional development at every stage of your career. Whether you to want brush up on your knowledge and skills, network with peers or add to your CPD, we run sessions on a variety of topics and in a variety of formats, with contributions from experts and guest speakers across the governance community.
Conference
2025 CGIUKI Annual Conference
Be sure to pencil 1st and 2nd July in your diary, to join us, hundreds of governance professionals and expert speakers in London for two days of insight, discussions on best practice and debate.
The CGI Annual Conference – Governance 2025 is the ideal environment to network governance professionals from across the UK and beyond.
Prices will start from £300 with discounted rates available for CGI Members and Students.
Latest Blogs
Blog
The Institute's Response to the UK Stewardship Code Consultation
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has finished consulting on its proposed changes to the Code. The UK Stewardship Code sets a standard for how investors manage their responsibilities and aims to ensure that investment decisions drive long-term value and create positive societal outcomes.
Meet the team
The Chartered Governance Institute maintains a presence in the West Midlands through its local branch committee. The local branch strives to enhance the presence of the Institute within Birmingham and the West Midlands, to support members and students throughout their careers and study programmes, as qualified or aspiring governance professionals. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact us.
Branch Chair
Helen Higginbotham FCG
Helen is chair of the WM Branch. Helen is a partner in the corporate department at HCR Law with over 10 years' experience, and is head of the due diligence team advising clients on areas of risk and corporate compliance. She is a Fellow of the Institute. Helen provides training on company secretarial matters and loves all things “corporate governance”!
In her spare time, Helen enjoys walks in the countryside with her two dogs.
Branch Secretary
Tom Proverbs-Garbett FCG
Tom is the secretary of the WM Branch and a governance specialist. He is Director of TrustPoint Governance Limited. He was previously Associate Director at RSM UK Consulting (in its ESG team) and, prior to that, a Senior Associate in the corporate team at Pinsent Masons LLP. One way or another, it’s Tom who will welcome you to our events!
You can contact Tom on tom@trustpointgovernance.com
Student Champion
Jagdish Kaur
Jag is the Student Champion of the WM Branch. She qualified as an Associate member in 2021. Jag has worked in both private and listed companies focusing largely on Subsidiary governance.
In her spare time, Jag enjoys spending time in nature and practising Krav Maga.
Branch Social Media and Marketing
Deni Nkabinde
Deni is a versatile professional adept at merging business and technology. Having graduated with a MBA focused on AI in 2023, Deni brings cutting-edge expertise to her current role. With over five years of experience in marketing and digital platforms, Deni currently works with British Airways and offers a unique perspective. She’s passionate about leveraging technology for sustainable solutions, and travelling the world.
Committee Member
Karl George MBE
Karl George MBE is a thought leader, internationally established expert in governance and CEO of the Governance Forum Limited. Former partner at RSM UK, where he was Head of Governance and part of the ESG advisory practice. Karl brings over thirty years of expertise in governance, compliance, and strategic development to his cross-sector work with boards and senior executives, leading assignments in the private, public and voluntary spheres. Starting his career as an accountant, Karl has made a significant contribution to the world of governance including developing governance frameworks, conducting board effectiveness reviews and leading governance training. A Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute, he is the creator of The tgf Governance Code (a governance framework endorsed by Sir Adrian Cadbury), The RACE Equality Code (an EDI diagnostic tool), and The Effective Board Member Programmes (well-regarded training programmes for new and experienced board members and those who aspire to board membership). Karl holds an honorary doctorate and is a visiting professor at Birmingham City University. An established author, Karl developed and authored “Governance 3.0” and the Amazon bestseller “The Effective Board Member.” His training programmes have been implemented globally, impacting 1000s of graduates and numerous organisations in the Middle East, Caribbean, and beyond.
Committee Member
Nicola Rees
Nicola is the company secretary for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Nicola has specialist sector experience includes Charity Governance Code, charity trading subsidiaries, membership organisations, sports national governing bodies and the Code for Sports Governance, and corporate social responsibility. I’m Degree and Professional Postgraduate Diploma educated.
Nicola is an enthusiastic member of the committee who looks forward to welcoming you to our events!
Committee Member
Bish Das
Bish Das has over 10 years of experience in the Shareplans and Share Registration industry. Currently an Account Executive at Kuberno, he has expanded into the world of Global Entity/Subsidiary Management. Bish leverages technology to enhance governance practices, focusing on innovative solutions for Company Secretaries and General Counsels. As a CGI WM Branch committee member, he brings valuable insights into governance technology.
Bish’s proactive approach and dedication support the corporate governance community, contributing to best practices and efficiency improvements. His journey reflects a commitment to excellence and addressing the challenges faced by governance professionals.
Contact the West Midlands Branch
For membership and study enquiries please contact the student and membership team:
For branch support and event queries please contact the branch support team: