

Press Release
Latest DfE report shows clerks are undervalued. More support needs to be given to this important role, ICSA states
The clerking role is not given the weight it deserves because the term ‘clerk’ does not reflect the important governance work that they do, according to ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute. The term ‘governance professional’ better reflects the important advisory and supporting role that they play and the DfE should introduce the mandatory requirement in law for academy trusts above a certain threshold to employ a qualified governance professional. Furthermore, the DfE should provide guidance to ensure the remuneration of a governance professional reflects the level of responsibility required to support the board with its many legal, regulatory, educational and ethical requirements.

Press Release
ICSA Awards 2019 winners announced
The winners of this year’s ICSA Awards were announced at a glittering awards dinner at the Park Lane Hilton in London last night. Hosted by comedian Simon Evans, the awards welcomed 670 of the UK’s leading governance professionals who were there to celebrate the achievements of those organisations, individuals and teams that are leading the way in good governance and corporate reporting.

Agenda Article
SAYE it again: Revival of the Save As You Earn Scheme
For employers, an SAYE Scheme can encourage employee engagement and improve retention. While historically a very popular scheme, following Brexit the number of licensed savings carriers in the Irish market fell and the last licensed savings carrier exited the market in early 2021. Since then, it has not been possible to establish or grant new options under a SAYE Scheme. However, with the anticipated announcement of a new licensed savings carrier before the summer, employers should reconsider the benefits of offering a Revenue approved SAYE Scheme.


Press Release
Board evaluation review published today shows there’s room for improvement
ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute has today released the findings of its review into the effectiveness of independent board evaluation in the UK listed sector. The review, which was carried out at the request of the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), assessed the quality of evaluations and has identified a number of ways in which board evaluation might be improved.

Press Release
Want greater psychological safety and better chairing in your boardroom? Try investing in team alignment, new report finds
A new report out today from The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland and the Centre for Synchronous Leadership has revealed that many boardrooms have worryingly low levels of psychological safety and are avoiding important conversations that involve vulnerability or challenge. COVID-19 has made this behaviour even more of a liability. Unsurprisingly, the worst offenders are more likely to have poor chairing. However, both characteristics are strongly correlated with the extent to which boards and executive committees invest in team alignment.