Susan Fadil is the senior director – fund & corporate services at fund administration organisation JTC. Over the course of her 35-plus years in corporate governance, she has championed the development of and adherence to corporate values, good governance and positive leadership. When she joined JTC in 2017, Fadil’s mission was to launch a new governance services offering for listed funds. But her contributions have truly shown in the board room, where she challenges organisational strategy and promotes good governance at every turn. She has considered JTC’s client relationships as well as it stakeholder expectations in her governance strategy while simultaneously minimising the company’s reporting burdens. She has helped JTC to generate 42% of JTC’s UK revenue over the past year. It is not only her work but her vision for what the organisation can be that has helped her to spur JTC to even greater heights.
What is Governance?
It is the processes, structures, and systems by which organisations, societies, or groups are directed, organised, and controlled. In encompasses the mechanisms through which decisions are made, authority is exercised, stakeholders are engaged, and accountability is ensured. There are different types of governance, including, corporate, public, environmental, social and non-profit. However, whatever type of governance, they all encompass principles such as, transparency, accountability, participation, rule of law, responsiveness, equity, inclusiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness. Applying these principles ensures that decisions are made in a manner that is fair, transparent and in the best interests of all stakeholders involved.
What is a governance professional?
A governance professional is someone who specialises in the system, processes, and practices that ensure an organisation is directed and controlled in an effective, accountable, transparent, and compliant manner. These professionals are often responsible for ensuring the organisation adheres to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards while achieving its strategic objectives. Key responsibilities of governance professionals include advising the board and senior management, compliance oversight, risk management, board administration, stakeholder relations, ethical conduct and integrity, performance evaluation and board education. Governance professionals can hold various titles, including Governance Professional, Company Secretary, Chief Governance Officer, Compliance Officer, or General Counsel, depending on the organisation and its specific governance structure. Regardless of their title, these professionals play a crucial role in promoting good governance practices, ensuring accountability, and supporting the strategic and operational goals of the organisation.
What are the skills needed for a successful career in governance?
A successful career in governance necessitates a broad range of abilities and skills that encompass legal knowledge, strategic thinking, effective communication, leadership and influence, and ethical judgment. You will require the ability to interpret and apply legal and regulatory frameworks to the organisation's operations, as well as have strong ethical principles and a commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and transparency. A governance professional holds a unique role within an organisation and is frequently referred to as the organisation's conscience, serving as the bridge between the board and its wider stakeholders. Being able to mediate and propose solutions that align with governance principles and organisational goals will be critical as you progress in your career and will help a governance professional ensure their organisation operates transparently, ethically, and in compliance with all relevant laws and standards, while also supporting strategic objectives and fostering stakeholder trust.
A governance professional holds a unique role within an organisation and is frequently referred to as the organisation's conscience, serving as the bridge between the board and its wider stakeholders.
Career highlight
It has to be being recognised for my contribution to governance with the "Champion for Governance" award at the Chartered Governance Institute UK & I Awards in November 2024. While I knew I had been shortlisted, winning was a complete surprise, and it has been wonderful to have been recognised by my peers. I feel deeply honoured. The award has pride of place at home and came with a sizeable charitable donation sponsored by ShareGift to a charity of my choice, allowing me to not only be honoured but also to make a difference in the lives of others. A very close second is contributing to the development of the JTC UK business, which I was fortunate enough to join at the beginning of its journey. I have a great and supportive team at JTC. We bring out the best in each other, making even the challenging times rewarding.
Did the institute support your career as a governance professional and if so, how?
In the early stages of my career, I advanced through the Institute's educational programs and qualifying scheme, eventually becoming Chartered. Graduating from a well-known Institute with a strong reputation in governance has enhanced my professional credibility and career prospects. As my career has evolved, the Institute's research resources, and professional networking groups have proven invaluable. Finally, I was a member of the CGIUKI board for six years, which I thoroughly enjoyed and was a great learning experience. The ability to repay support to the Institute was really fulfilling.
Become a Chartered Secretary or Chartered Governance Professional
Our Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme is for governance professionals, company secretaries, and individuals from law or finance transferring to governance roles.
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