- 7 July 2026
Governance professionals are playing an increasingly influential role in how organisations are run, with almost two-thirds (65%) reporting that the influence of the governance function is increasing, according to new research launched at Governance 2026, the annual conference of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI).
The Governance Market Survey 2026: The reality of the role, produced by The Core Partnership in partnership with the Institute, draws on responses from 971 governance professionals across listed companies, financial services, private businesses, charities and the wider not-for-profit sector. More than two-thirds of respondents (69%) hold the Chartered Governance Institute qualification.
The research shows that the traditional perception of the company secretary as primarily responsible for board papers, minutes and compliance no longer reflects the reality of the role. Governance professionals are increasingly trusted advisers to boards and executive teams, supporting the quality of information on which decisions are made, succession planning, organisational change and stakeholder expectations.
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents said supporting board information quality and decision-making is becoming more important, while 59% identified board and executive succession planning as an area of growing responsibility. Half (50%) said AI literacy for boards is becoming more important, underlining the widening scope of the governance remit.
The research also highlights growing pressure on governance teams. Almost three-quarters (74%) reported an increase in workload over the past 12 months, 42% said their governance function is not adequately resourced for its current responsibilities, and, where responsibilities have increased, 70% said there had been no meaningful change in recognition.
Neil Newman, Commercial Director at CGIUKI, said:
"This research confirms what we hear from our members every day. Governance professionals are increasingly trusted advisers at the heart of organisational decision-making, helping boards navigate complexity with judgement, rigour and integrity. That is a welcome recognition of governance as a strategic capability, not simply a matter of compliance.
"The growing influence of the profession must, however, be matched by the structure, resource and recognition the role now demands. As the professional body for governance, we will continue to champion the value governance professionals bring to organisations, and to support them at every stage of their careers."
Jon Moores, Founder and Managing Director of The Core Partnership, said:
"One of the clearest messages from this year’s survey is that governance roles are expanding in breadth, influence and complexity. Technical governance knowledge remains the foundation of the profession, but today’s governance professionals are increasingly helping boards and executive teams make better decisions. We hope this report encourages conversations about how governance teams are structured, supported and developed."
Key findings
· 65% said the influence of the governance function is increasing.
· 66% said supporting board information quality and decision-making is becoming more important.
· 59% said board and executive succession planning is becoming more important.
· 50% said AI literacy for boards is becoming more important.
· 74% reported increased workload over the past 12 months.
· 42% said their governance function is not adequately resourced.
· 70% of those whose responsibilities have increased said there had been no meaningful change in recognition.
The Governance Market Survey 2026 examines team structures, reporting lines, workload, hybrid working, technology and AI, career development, remuneration and reward.
Download The Governance Market Survey 2026.