Policy

The next government will inherit an economy struggling with low growth, low productivity, and the continuing impact of the steep rises in cost of living. Against this background, trust in government’s ability to make positive changes is declining.

Good governance is always important to well-functioning organisations, and never more so than when hard choices must be made. The benefit of effective governance practice runs through every sector, and its importance only increases as organisations become more complex. The UK’s corporate governance practices have developed, often in response to public failures. These difficult lessons should not be sacrificed in favour of light touch regulation which is promoted as competitive but would in effect be a race to the bottom.

The UK has long held a reputation for stability and good governance which has delivered investment and economic growth by reinforcing the view that the UK is a good place to do business.  The new government should revitalise and capitalise on that reputation by establishing a commission on governance. This would reinforce our standing internationally, by promoting accountable business practices through proportionate levels of regulation which balance consistency with flexibility.

Our policy manifesto captures eight key areas of governance where a new government should focus, and where a partnership approach with governance professionals could deliver positive outcomes. The Institute will continue to engage with the new government and parliamentarians to promote these issues. I believe it is time for government to champion the benefits that better governance delivers for business, the economy and society.

Sara Drake, CEO, CGIUKI

If you would like to more about our lobbying activity please contact David Mortimer, Head of External Affairs dmortimer@cgi.org.uk.