Governance Guernsey 2025

Overview

Governance Guernsey 2025: Disrupt or be disrupted

Governance Guernsey returns this October as the must-attend event for governance professionals on the island.

Join us for a dynamic day of insights and innovation, where delegates will hear from expert speakers tackling the most pressing challenges facing the Channel Islands. Discover cutting-edge solutions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and take advantage of extensive networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders.

Let’s toast to a successful day - join us for a drinks reception once the sessions conclude.

Ticket type	Pricing
Non-member	£265.00
Professional Subscriber	£245.00
Member	£230.00
Student	£130.00

Book now to secure your place.

Payment is due at the time of booking.

View the conference agenda below.

For any related enquiries please contact us at [email protected], or call us at +44 (0)20 7580 4741

Key Details

From £130

St. Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Thursday 16 October 2025

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

CPD: 6 Hours

Book now

Programme

Governance Guernsey Conference - Thursday 16 October 2025

Time	Agenda
09:00	Registration opens Refreshments & Networking
09:30	Conference opens Welcome & Introduction
09:35	Keynote Address In this opening keynote, the Chief Minister will explore the pivotal challenges and emerging opportunities shaping Guernsey’s future. Emphasising the importance of long-term vision in governance, the address will also reflect on the complexities of decision-making in a rapidly evolving global and local context. The Chief Minister warmly encourages questions from the audience, welcoming an open dialogue on the future of Guernsey Lindsay de Sausmarez Chief Minister, States of Guernsey
10:05	The power of Governance in turbulent times In a world shaped by constant change and global challenges, strong leadership and sound decision-making are more important than ever. This keynote will reflect on the current geopolitical climate and explore how organisations can stay resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking. It will set the tone for the conference by highlighting the importance of thoughtful governance in navigating today’s complex environment. James Linder Lead Economist, PwC Channel Islands
10:35	Disrupting the traditional CoSec role The company secretary role has traditionally been rooted in the boardroom, preparing packs, taking minutes, and supporting directors in person. Governance is now being reshaped by disruption. Virtual meetings, outsourced support, and hybrid delivery models are redefining how boards operate. Technology creates opportunities for broader participation and diversity, yet it also raises challenges around culture, cohesion, and decision making. In this session I will explore how these shifts are changing the company secretary role and how governance teams can adapt. I will share practical examples from boards across the Channel Islands and show how flexible, technology enabled, and collaborative models can make governance more resilient, inclusive, and effective. Terése Price Founder, Managing Director & Company Secretary, Virteffic Limited
11.20	Refreshment break
11.50	Community Governance: Disrupting the Norm to Build Resilient Futures How governance in community settings must evolve to meet new challenges, embrace innovation, and remain accountable to the people they serve. How the traditional governance models are being reimagined, or the role of values and culture in decision-making, or how community organisations can lead the way in transparent and forward-thinking governance. Moderator: Terri Le Couteur MSc FCG Founder, TLC Governance Solutions Speakers: Lois Falla Special Advisor, Charities & NPOs, Office of the Registrar (Guernsey Registry) Daniele Harford-Fox Principal, The Ladies' College, Guernsey David Ummels Chairman & Founder, Art for Guernsey Marc Winn Board Member, Innovate Guernsey
12.30	Lunch & Networking break
13:30	Celebrating Excellence with our Student Awards A moment to honour and applaud the achievements of our students. Join us as we celebrate their dedication, talent, and bright futures in governance.
13:40	Regulatory update from The Chartered Governance Institute Peter Swabey FCG Policy and Research Director, CGIUKI
14.00	Technology and AI Disruption Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming how organisations operate, make decisions, and manage risk. This session will explore the opportunities and challenges these disruptions present, and what they mean for governance. From ethical considerations to oversight and accountability, we’ll discuss how governance frameworks can evolve to keep pace with innovation while supporting responsible and informed decision-making. Tom Grogan Chief Transformation Officer, Mourant
14.45	Refreshments and networking
15.00	Disrupt or be disrupted Exploring agile and effective decision making in the board room in light of disruption whether it be geopolitical, regulatory or technological disruption. The audience will receive practical insights into how leaders can navigate uncertainty, foster effective decision making and perhaps turn disruption into strategic opportunity. Speakers: Justin Bellinger Chair, Innovate Guernsey Marc Cohen Partner, unbundled vc Paul Gorman Chief Operating Officer, Bank Aston Susan Watson Consultant, Non Executive Director, Sofsync Limted
15.50	Closing remarks followed by a drinks reception

Speakers

Chair, Innovate Guernsey

Justin Bellinger

With over 20 years experience leading transformation, innovation, and strategic growth across telecommunications, iGaming, digital services, and public sector advisory. Proven track record delivering complex, high-value programmes including nationwide fibre infrastructure, international expansion, and business restructuring. Expert in navigating both highly regulated and emerging markets, building partnerships across government and industry, and aligning organisational culture with strategic goals. Experienced board member with strong governance focus and deep understanding of digital ecosystems, sustainability, and innovation policy. Current roles include Chairperson of Innovate Guernsey, Non-Executive Director at Guernsey Electricity, and Director of NionNet and Colimachon. Background includes senior leadership at Sure Group and Cable & Wireless, as well as advisory roles across economic development, digital transformation, and M&A.

Partner, unbundled vc

Marc Cohen

Marc is a Partner at unbundled vc which invests in Europe-based software/AI founders who are laser focused on the US market because it is 10-20 times the size of any European domestic market. His personal portfolio has a 2.73x multiple and 48% IRR. He was an early investor in Runna (exited to Strava), Magrathea (twice backed by Sam Altman), YASO, Duel, and Ctrl Alt. He first studied AI in 2001 under one of Geoffrey Hinton's mentors and has twice built/founded in the space including co-creating the world's best poker AI. In his spare time, Marc performs standup. You can ask Marc anything at https://chat.openai.com/g/g-NEuEyZGyn-ask-marc-at-unbundled-vc-anything

Chief Minister, States of Guernsey

Lindsay de Sausmarez

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez is a People’s Deputy, President of the Policy & Resources Committee and the Chief Minister of Guernsey – a role she has held since July 2025. Lindsay was first elected to the States in 2016. Since then she has held several committee positions alongside her parliamentary and constituency roles, including President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and Vice-President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security. Lindsay has a wide range of political interests. She has been deeply involved in various areas of policy, including housing, energy, green finance, transport and climate change. She is particularly interested in the intersection of economic, social and environmental policy and their real-world impacts. Lindsay is married to Rollo: they have four children aged 6 to 16. She loves being outdoors, especially in Guernsey’s natural environment, whether that’s walking along the cliff paths with her dog, riding her bike between meetings or swimming in the sea.

Special Advisor – Charities and NPOs, Office of the Registrar (Guernsey Registry)

Lois Falla FCCA

With a background as an accountant in commerce, trust and company administration and co-managing a local Public Relations company until its management buyout, Lois Falla transferred her business skills to charity sector projects with the Guernsey Community Foundation and was involved in the charity regulation consultation. In 2022 Lois led the charity sector engagement during the significant changes to charity law and the introduction of governance, financial risk management and public benefit regulations. She was a member of the States MoneyVal Team successfully presenting the regulatory oversight of charities and NPOs rated as having a high level of effectiveness and is now the Office of the Registrar’s advisor to charities and NPOs and oversees the development and effectiveness of the regulation framework.

CEO, Bank Aston

Paul Gorman

Paul Gorman is the CEO & a co-founder of “Bank Aston”, Guernsey's first locally-licensed bank in nearly 30 years. Paul led the process to gaining the licence in June 2025. Bank Aston will be focused on serving Financial Institutions offering faster onboarding of their clients using smarter risk analysis and better local understanding. He is focused on achieving full launch in mid-2026. In 2023 Paul was the co-founder and builder of “Aston CM Guernsey Ltd”, which is the only non-bank payments company in the Crown Dependencies that offers offshore accounts to clients in their names. Before joining Aston 4 years ago, Paul spent 20 years in global banking - from client-facing roles at Barclays ("BarCap") to leading FX, Payments and Cash Management at Santander UK. Before working in big banks, he served for 6 years as a Royal Naval Officer. Paul and his wife will be moving to Guernsey in early 2026, bringing their dog but leaving their grown up kids in the UK to fend for themselves..!

Chief Transformation Officer, Mourant

Tom Grogan

Tom is responsible for driving strategic, technological and behavioural change across the Mourant Group to ensure it continues to deliver exceptional service to our clients globally now and in the future. He also provide leadership to our business services teams, amongst other responsibilities. Alongside his role at Mourant, Tom sits on the Digital Board of the National Theatre based in London and chairs the board of trustees of a successful and thriving secondary school, Sir Thomas Rich's, based in Gloucester, UK. He regularly speaks at technology, innovation and public policy events around the world.

Founder, TLC Governance Solutions

Terri Le Couteur MSc FCG

Terri Le Couteur is an international governance expert and founder of TLC Governance Solutions, with over 30 years’ experience across Europe and key offshore centres. A Chartered Governance Fellow with a Master’s in Corporate Governance, Terri notably served as Chair of the CGI Guernsey Branch. She specialises in strategic advice, governance training and board evaluations - helping businesses strengthen effectiveness, resilience, and purpose through practical, real-world governance solutions.

Lead Economist, PwC

James Linder

James Linder is the lead economist at PwC Channel Islands, advising governments, businesses and social enterprises on economic strategy, resilience and public value. He brings nearly a decade of experience in public policy, cost-benefit analysis and economic modelling to help organisations turn data into action and navigate complexity with confidence. James leads much of PwC’s regional thought leadership, including the Island Index, Green Jobs Barometer and Value of the Third Sector, offering strategic insights on the Channel Islands’ economic and social priorities. He has worked extensively on policy roadmaps and funding strategies and has previously developed national long-term economic strategies. James also serves on the Board of the National Trust for Jersey, advocating for sustainable development.

Policy & Research Director, The Chartered Governance Institute

Peter Swabey FCG

Based in London, Peter is responsible for developing the profile of the Institute and the governance profession with members, regulators, policymakers, employers and other stakeholders by delivering thought leadership, lobbying campaigns and professional guidance promoting strong governance as the vital ingredient for success in organisations. Peter, who joined the Institute in 2013, has more than 40 years’ experience working on governance. He is a member of a number of industry committees and working parties, and is a regular speaker at conferences and events, with an industry-wide reputation as an expert on shareholder and governance matters.

Chairman and Founder, Art for Guernsey

David Ummels

David is a multicultural entrepreneur whose background is in investment management, capital markets and debt restructuring. Over the last 30 years, he has built a strong network of relationships with many institutional investors and corporations. He has accumulated a substantial knowledge of different legal environments and international corporate governance standards. He has sat on several public and private company boards, including an investment vehicle that held an extensive portfolio of "trophy" assets in the fields of real estate and luxury car manufacturing, a large central and eastern European real estate company, a London based investment manager, the largest garden center group in the UK, a multibillion art collecting family office and an Guernsey based art storage business. David is a passionate art collector and a big fan of and advocates for Guernsey. He is a member of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce and their Cultural Ambassador. David is also the founder of Art for Guernsey, an entrepreneurial and innovative art-related charitable initiative.

Consultant, Non Executive Director, Sofsync Limted

Susan Watson

Susan Watson is a board member of Innovate Guernsey - supporting the island’s ambition to become a vibrant hub for innovation. She is the founder of a software consultancy company, a Non Executive Director and an experienced Board Advisor helping organisations leverage technology to drive operational efficiency and growth. Susan brings substantial expertise in digital transformation, AI, Cybersecurity, strategic planning and governance. Alongside shaping a three-year Guernsey Innovation Plan she also sits on boards across insurance, defence and community sectors and contributes to local government. With a background spanning finance, legal, telecoms, health, education & public sectors Susan is passionate about delivering practical initiatives and real economic value to Guernsey.

Board Member, Innovate Guernsey

Marc Winn

Marc Winn is an innovator, community builder, and advocate known for his creative approach to solving complex societal challenges. With over a decade of experience in fostering community-led transformation, Marc leverages networks and collective wisdom to unlock breakthrough ideas, particularly championing the role of small nations like Guernsey as agile testing grounds for global innovation. Marc serves as a board member of Innovate Guernsey, driving initiatives focused on transforming the island through innovation, experimentation, and collaboration. In his role as Innovate Director at Unltd, an inclusion charity dedicated to removing barriers faced by people with disabilities. He is the creator behind the widely recognised Ikigai Venn Diagram and author of The 50 Coffee Adventure, a book inspired by meaningful conversations and human connection. Marc regularly advises governments, organisations, and leaders, offering provocative insights that challenge conventional thinking and spark meaningful change.

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Overview