- 13 January 2026
The start of a new year always brings a moment to pause and reflect. For governance professionals, that pause rarely lasts long. The pace of change facing boards and organisations continues to accelerate, shaped by technological disruption, economic uncertainty and heightened expectations around accountability and resilience. As we begin the year, my focus is firmly on how the Institute can best support you to navigate that environment with confidence.
A central priority for the Institute this year will be reaffirming and promoting the gold standard of our Chartered qualification, what it represents, why it matters and how it continues to evolve to meet the realities of modern governance work. Our qualification is internationally recognised, delivered across the Institute’s global network, and underpinned by shared standards that transcend sector and geography. That global consistency is a real strength. It means that when someone achieves Chartered status, it signals not only technical competence, but professional judgement, ethical grounding and a deep understanding of governance in practice.
Reaffirming the value of Chartered status
Our recent membership survey reinforced just how strongly many of you feel about that status. Pride in the qualification and in membership of the Institute remains high. At the same time, the survey also reflected a clear expectation that our qualifying programme must continue to develop, keeping pace with the changing nature of governance roles and the pressures you face at work. That balance, protecting rigour while embracing relevance, is one we take seriously.
This is why the Institute globally has embarked on a programme to modernise the International Qualifying Programme. The work is rooted in a review of the existing international standard and is focused on ensuring the curriculum remains robust, future-focused and aligned to real-world governance practice. As part of that process, CGI Global is seeking to appoint a curriculum expert to work alongside governance specialists to help shape the next phase of development. Details of the request for proposals can be found here, and I would strongly encourage anyone with the appropriate expertise to consider engaging with this important work.
Modernising the curriculum is not about change for its own sake. It is about safeguarding the credibility of the qualification and ensuring that those who complete it are equipped for the complexity of boardrooms today and tomorrow. Governance professionals are increasingly expected to operate across risk, strategy, technology, culture and stakeholder relationships. Our qualification must continue to reflect that breadth and depth.
Alongside qualifications, events and learning opportunities remain a vital part of how we support members. The survey again highlighted strong interest in topics such as artificial intelligence, data governance and cybersecurity, areas where governance oversight is still evolving and where good judgement is essential.
Practical support on AI, data and cybersecurity
In February, we will be hosting an evening event on AI and judgement, exploring what advances in artificial intelligence mean for governance professionals in practice. The event will feature Sir Andrew Likierman, whose experience across boards, public service and academia gives him a unique perspective on how human judgement interacts with technology. His focus is on what machines can, and cannot, do, and how governance professionals can work effectively alongside AI, goes to the heart of current debates about accountability and decision-making. Find out further details and booking information
Cybersecurity is another area where expectations of boards are rising sharply, often in response to high-profile incidents and regulatory scrutiny. Later this year, I will be speaking at a parliamentary dinner focused on cybersecurity, bringing a governance perspective into discussions with policymakers and industry leaders. These conversations matter. Cyber risk is no longer a purely technical issue; it is a governance issue, requiring clear oversight, challenge and assurance at board level.
As the year unfolds, you will see more from us that strengthens our voice, reinforces the value of being Chartered, and supports you with practical insight on the issues that matter most. None of this is done in isolation. It is shaped by your feedback, engagement and professionalism.
I am optimistic about what lies ahead. Governance has never been more important. By continuing to uphold high standards while remaining open to change, we can ensure that the profession and this Institute is well positioned for the years to come.