- 13 February 2026
When people think about governance, they often think about structures, codes and compliance. What they sometimes overlook is something far more powerful: the governance community. It is a profession built on shared standards, purpose and ethics. That community is not confined to one sector or even one country. It is truly global.
Many governance professionals work in small teams. Some are the only governance specialist in their organisation.
You may be advising a board in a charity, navigating regulation in a listed company, supporting trustees in education, or strengthening subsidiary governance across multiple jurisdictions.
At times, that responsibility can feel isolating. One of the messages from our recent Membership Survey was that while many members are extremely proud to belong to CGIUKI, some do not always feel fully connected or included. That matters deeply to me.
Because wherever you are in your career, whether you are an early-career professional, a newly Chartered Governance Professional, or a Fellow with decades of experience, you are part of a diverse, international network that shares the same professional foundation.
Governance in a changing world
In March, I will be visiting Uganda and Kenya to meet governance and business leaders to explore how we can further support the development of governance capability there. Over the past few years, Uganda has taken tangible steps to strengthen corporate governance across sectors, including work towards a new National Corporate Governance Code.
Uganda is one example of a wider regional shift. Across parts of East Africa, as in many other regions, governance is increasingly understood as essential to economic development and sustainable growth.
That is encouraging. It reflects a global understanding that good governance underpins stable, investable and trustworthy organisations.
It also reinforces something I strongly believe: governance is a stabilising force in uncertain times. And that stability depends on active, engaged and qualified professionals.
This community of governance professionals is built through conversation, debate and shared learning.
Join us: AGM and member event on 12 March
On Thursday 12 March, we will hold the CGIUKI Annual General Meeting at Saffron House in London and online. This is your opportunity to hear about our progress, review the Annual Report and Financial Statements, and participate in the formal business of the Institute.
I am particularly pleased that this year we are also hosting a special member event immediately before the AGM. We will be joined by a guest speaker from the Department for Business and Trade to provide insights into the government’s proposals on non-financial reporting, a timely and important topic.
I encourage you to attend both the member event and the AGM. These moments strengthen our collective voice and reinforce that governance professionals are central to the national conversation on trust, reporting and accountability.
Help shape our guidance
Engagement with the Institute is not limited to attending events. We regularly ask our members to give their views on consultations and take part in roundtables throughout the year. We are currently reviewing our guidance on effective board reporting and we need your input.
We are inviting members to join dedicated roundtables and to complete our online self-assessment to benchmark how your board pack performs. It is essential that our guidance reflects real-world practice, not theory. If governance is to remain relevant and future-ready, it must be shaped by those who practise it every day. If you would like to participate, please contact our Policy team on [email protected]
Wherever you work, whatever your title, you are part of a profession that spans sectors and borders. You are part of a global community committed to raising standards and strengthening trust.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM, at our events, or in one of our consultation sessions. Together, we will continue to build a profession that is confident, connected and globally relevant.