ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute has today released a statement outlining its views about the situation of having chief executives, and other staff, as trustees of charitable companies such as academy trusts. The Institute believes that the situation is nuanced and a default of only one option will not always represent good governance practice.

ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute and leading charity lawyers VWV have today published a practical ‘how to’ guide for charities approaching their first virtual or hybrid annual general meeting (AGM) as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures. The guidance is predominantly for charitable companies limited by guarantee (CLGs) and charitable incorporate organisations (CIOs) and relates to the flexibilities extended to charities by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) until 30 March 2021.

ICSA: The Chartered Governance Institute has today published the findings of a survey of charity trustees in the UK and Republic of Ireland which shows that there is a considerable desire for there to be clearer and simpler guidance about reporting. The survey also reflects some level of concern that reporting requirements are too long and complicated for a non-financial trustee.

The Chartered Governance UK & Ireland has today published a white paper outlining how governance professionals can help charity boards to develop and embed a virtuous circle of good charity governance to further the charitable aims of the organisation and deliver positive change.

Nicola Caroll, Corporate Governance Director at Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, and Robert Lyons, Deputy Company Secretary at Marks and Spencer Group plc have been jointly named ‘Governance Professional of the Year’ at The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland’s 2021 Awards, which took place at the London Park Lane Hilton Hotel last night. The Awards, which were hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dan Walker, recognise those individuals and teams who have excelled in good governance, helping organisations to better serve their stakeholders and society in the process.

The Chartered Governance Institute has today published updated guidance about company AGMs and the impact of Covid-19, which reflects the Government ban on public gatherings of more than two people.

The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland has published guidance about virtual board meetings, which aims to help companies struggling with the impact of COVID-19. Drafted in conjunction with Lorraine Young Board Advisory Services, the guidance highlights the key points to bear in mind so that companies can use virtual meetings to good effect while the ban on public meetings is in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland has today published new Terms of Reference for risk committees, which are intended as a guide for companies to adapt to their needs where the board decides it is necessary or desirable to have a separate risk committee.

The Chartered Governance Institute has welcomed today’s release by the Education & Skills Funding Agency of its ‘Academies financial handbook 2020’, in which the role of the clerk is recognised for the important advisory support that it brings to academy trusts.