The Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday of a new AI Safety Institute to explore the risks of AI developments is a very welcome step forward, as is the announced funding for a super computer and quantum computers which will be available to businesses. However, UK corporate boards must get a move on to prepare for the challenges ahead.

In this podcast James Beasley, Senior Director at Nasdaq Governance Solutions, discusses the boardroom of the future. He considers how its directors will use what are currently emerging technologies to fulfil their duties and carry out their responsibilities more effectively. James contemplates the potential for improving board effectiveness through using virtual assistant technology or chatbots in the boardroom, as well as taking into account the potential risks this functionality poses. James believes today’s boards are ready to embrace technology but warns against solutions for solutions’ sake, highlighting that the use of technology shouldn’t be at the expense of overall board effectiveness.

In this podcast, Sharon Constançon discusses different tactics a company secretary or governance professional can use to help their board identify any unaddressed issues that are making it ineffective. Once it has been identified, Sharon outlines tactics to address and overcome the elephant in the room. The conversation covers how to get the unspeakable topic on the table, how to address disputes and bullying among directors and how to make sure critical risks are really being addressed. It looks at how the company secretary or governance professional can empower the board through coaching directors and facilitating governance improvements on behalf of the chair.

In this podcast James Beasley, Senior Director at Nasdaq Governance Solutions, discusses stakeholder capitalism and its significance for businesses today. He argues that stakeholder engagement is the means by which to achieve stakeholder capitalism because it allows the business to understand different stakeholders and therefore act in their interests. James argues that the convergence of many monumental events over the last two years has brought stakeholder capitalism into the limelight and front and centre for boards. He outlines innovative methods for engaging with two important stakeholder groups: customers and employees. James argues that organisations need to develop more sophisticated data points for understanding stakeholders, focusing on qualitive rather than quantitative data to bring stakeholder experiences to life.

A survey of FTSE 350 companies published today finds that the UK’s largest companies are tentatively more optimistic about the global and UK economy – and that every single one of them has taken action to support employees through the cost-of-living crisis.

The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland – Isle of Man Branch is delighted to announce the names of those students who have achieved the highest marks at branch level in the Institute’s November 2020 examinations. Students were recognised for their success in the autumn exam sessions for the Institute’s Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme (CGQP) and its International Finance and Administration (IFA) qualifications.

In this podcast Daniel Roach, Senior Technical Lead at Company Matters, discusses the latest developments in ESG reporting.

The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland is a division of The Chartered Governance Instititue which is incorporated and governed by Royal Charter. Our Royal Charter was granted in 1902 and continues to signal the vital role that we play in developing and supporting governance professionals.

In light of Moneyval’s new emphasis on the effectiveness of a company’s systems and controls in its fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland is holding a seminar for the Isle of Man’s governance professionals that will consider ‘Why good governance is the board’s secret weapon’.