This episode of Governance Watch explores the UK government's decision in January to halt the audit reform process that began after Carillion's collapse in 2018. Host Gavin Hinks discusses with Anne Kiem, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, and Dean Beale from the Center for Public Interest Audit Research, whether this represents a lost opportunity.

The conversation covers what reforms were cancelled, including new regulator powers to investigate and sanction company directors, expanded definitions of public interest entities, and resilience reporting requirements. While some improvements have been made since 2018, including changes to audit firm governance and the introduction of internal controls reporting through provision 29 of the Corporate Governance Code, the guests argue that more comprehensive reform is still needed. They discuss concerns about potential rollback of voluntary improvements, the importance of director accountability, and the likelihood that reform will return following future corporate failures. The government cited existing improvements and its growth agenda as reasons for cancellation, though plans remain to place the regulator on statutory footing.

Governance Watch explores whether the traditional model of the NED is still fit for purpose in a faster, more complex world. Host Gavin Hinks is joined by Baroness Natalie Evans, chair of the Institute of Directors commission behind a major new report, and Professor Irene-Marie Esser of the University of Glasgow, to unpack why boards now need 'rewiring' beyond the post-Higgs era. They argue that independence should mean more than avoiding conflicts of interest, it must also include independence of mind to counter groupthink, strengthen challenge, and improve governance in practice. The conversation covers why conservative recruitment and over-reliance on traditional pipelines can leave boards under-skilled for today’s risks (from technology and cyber to geopolitics and sustainability), and why NEDs may need deeper engagement with the organisation, better information flows, and stronger support to add strategic value. With 'curiosity' as the standout call to action, the episode offers a practical blueprint for board leaders looking to improve effectiveness, culture, and long-term decision-making.

Governance Watch, the podcast from Board Agenda in association with Nasdaq Governance Solutions, explores how the corporate landscape is responding to growing pressures around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In this episode, we’re joined by Doyin Atewologun, CEO of Delta Alpha Psi, steering committee member of the Parker Review, and honorary professor at Exeter Business School, to discuss the current state of DEI in UK boardrooms. Drawing on her academic and advisory work, Doyin reflects on the uneven but real progress made in representation, the importance of inclusion as everyday practice, and the growing tension between symbolic gestures and substantive change. She offers insight into the psychological spillover from shifting US policy, the challenge of performative allyship, and the quiet retreat by some companies in response to perceived reputational risks. For organisations still committed to progress, Doyin stresses the need for intentional action, accountability, and inclusive governance that is embedded into board culture—not sidelined. With optimism tempered by realism, this episode is essential listening for board members, executives and governance professionals navigating the complex and evolving DEI agenda.

In this episode of Governance Watch, Gavin Hinks speaks with Helen Hopper, co-author of The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships, about the emotional dynamics shaping boardroom performance. Against a backdrop of economic pressure, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising complexity, boardrooms may find themselves fatigued, tetchy, and struggling to collaborate effectively. Helen explores how fear, ego, and scarcity mindsets can undermine decision-making and strategic focus, and offers practical advice for directors and chairs on improving board relationships, managing difference, and fostering resilience. With the new year approaching, it’s a timely conversation about reflection, reconnection, and building stronger, more thoughtful governance teams.

In this episode of Governance Watch, Gavin Hinks speaks with sustainability and boardroom expert Helle Bank Jorgensen about how corporate governance must evolve to meet today’s complex challenges. As boards face growing pressure to embed sustainability, respond to geopolitical uncertainty, and prepare for systemic risks, Hella argues that courageous stewardship, continuous learning, and a shift from oversight to foresight are essential. Drawing on insights from the Board Intelligence Board Value Index and her work with the World Economic Forum, she highlights the need for boards to move beyond box-ticking and embrace a proactive, purpose-led approach to value creation.

In this episode of Governance Watch, Tina Fordham—founder of Fordham Global Insight and Wall Street’s first chief global political strategist—joins Gavin Hinks to explore why geopolitics is no longer background noise for business leaders. From the rise in global conflicts, tariffs, and sanctions to the U.S. global reset, Tina explains why boards need a new mindset, higher political quotient, and pragmatic optimism to navigate a world that’s never going back to normal.

Cybersecurity has become a boardroom imperative, not just an IT concern. In this episode of Governance Watch, Dr. Ruth Wandhofer explains why recent high-profile attacks signal a new era of risk and why boards must act now. We explore how AI is powering sophisticated cyber threats, why perimeter defense is outdated, and what it takes to shift toward a proactive “predict, prevent, and defeat” strategy. From understanding your most valuable data to managing third-party risk and challenging vendor promises, this conversation offers practical steps for directors and senior leaders to strengthen resilience and protect business continuity.

In this episode of Governance Watch, we explore four major regulatory and compliance developments that UK companies and governance professionals need to act on now.

🔹 Failure to Prevent Fraud
A new corporate criminal offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 came into force on September 1st. Companies can now be held liable for fraud committed by employees or agents unless they have a robust fraud prevention framework in place.

🔹 Sustainability Reporting Overhaul
The UK is moving toward adopting ISSB standards (S1 and S2), with UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) expected by year-end. Meanwhile, the EU is revising its ESRS to reduce complexity—impacting UK companies with European operations.

🔹 Director Identity Verification
From November 18th, Companies House will require identity verification for all new directors, LLP members, and persons with significant control (PSCs), with a 12-month transition period for existing individuals. This aims to improve transparency and reduce fraud.

🔹 Modern Slavery Reporting Guidance
New government guidance introduces a two-tier framework to help companies benchmark and improve their modern slavery compliance. While not mandatory, it’s a valuable tool for risk management and reputational protection.

🎙️ Featuring expert insights from Neil Donovan, Becky Clissmann, and Will Chalk of Ashurst, this episode offers practical advice and strategic context to help boards, compliance teams, and governance professionals navigate evolving regulatory landscapes.