AGMs – Let’s Get Digital!
If you are required to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM), either by law or your governing documents, you will be well aware of the challenges that arranging this event can present. Many organisations we come across, need to hold an AGM but are finding it increasingly difficult to justify the costs of a physical meeting with often very low turnout of attendees.Â
A manifesto for corporate governance
In the run up to the general election, the Institute of Directors (IoD) published its own 10 policy manifesto on Corporate Governance[1], largely due to the fact that not being an automatic vote-winner, the issues “feature very sparingly” in the major political parties’ manifestos. We look at how some of these initiatives can provide a blueprint for companies needing to improve their own governance.
Benefits of having a company Christmas party
With December now upon us, the holiday season is fast approaching. For those of us who celebrate, this means that once again, ’tis the season for gift giving, friends and family, and, of course, the company Christmas Party.
Patisserie Valerie – Where were the internal controls?
Was lack of suitable internal controls behind Patisserie Valerie’s current fight for survival? It is clear that there have been major failings within the business and with the finance director currently under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, all seems to point to major breach of internal control.
Membership Organisations – balancing good governance and member relations
As with all types of organisations membership and trade organisations have their fair share of governance headaches. Some governance requirements apply to everyone – importance of risk management; clear strategic direction, regulatory compliance; importance of internal control…but in today’s blog we concentrate on some governance challenges that may particularly apply to membership and trade bodies.
The importance of effective board evaluation
Board effectiveness goes to the heart of success. Without a high functioning board, a company will never truly be able to reach its potential. But without evaluating your board’s behaviour and processes regularly how will you know how effective it is or where improvements are needed? We take a look at the importance of board evaluation, the guidance available and highlight some questions all boards should consider.
Practice what you preach – Amnesty International
Whether you have trained in law or specifically in governance, a career as a Company Secretary is rewarding, interesting and multi-faceted.
The FA – A governance story
For our special World Cup blog we thought we’d take a look at English football’s governing body. Its governance structures and its areas of focus as an example of the multitude of tasks and responsibilities that a Board has to oversee and manage. Even if your organisation is in an entirely different sector to sport & leisure, you will see the similarities and responsibilities that are inherent in all organisations regardless of size and sector.
ICSA: Stakeholder engagement for long term success
The ICSA recently released guidance titled The Stakeholder Voice in Board Decision Making, with the aim of helping businesses understand their impact on key stakeholders when making strategic decisions. The guidance is less about compliance and more about promoting long term business success, with practical advice for implementing the core principles.
Bell Pottinger collapse is a lesson in risk and accountability
British PR firm Bell Pottinger went into administration this week shortly after having its membership from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) terminated. Many mistakes were made, but there are some lessons in risk management and accountability to be taken from this scandal that shook the business and political world.