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Back by popular demand, our annual NED Debate returns this September - in association with WTW, this lively, interactive event tackles boardroom issues head-on through formal debate and open-floor participation. Expect a compelling motion, high-profile panel, and real-time shifts in opinion as the debate unfolds.
The NED Debate continues to recognise the close parallels between formal debate and boardroom discussion, with each embodying an atmosphere of constructive challenge through careful arguments and respect for the opposing view, ultimately allowing new insights to fully develop.
The Debate will include an indicative vote on the Motion at each end of the formal debating process. In the past votes have moved and been swayed by both the debaters and participants from the Floor; we therefore encourage you to attend and to get involved. The event is also a prime opportunity for networking, with a drinks reception before and after the formal proceedings.
Spaces are limited, and the interest is high, so be sure to register now.
The Motion
“This House Believes UK Corporate Governance is Effective.”
UK Corporate Governance has long been regarded as a global benchmark – but is it truly effective in practice?
This promises to be a dynamic and insightful session, exploring whether the UK’s governance frameworks are fit for purpose in today’s complex business environment. With perspectives from a range of backgrounds at the heart of the issue, the debate will challenge conventional thinking and invite fresh ideas.
Follow the link here for more insight on the motion.
The Debate Panel
This year's panel brings together a high-calibre group of leaders whose careers span regulation, boardroom leadership, professional services, and governance reform, promising an evening of sharp perspectives and bold insights.
THE CHAIRMAN:
Graham Durgan
Chair of the Non-Executive Directors' Association (NEDA). Graham was previously CEO of a Listed company and has been Chair of several entities, and is known for his extensive expertise on governance strategy and non-executive leadership.
THE DEBATERS:
The Debate teams have been hand-picked to provide a broad range of views and perspectives.
Proposing the motion:
Richard Moriarty
CEO of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), and Chair of Paradigm Housing Group.
Nina Henderson
FTSE 100 NED and Board Director, holding leadership roles at Hikma Pharmaceuticals, CNO Financial, Drexel University, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Opposing the motion:
Vivienne Artz
CEO of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, NED and Chair, following senior positions at London Stock Exchange Group, Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters, and Citibank.
Andrew Kemp
Chair of the Audit Committee Chairs' Independent Forum. NED at Irwin Mitchell Holdings Ltd. and The Berkeley Group Holdings Plc.
For more information on our debaters, check out our insight here.
[Please note: No one should assume that the Debater's personal views either do or do not coincide with the side of the motion for which they are arguing].
Agenda
16:00 - Registration opens, for networking ahead of the event.
16:45 - Welcome and introductions.
16:50 - Debate commences.
18:00 - Debates closes, followed by networking drinks.
19:45 - Event close.
PREVIOUS DEBATE FEEDBACK
- “I really liked the format and the way it was facilitated and set up”.
- “Excellent job and the format allowed more easily for contrasting points of view. The participants did a very good job - nice balance of views and styles”.
- “9/10... Don’t ask me what would get a 10/10, but you have to leave something to go for next time!”
- “10/10 for a debate rather than a speech. Excellent choice of panel of speakers and inclusion of the floor”.
- “This was a very good event, the debaters were excellent and the location very good”.
Please note that attendee name and organisation details will be shared between WTW and NEDA in order to process registrations for this event.
This event will be hosted in conjunction with WTW:
Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is a leading global firm specialising in risk, advisory, and insurance solutions. WTW’s offerings, including professional liability, D&O insurance, cyber risk, and M&A-related insurances, directly address the risks and challenges faced by today’s NEDs and company directors.
To further support these efforts, WTW’s annual Global Directors’ and Officers’ Survey gathers insights from directors, officers, and risk managers worldwide. This survey identifies top risks and emerging threats, helping organisations understand D&O and boardroom risk perceptions, and ultimately enhancing their risk management strategies.
The debate will be hosted at the iconic Willis Building in London. Their focus on both corporate and personal risks makes them a crucial voice in shaping the future of governance and risk oversight.
The event is proud to be sponsored by:
Board Intelligence:
Board Intelligence is Europe’s largest board technology and advisory firm. Trusted by more than 80,000 leaders across the Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and OMX 30, Board Intelligence supercharges boards with the science of board effectiveness. Through a suite of AI-powered software tools and services that distil twenty years of boardroom experience, Board Intelligence improves the efficiency of board processes and the effectiveness of boards — giving governance teams time back and enhancing the board’s impact on organisational performance.
Equiniti:
Equiniti (EQ) is the UK’s leading provider of share registration services, pensions, and investment solutions, playing a key role in corporate governance and shareholder engagement. With over 5,000 employees across 26 locations worldwide, EQ have been delivering innovative solutions to a wide range of clients for over 70 years. Their expertise spans across multiple areas, including share registration, pensions, investment services, and employee benefits – including acting as share registrar for 48% of the FTSE100 with the average client relationship spanning 19 years.
EQ Proxy offers extensive insights into the challenges facing boards. Their experience in proxy solicitation assists Boards, Secretariat, and investor relations teams in engaging with shareholders and rallying their support for AGMs, General Meetings, and M&A campaigns, helping them navigate shareholder expectations and mitigate governance risks.
In association with NEDA's partners:
BDO's global network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms operates in 166 countries, offering innovative and flexible solutions to help businesses in all sectors navigate the challenges they face. They provide support with a proactive approach that emphasises responsibility, integrity, and collaboration.
CMS is a forward-thinking global organisation of independent law firms, boasting over 80 offices in more than 40 countries, and a network of 5,800 lawyers. The firm's focus on social impact, diversity, and sustainability underscores their significance in conversations on governance and future-facing leadership.
WTW is a global leader in advisory, broking, and risk management solutions. With nearly 200 years of experience and 45,000 employees in over 140 countries, WTW helps businesses turn risks into growth opportunities by providing tailored solutions for intricate risk profiles.
