Now in its eleventh year, our annual NED Debate returns this November — in association with WTW, this lively event tackles boardroom issues head-on through formal debate, open-floor participation, and real-time shifts in opinion as the discussion unfolds.
The NED Debate continues to recognise the close parallels between formal debate and the boardroom itself: constructive challenge, careful arguments, respect for opposing views, and the opportunity to change minds. It's a great opportunity to develop new insights on a compelling, timely motion around corporate governance.
An indicative vote is taken on the motion at both the start and end of the debate. In the past, votes have shifted dramatically, swayed by both the debaters and participants from the Floor — so we encourage you to attend and get involved.
The event is also a prime opportunity for networking, with a drinks reception before and after the formal proceedings.
The Motion
"This House believes AI will dramatically change corporate governance."
Artificial intelligence has massively reshaped how organisations operate — but will it fundamentally transform the structures, processes, and responsibilities that define corporate governance? Or is the pace and scale of that change being overstated?
This is a motion that goes to the heart of what it means to be a NED in 2026 and beyond.
The Panel
This year's panel brings together a high-calibre group of leaders, 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:
Sharron Gunn
Group CEO, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
Malcolm McCaig
Non-Executive Director and Chair.
Opposing the motion:
Mark Babington
Executive Director for Regulatory Standards, FRC.
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Alla Konnikov
Managing Director, Complyport.
(Please note: No one should assume that a Debater's personal views do or do not coincide with the side of the motion for which they are arguing. Debate sides are allocated at random.)
Why Attend?
- Hear fresh perspectives from a high-calibre panel.
- Vote, listen, and contribute from the Floor as opinions evolve over the evening.
- Network with peers and leading organisations over drinks.
Agenda
- 16:00 Doors open for registration
- 16:45 Seated for debate
- 18:30 Drinks and canapés reception
- 20:00 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”.
Spaces are limited, and interest is always high, so be sure to register now.
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.
In association with NEDA's partners:
Grant Thornton UK is led by nearly 300 partners and powered by nearly 5,000 people who combine deep technical expertise with a proactive, human approach. They’re advisers and catalysts for change – helping organisations unlock growth, retain value, restore stability and reimagine their future in a digital world. As part of a global network of over 76,000 people in 150 countries, they bring global scale together with local insight.
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.