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.
Follow the link here for more insight on the motion.
The Panel
This year's panel brings together a high-calibre group of leaders whose careers span technology, regulation, compliance, and boardroom leadership — 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 — where she has elevated the Institute’s voice on artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, and digital inclusion, helping to shape national debate and public policy.
Malcolm McCaig
Non-Executive Director and Chair — with 20 years of board experience across listed companies, mutual societies, and private equity-backed businesses, with deep expertise in financial services.
Opposing the motion:
Mark Babington
Executive Director for Regulatory Standards, FRC — leading technical and public policy work covering audit, corporate reporting, and corporate governance, to bring a regulator’s perspective to the question of how AI intersects with governance.
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Alla Konnikov
Managing Director, Complyport — governance specialist with over 20 years' experience across financial services, legal practice, and regulatory consultancy, and a particular focus on boardroom decision-making and action.
For more information on our debaters, check out our insight here.
(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
- 18:00 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.
The event is proud to be sponsored by:
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.
CIMA:
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a leading global professional body for management accountants, founded in 1919 and shaping the profession for more than a century. Through the CGMA designation, CIMA equips finance professionals with the skills, knowledge and insights to create value and drive sustainable business success. CIMA joined forces with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) in 2017, an international alliance that promotes accounting and finance worldwide.
CIMA’s mission is to drive accounting and finance into the future by giving its community the support, skills and insights to thrive. This forward-looking focus on strategy, risk and business performance makes CIMA a fitting partner for the NED debate, with a practical understanding of the challenges facing boards, from financial oversight and risk management to long-term value creation.
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.