Governance is under the spotlight in the UK this year, and boards across the market are being asked to demonstrate sharper judgement, greater transparency and stronger oversight. EQ's latest governance update pulls together five of the biggest developments shaping the agenda for NEDs, Company Secretaries and governance professionals in 2026.
From boardroom dynamics to cyber risk and market reform, EQ covers:
- The Company Secretary's evolving role — High-profile board tensions, including the departure of BP's Chair, have put fresh scrutiny on the Company Secretary function. The article explores how the role continues to shift from administrative support towards strategic advisory, and why clear boundaries between the Company Secretary and the Senior Independent Director matter more than ever for balanced board oversight.
- AGMs as engagement, not just process — Shareholder expectations are changing. The piece looks at why companies that respond openly to difficult questions, rather than relying on scripted answers, are earning more credibility with investors, and how the format of hybrid and virtual meetings can either open up or shut down genuine participation.
- The next phase of ECCTA — With identity verification deadlines running through to November 2026 and further shareholder transparency requirements on the horizon, the article sets out what's coming next under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and what companies should be doing now to prepare.
- Cyber resilience as a board issue — With the UK Government's new Cyber Resilience Pledge now published, the article looks at what's driving cyber security up the boardroom agenda, and why boards that strengthen oversight now will be better placed to meet future expectations.
- Proposed changes to the AIM Rules — The London Stock Exchange's consultation could bring some of the biggest changes to the AIM framework in years, with simplified admissions, new listing routes and greater reliance on nominated advisers' judgement. The article breaks down what's being proposed and what it could mean for growth companies.
Learn More:
Read the full insight here for the detail behind each of these developments and what they mean for your board.
About 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. Through their EQ Proxy service, the firm offers governance advisory and proxy solicitation services, helping boards, secretariat, and investor relations teams with governance analysis and targeted shareholder outreach.
2026 AGM Mid-Season Review:
If you haven't yet downloaded EQ's 2026 AGM Mid-Season Review, here's a snapshot of what you'll find inside:
- More shareholder meetings than in previous years
- Activism continues to shape voting outcomes
- Shareholder support for remuneration rebounded
- Register composition is playing an increasingly important role in voting results
- Year-round shareholder engagement is becoming essential for AGM success
Drawing on FTSE 350 data and expert analysis, the report provides a practical overview of the trends influencing boards, governance teams and company secretaries today. Download here.