This month, the FRC's new podcast series explored the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024, and the implications of the revisions. Kate O'Neill, Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Affairs, sits down with a range of guests to explore culture, principles-based governance, cyber risk, and remuneration - helping boards strengthen accountability, resilience, and long-term value.
1. Exploring Culture
This first instalment episode explores how the revised Code encourages boards to support consistent cultures in their companies.
Guests include Lauren Tynen, Senior Corporate Governance Policy Associate, and Anneke Thordsen, Audit Market Supervision Project Director.
2. Applying Principles
The second episode discusses the principles-based nature of corporate governance and the importance of 'comply or explain'.
Guests include Tedi Jorgi, Senior Corporate Governance Policy Associate, and Paul Lee, Head of Stewardship and Sustainable Investment Strategy at Redington.
The conversation explores why the UK's principles-based approach empowers boards rather than constrains them, addresses misconceptions around 'comply or else', and discusses how companies can embrace the flexibility the code offers whilst delivering meaningful reporting.
3. Board leadership in relation to cyber risk
The third episode focuses on the growing importance of cyber risk in corporate governance, particularly in light of the revised Code coming into effect in 2026. Discussions explore how boards can approach cyber risk as a strategic issue rather than a purely technical one, the role of board-level oversight, and the importance of building organisational resilience.
Guests include Maureen Beresford, Director of Corporate Governance and Stewardship at the FRC, and Wendy Barnes, portfolio non-executive director and cyber resilience advisor.
The episode also highlights practical tools and frameworks available to support boards in navigating this evolving area.
4. Remuneration
The final episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of remuneration and the vital role of the remuneration committee.
Guests include Maureen Beresford, Director of Corporate Governance and Stewardship, and Kelvin Ernest Senior Policy Associate in the Corporate Governance team.
Together, they unpack the purpose and significance of Section 5 of the Code, and explore why it plays such a crucial role in today's evolving corporate landscape.