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We are delighted to announce the motion for this year's NED Debate: "This House believes AI will dramatically change corporate governance."
Few topics have generated more boardroom discussion in recent years than artificial intelligence — and for good reason. AI is already reshaping how organisations operate, process information, and manage risk.
But the question of whether it will fundamentally transform corporate governance itself is a more complex and contested one.
Will AI change not just the tools available to boards, but the very structures, responsibilities, and principles that underpin good governance? Or is the pace and scale of that change being overstated?
It is a question with no easy answers, and one that goes to the heart of what it means to be a NED in 2026 and beyond.
To interreogate it, we're bringing together a panel of leaders whose careers span technology, regulation, compliance, and boardroom leadership, giving you the top expertise to debate this timely and consequential area.
The motion will be proposed by Sharron Gunn, Group CEO of BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT), who has been instrumental in elevating the Institute’s voice on artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, and digital inclusion, helping to shape national debate and public policy. She will be seconded by Malcolm McCaig, portfolio NED and Chair with twenty years of board experience across listed companies, mutual societies, and private equity-backed businesses, with deep expertise in financial services.
Leading the opposition will be Mark Babington, Executive Director for Regulatory Standards at the FRC. Mark brings a regulator's perspective to the question of how AI intersects with governance frameworks, drawing on his expertise leading the FRC's technical and public policy work, covering audit, corporate reporting, and corporate governance. He will be seconded by Alla Konnikov, Managing Director of Complyport — a governance and regulatory specialist with over twenty years’ experience across financial services, legal practice, and regulatory consultancy, and a particular focus on how boards reach decisions and turn agreed priorities into action.
The debate line-up is sure to put the question of AI's impact to the test. Be sure to register to have your say from the Floor.
REGISTER FOR THE EVENT:
Now in its eleventh year, the NED Debate marks one of the leading annual events for UK NEDs and governance organisations.
The 2026 NED Debate will be taking place on Thursday 5th November at 51 Lime Street, London.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your place now. Learn more here.
The NED Debate is hosted in conjunction with Willis Towers Watson (WTW).
And is proud to be sponsored by Equiniti and CIMA:
With support from NEDA's partners, Grant Thornton and CMS.
