Governance Watch

Questor Media
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‘Governance Watch’ is the podcast from the news and intelligence resource, Board Agenda, which immerses its listeners in the intricate world of corporate governance and the burning issues confronting boards and leadership teams today.    The magazine style show is hosted by Board Agenda's editorial team and includes interviews with guests including board members and C-suite executives from across industry, governance leaders and the investor community.  Each episode provides a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights to navigate the complexities of leading and governing companies in the modern business landscape.Governance Watch is for informed opinion, discussion, and enlightenment as to how organisations are being governed. We invite you to join us as we explore the leadership of business. 

  1. Mar 13

    Carillion's Shadow: The Lost Opportunity of Audit Reform

    This episode of Governance Watch explores the UK government's decision in January to halt the audit reform process that began after Carillion's collapse in 2018. Host Gavin Hinks discusses with Anne Kiem, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, and Dean Beale from the Center for Public Interest Audit Research, whether this represents a lost opportunity.

  2. Feb 19

    Rewiring the Board: Rethinking the Role of Non Executive Directors

    Governance Watch explores whether the traditional model of the NED is still fit for purpose in a faster, more complex world. Host Gavin Hinks is joined by Baroness Natalie Evans, chair of the Institute of Directors commission behind a major new report, and Professor Irene-Marie Esser of the University of Glasgow, to unpack why boards now need 'rewiring' beyond the post-Higgs era. They argue that independence should mean more than avoiding conflicts of interest, it must also include independence of mind to counter groupthink, strengthen challenge, and improve governance in practice. The conversation covers why conservative recruitment and over-reliance on traditional pipelines can leave boards under-skilled for today’s risks (from technology and cyber to geopolitics and sustainability), and why NEDs may need deeper engagement with the organisation, better information flows, and stronger support to add strategic value. With 'curiosity' as the standout call to action, the episode offers a practical blueprint for board leaders looking to improve effectiveness, culture, and long-term decision-making.

  3. Feb 6

    The State of DEI in UK Boards; Progress, Pushback and Possibility

    Governance Watch, the podcast from Board Agenda in association with Nasdaq Governance Solutions, explores how the corporate landscape is responding to growing pressures around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In this episode, we’re joined by Doyin Atewologun, CEO of Delta Alpha Psi, steering committee member of the Parker Review, and honorary professor at Exeter Business School, to discuss the current state of DEI in UK boardrooms. Drawing on her academic and advisory work, Doyin reflects on the uneven but real progress made in representation, the importance of inclusion as everyday practice, and the growing tension between symbolic gestures and substantive change. She offers insight into the psychological spillover from shifting US policy, the challenge of performative allyship, and the quiet retreat by some companies in response to perceived reputational risks. For organisations still committed to progress, Doyin stresses the need for intentional action, accountability, and inclusive governance that is embedded into board culture—not sidelined. With optimism tempered by realism, this episode is essential listening for board members, executives and governance professionals navigating the complex and evolving DEI agenda.

  4. 12/22/2025

    Helen Hopper: The Art and Psychology of Boardroom Relationships

    In this episode of Governance Watch, Gavin Hinks speaks with Helen Hopper, co-author of The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships, about the emotional dynamics shaping boardroom performance. Against a backdrop of economic pressure, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising complexity, boardrooms may find themselves fatigued, tetchy, and struggling to collaborate effectively. Helen explores how fear, ego, and scarcity mindsets can undermine decision-making and strategic focus, and offers practical advice for directors and chairs on improving board relationships, managing difference, and fostering resilience. With the new year approaching, it’s a timely conversation about reflection, reconnection, and building stronger, more thoughtful governance teams.

  5. 12/17/2025

    Helle Bank Jorgensen: Boards & Sustainability; Turning Intent into Impact

    In this episode of Governance Watch, Gavin Hinks speaks with sustainability and boardroom expert Helle Bank Jorgensen about how corporate governance must evolve to meet today’s complex challenges. As boards face growing pressure to embed sustainability, respond to geopolitical uncertainty, and prepare for systemic risks, Hella argues that courageous stewardship, continuous learning, and a shift from oversight to foresight are essential. Drawing on insights from the Board Intelligence Board Value Index and her work with the World Economic Forum, she highlights the need for boards to move beyond box-ticking and embrace a proactive, purpose-led approach to value creation.

  6. 12/10/2025

    Tina Fordham: Never Going Back to Normal, Geopolitics and the Boardroom

    In this episode of Governance Watch, Tina Fordham—founder of Fordham Global Insight and Wall Street’s first chief global political strategist—joins Gavin Hinks to explore why geopolitics is no longer background noise for business leaders. From the rise in global conflicts, tariffs, and sanctions to the U.S. global reset, Tina explains why boards need a new mindset, higher political quotient, and pragmatic optimism to navigate a world that’s never going back to normal.

  7. 10/28/2025

    Business Survival in the Age of Cyber Threats

    Cybersecurity has become a boardroom imperative, not just an IT concern. In this episode of Governance Watch, Dr. Ruth Wandhofer explains why recent high-profile attacks signal a new era of risk and why boards must act now. We explore how AI is powering sophisticated cyber threats, why perimeter defense is outdated, and what it takes to shift toward a proactive “predict, prevent, and defeat” strategy. From understanding your most valuable data to managing third-party risk and challenging vendor promises, this conversation offers practical steps for directors and senior leaders to strengthen resilience and protect business continuity.

  8. 09/16/2025

    Four compliance shifts boards need to know:- regulatory briefing with Ashurst:-

    In this episode of Governance Watch, we explore four major regulatory and compliance developments that UK companies and governance professionals need to act on now. 🔹 Failure to Prevent Fraud A new corporate criminal offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 came into force on September 1st. Companies can now be held liable for fraud committed by employees or agents unless they have a robust fraud prevention framework in place. 🔹 Sustainability Reporting Overhaul The UK is moving toward adopting ISSB standards (S1 and S2), with UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) expected by year-end. Meanwhile, the EU is revising its ESRS to reduce complexity—impacting UK companies with European operations. 🔹 Director Identity Verification From November 18th, Companies House will require identity verification for all new directors, LLP members, and persons with significant control (PSCs), with a 12-month transition period for existing individuals. This aims to improve transparency and reduce fraud. 🔹 Modern Slavery Reporting Guidance New government guidance introduces a two-tier framework to help companies benchmark and improve their modern slavery compliance. While not mandatory, it’s a valuable tool for risk management and reputational protection. 🎙️ Featuring expert insights from Neil Donovan, Becky Clissmann, and Will Chalk of Ashurst, this episode offers practical advice and strategic context to help boards, compliance teams, and governance professionals navigate evolving regulatory landscapes.

  9. 03/12/2025

    UK Corporate Governance Briefing: Legal & Regulatory Developments

    In this episode of Governance Watch, Board Agenda editor Gavin Hinks is joined by White & Case partners Lachlan Low and Di Yu to explore the most pressing corporate governance developments for 2025. The discussion covers major regulatory changes in Europe, including the revised Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), and their implications for companies across the UK, EU, and beyond. The episode also examines the Inv...

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About

‘Governance Watch’ is the podcast from the news and intelligence resource, Board Agenda, which immerses its listeners in the intricate world of corporate governance and the burning issues confronting boards and leadership teams today.    The magazine style show is hosted by Board Agenda's editorial team and includes interviews with guests including board members and C-suite executives from across industry, governance leaders and the investor community.  Each episode provides a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights to navigate the complexities of leading and governing companies in the modern business landscape.Governance Watch is for informed opinion, discussion, and enlightenment as to how organisations are being governed. We invite you to join us as we explore the leadership of business. 

Information

  • Creator
    Questor Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Governance Watch
  • Show Website
    Governance Watch