Corporate governance

This roundtable examined the future direction of corporate governance in the UK amid a period of significant regulatory reform. The discussion focused on the challenge of balancing stronger accountability with the flexibility that has traditionally characterised the UK’s governance framework. Participants explored the role of governance in fostering trust, supporting effective decision-making and underpinning long-term business performance. The conversation also considered emerging issues including internal controls, stewardship, shareholder engagement and the continued relevance of the UK’s “comply or explain” model. Strong governance was identified as a critical enabler of sustainable growth and economic resilience.

• Promote strong corporate governance as a foundation for trust, effective decision-making and long-term business performance.
• Preserve the UK’s principles-based “comply or explain” approach, ensuring companies retain the flexibility to adopt governance arrangements that best support their circumstances.
• Encourage meaningful engagement between boards, investors and shareholders to strengthen stewardship and accountability across the market.
• Support board ownership of risk management and internal controls, while allowing best practice to evolve without overly prescriptive regulation.
• Prioritise the quality and relevance of corporate reporting, focusing on outcomes and transparency rather than increasing reporting volume.
• Ensure governance reforms strengthen accountability while maintaining the UK’s attractiveness as a place to do business and invest.