Boards have faced unprecedented challenges since the COVID-19 outbreak took hold in the UK. The decisions they have taken will shape their strategy, composition and governance into the future – even their very decision making itself.

As businesses emerge from lockdown and move into the recovery, boards have an opportunity to change how they function for the better. Informed by the social, political and wider business response to the crisis, they will be actively considering the three Ps: 

• Purpose – how has a corporation’s purpose changed?
• People – what have they learned from the treatment of staff, stakeholders, suppliers?
• Process – what will boards do differently? Has governance fundamentally changed?

The panel:

• Julia Root-Gutteridge, Manager, Board Effectiveness, ICAEW (Chair)
• Professor Alex Edmans, London Business School & Academic Director, Centre for Corporate Governance
• Beatriz Pessôa de Araújo, Partner, Corporate, Baker McKenzie LLP
• Catherine Young, Non-executive Director

Key takeaways:

• Explore the latest thinking on how COVID-19 will fundamentally change boards and business’ role in society and community.
• Hear from an expert panel drawn from business, academia and ICAEW’s membership to explore these issues.