East of England

The East of England branch covers Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge and is run by local chartered secretaries to promote the profession in the East of England. Other aims of the group are to provide continuing professional development and networking activities as well as supporting Institute students. Group events are open to other professionals within the region appointed to the position of Company Secretary as well as Professional Subscribers of the Institute.

The aims of the group are:

• to support continuing professional development and networking opportunities for local company secretaries through quarterly events
• to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of information
• to promote the profession in the local area
• to encourage relationships with other professional bodies
• to support and encourage Institute students

Keep an eye out for upcoming events

Next Generation Governance 

Date: Thursday 6 June 2019

Simon Osborne, former Chief Executive of the Institute, led a panel discussion on the latest research findings on millennial perspectives on governance.

This was followed with a discussion on the future of the branch, which will include the following formal proposals to be put forward:

• Adoption of the new Constitution;
• Appointment of County Representatives;
• Appointment of a London Liaison Representative;
• Change in Secretary of the Branch; and
• Appointment of a student champion.

Special meeting on proposed Charter and byelaw changes and Conflict and Tension in the Boardroom

Date: Thursday 12 July 2018

David Venus, International President, and Peter Swabey, Research and Policy Director, updated you on the introduction of the new qualifying programme syllabus, affiliated membership and the new designation of chartered governance professional. They also sought your views on the International Council proposals to build on these innovations, including a new name for the Institute. You can read more about the proposals here. 

Peter then took you through the key findings and recommendations from the 'Conflict and Tension in the Boardroom' report. The report offers a set of principles to guide boardroom practice, alongside insights that chairmen, directors and company secretaries can use to make their boardrooms places of collaboration, as well as of challenge and independence. 

Special briefings on proposed Charter and byelaw changes

Date: Tuesday 12 September 2017

Peter Swabey FCG, Policy and Research Director, and John Heaton FCG, President of the UK, Republic of Ireland and Associated Territories division, outlined the strategic drivers for the proposed changes, and what they would mean for you. They will also answer any questions that you have and look forward to hearing your views on these issues.

East of England Group Meeting 

Date: Thursday 22 June 2017

Insurance for Directors and Officers

John McLaren-Stewart, Managing Director of AT&A Business Insurance Brokers, will discuss the importance of directors and officer insurance and related corporate governance issues.

John will also provide a general overview of the support an insurance policy provides, examples of the types of claims he has dealt with and the links to other company risks such as cyber crime.

Making Tax Digital

David Fairbank, Manager of the Business Services department at Ensors Chartered Accountants, will be providing an insight into the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD). This will be one of the most significant changes to the way we deal with HMRC since the introduction of Self-Assessment, and David will discuss its impact on businesses.

A full understanding will be vital as although the government has recently announced it has taken the MTD reforms out of the current Finance Bill, they are fully expected to go back in once the election is completed.

Meeting of the East of England Group

Date: Thursday 23 March 2017

Attendees joined the group meeting which included speakers:

Simon Osborne FCG, former Chief Executive of the Institute, who provided an update and discuss the various proposals for the development and future for The Chartered Governance Institute. 

David Gracie FCG, KPMG and Essex Branch Chair, who discussed the subject of Directors Duties and Risk.

East of England Group meeting

Date: Friday 11 November 2016

Members joined us for our East of England group meeting, where we look forward to catching up and hearing news of your businesses. 

Speakers included:

• Billy French, Integrated External Services, who spoke about the benefits of Data Rooms
• Jonathan Sturman, Kier Group, who provided a presentation about the Employee Share Schemes

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