CGI Scotland Conference 2025: Key Themes Shaping the Governance Era
Pinsent Masons was pleased to host the Chartered Governance Institute Scotland Conference 2025 in Edinburgh last week, bringing together company secretaries, governance professionals and board advisers for a day of insight, discussion and practical learning.
The programme covered a wide cross-section of issues currently shaping the governance landscape, from regulatory reform and corporate reporting to AI, cyber resilience and the realities of working with boards.
Across the sessions, several themes consistently emerged.
A profession under pressure and expanding in influence
Conversations throughout the day reflected a profession operating in an environment of rising expectations. Governance teams are managing increased stakeholder scrutiny, a demanding regulatory pipeline, and the practical challenge of prioritising activity with finite resources.
At the same time, governance roles are becoming more strategically embedded. Attendees highlighted the importance of being close to organisational decision-making, helping boards navigate complexity, and acting as a central point of coordination across functions.
AI moves firmly onto the governance agenda
Sessions exploring the impact of artificial intelligence underscored a clear shift; AI has moved from an emerging trend to an operational reality within many organisations. Boards are seeking guidance on accountability, transparency and how AI-enabled decision-making should be governed.
Speakers emphasised the need for governance teams to support the development of robust frameworks, ensuring responsible use and clear oversight as organisations experiment with and increasingly utilise AI tools.
Cyber resilience as a board-level responsibility
Cyber risk continues to be one of the most significant and fast-moving threats facing organisations. The conference discussions highlighted the shift towards board-level responsibility for cyber resilience, with governance professionals playing a key role in ensuring clarity of reporting, preparedness and internal coordination.
The message across the session was consistent: cybersecurity can no longer sit in isolation. It requires active engagement from senior leadership and the integration of technical risk into wider governance and culture.
ECCTA and the evolving regulatory environment
A major focus of the day was the Companies House update on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), delivered by Lisa Davis. The reforms introduce significant changes, including mandatory identity verification for directors.
Corporate reporting: progress and ongoing challenges
The Financial Reporting Council’s session drew on insights from its latest Annual Review of Corporate Governance Reporting. While progress continues in areas such as culture reporting and succession planning, challenges remain around aligning risks with board skills and ensuring reporting provides clear, decision-useful information.
The direction of travel is clear: expectations of disclosure, narrative coherence and transparency continue to rise.
Looking ahead
This year’s conference provided a timely opportunity for governance professionals to reflect on the rapidly evolving landscape and share practical approaches to emerging challenges. We would like to thank all speakers and attendees for their contributions to an engaging and thought-provoking day.
Save the Date
The next CGI Scotland Conference will take place in Edinburgh on Tuesday 10 November 2026, we hope to see you there!
Gary Gray, Legal Director Co Sec Services & Walter Clarke, Partner