The Changing FE Boardroom: Risk, AI and Board Effectiveness

Monday 5 October | 10:00am–3:00pm

Kingsley Napley LLP, 20 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4DN

Boards are operating in an increasingly complex environment, from the rapid development of AI, to evolving expectations around governance, risk and assurance, the demands placed on board members continue to grow. This practical and interactive session brings together governance leaders and specialists to explore some of the issues currently shaping effective FE Board governance. We’re keeping the format simple and effective: strong speakers, real case studies from inside and outside FE, structured discussion, and plenty of time for genuine connection during the day. 

Reflecting on feedback from the last session, we have embedded plenty of time to meet, connect and network with fellow board members and governance professionals.

Whether you are a board member, governance professional, company secretary or senior leader with responsibility for organisational oversight, this session will provide a valuable opportunity to step back, explore the issues shaping today’s boards and exchange ideas with peers.

Please note, places are limited so please register at the bottom of the page.

Agenda

• 10.00–11.00: Arrival, introductions & networking
• 11.00–11.15:  Welcome and introductions from Anderson Quigley and Kingsley Napley LLP
• 11.15–12.00: Governance, risk and assurance – Sophie Kemp will explore the evolving governance landscape, with a particular focus on risk and assurance, sharing practical insights from her work advising organisations and boards, with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
• 12.00–12.45: AI and the boardroom – Matt Frank will look at how governance professionals and boards can maximise the value of AI while navigating the associated risks and challenges. Drawing on real-world experience across organisations including the Bank of England, KPMG and Sky, he will provide practical examples and advice on the role boards can play in overseeing AI effectively.
• 12.45–13.45: Lunch and networking
• 13.45–14.15: Building high-performing boards – Marie Blakesley will lead an interactive session focused on board behaviours, assessment and effectiveness. Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience advising executive teams and boards she will explore how understanding the people around the table can help boards make better use of their collective skills and develop into higher-performing teams. The session will include interactive exercises, providing an opportunity to reflect on board dynamics and consider how assessment and insight can support board effectiveness.
• 14.15–15.00: Networking and close

Our speakers 

Sophie Kemp | Partner and Head of Public Law, Kingsley Napley

Sophie Kemp is Head of Kingsley Napley’s Public Law Team and a leading specialist in complex public, regulatory and ESG‑related matters. She is ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK for Administrative & Public Law and for Public Inquiries, and is also recognised in Chambers Global for Business & Human Rights.

Matt Frank | AI & Technology Leader, Board Adviser

Matt is an AI and technology leader, board adviser and former Chief AI & Innovation Officer, with extensive experience across the Bank of England, KPMG, Sky and Telana. He specialises in AI transformation, cloud technologies and digital innovation, and holds governance, advisory and trustee roles across the public, private and charitable sectors.

Marie Blakesley CPsychol, AFBPsS | Chartered Psychologist and Assessment & Development Specialist

Marie is a Chartered Psychologist and assessment and development specialist with extensive expertise in leadership assessment, talent management, succession planning, and executive and non-executive development. She has spent more than 20 years advising executive teams and boards across the public and private sectors.

Hosted by 

Paul Aristides | Partner and Head of FE Practice, Anderson Quigley

Specialising in senior executive and non‑executive recruitment across further education, skills, schools and government‑linked bodies. He brings over eighteen years’ experience in education recruitment, following senior roles at GatenbySanderson and Veredus, and earlier positions in higher and professional education. Paul is also Vice Chair of Bridge Academy Trust, an eleven‑school multi‑academy trust in Essex, bringing governance insight and a commitment to strengthening leadership across education.

Helene Usherwood | Senior Partner and Board Practice Lead, Anderson Quigley

Over twenty years’ headhunting experience across health, education, arts, and government, and leads on AQ’s advisory offering which includes board reviews, mentoring/coaching, the NED Exchange and leads on NED recruitment, as well as executive level roles in not-for-profit and health. She is known for strengthening board diversity and supporting candidates exploring non‑executive careers for the first time. Helene’s extensive networks across public and private sectors underpin her advisory work, providing tailored guidance on governance, leadership and board development