State opening of Parliament - Audit and Corporate Governance top the Bills!

You have to admit, the British do pomp and ceremony particularly well, and the state opening of Parliament, is an excellent example! Well done to all involved.

King Charles' speech included forty bills including draft bills (according to the BBC). It was an absolute delight to me, and I'm sure many of you too) that the very first bill to be referenced is close to my heart. "Bills will be brought forward to strengthen audit and corporate governance, alongside pension reform." said the King in his regal tones. This is no afterthought or add on, it's there, right at the top of the bills! Audit and corporate governance.

In a similar vein I was gladdened to hear of a new Duty of Candour for public servants to strengthen what is already in place. When spending public money and delivering services to the public, openness, transparency, and good governance are essential to build and maintain trust and help us all deliver and receive the public services we deserve.

Regulation got two mentions as well: a new football regulator was promised which will hopefully improve the sustainability of football clubs, and strenghthening the powers of water regulators.

As a member of Fisher FC, a fan-owned football club in SE London and a vocal supporter of greater accountability of football clubs to their communities, I am heartened at this announcement. As a resident of London relying on Thames Water to deliver my family and millions of other Londoner's with safe and affordable water as well as helping to ensure we have clean rivers to enjoy, I look forward to seeing what this bill will set out.

As ever, the devil is in the detail. I urge you all not to sit back and wait to see what emerges, but take action now to strengthen the governance of your organisation and your teams. Audit and corporate governance are fundamental to the success of your enterprise. If you fancy a chat about what that might look like for you, and how you get get ahead of the game, do drop me a line or give me a call.

ben@govcoach.co.uk 08000 487 752