Event Details
Inaugural ICAEW Boardroom Debate 2026

Inaugural ICAEW Boardroom Debate 2026

No Charge
Available
In Person
London
Corporate Governance
Jun
30
Tue
18:00
-
21:00 BST
Schedule Type Title: Weekdays
Schedule Description: On Tuesday 30th June 2026, in conjunction with the ‘Boardroom City Debates’, ICAEW will be hosting this inaugural ICAEW City Debate.
Sessions: 1
Session Hours: 3.00
ICAEW, Chartered Accountants' Hall
London, EC2R 6EA

Description

“This House believes that boards must stop ticking boxes and start taking risks in pursuit of growth”

Book here
Date and time Location
30/06/2026 18:00 - 21:00 BST ICAEW, Chartered Accountants' Hall

Event information

On Tuesday 30th June 2026, in conjunction with the ‘Boardroom City Debates’, ICAEW will host the Inaugural ICAEW Boardroom Debate.

This event explores a topical issue through a structured debate format, drawing a close parallel with the modern boardroom. Just like in board-level discussions, the debate will emphasise careful listening, respect for differing viewpoints, and constructive challenge. By examining alternative perspectives, the session aims to encourage deeper insights and support well-rounded decision-making. 

The debate will be chaired by Barry Gamble, an experienced board advisor, Non-Executive Director, and Chairman. As founder of the Boardroom City Debates, he has led numerous high-level discussions on the key challenges facing boards today. Two teams will participate: one proposing the motion and one opposing it, each made up of two speakers.

The event is aimed at senior members and invited guests who operate at boardroom level. It is an opportunity for frank, Chatham house discussion and debate with the opportunity to network with peers.

The Debate motion

“This House believes that boards must stop ticking boxes and start taking risks in pursuit of growth”

Background to the Debate
Recent commentary from political and business leaders, including the UK Government, has criticised "red tape" and "box-ticking" for restricting corporate growth and innovation. There is also a balance to be considered between excessive caution killing growth, whilst unchallenged risk-taking can ruin companies. Boards are stewards of capital and must ensure risks are properly managed to avoid catastrophic failure and reputational damage. Proactive, calculated risk-taking is essential for innovation, market entry, and competitive advantage. The issues involved also cover all sectors, particularly in finance and management where "risk registers" are sometimes treated in themselves as mere annual check-box activity. The Inaugural ICAEW Boardroom Debate will explore all sides of the argument, offer insights into current thinking - and help to reshape a more balanced and forward-looking response.

Key benefits

  • Sharper decision-making: explore contrasting viewpoints to reach more balanced, informed conclusions.
  • Boardroom-ready skills: strengthen listening, critical thinking, and constructive challenge.
  • Insight into current issues: gain fresh perspectives on challenges facing today’s boards.
  • Engaging format: a dynamic, fast-paced debate led by Barry Gamble.
  • Clear communication: learn how powerful arguments can be delivered effectively - without slides or props.

CPD hours

ICAEW's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulations require a minimum number of hours and an ethics requirement. Attending this event could contribute up to 1hr 30mins of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role.

A copy of the event booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD. Click here to use ICAEW’s self-assessment tool to help you work out how much CPD you will need to fulfil each year.

FAQs

Should you experience any difficulties booking onto the event, please go to our events support page - how to book.

Legal Disclaimer

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) does not endorse or recommend any third-party products, services, or companies mentioned during this event or in related materials. References to any such products, services, or companies are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ICAEW.

The views and opinions expressed by third-party speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of ICAEW. ICAEW does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of the content presented by third-party speakers.

For further information or clarification, please contact ICAEW directly.

ICAEW's terms and conditions for events

Please note that the programme is subject to change

Time Session
18:00 Arrivals and Registration
18:30 The Debate
20:00 Drinks & Networking
20:30 Event Close

About the speakers

The Chairman

Barry Gamble, Non-Executive Director and Boardroom Chairman
Barry has extensive experience as a Board Director in the publicly quoted, private and charitable sectors. As Chairman of the ‘Boardroom City Debates’ he has chaired a number of Board and NED debates on the challenge of boardroom best practice. He was a member of both the 2025 Institute of Directors (‘IoD’) Commission exploring the role of NEDs and the IoD Expert Advisory Group that reported on the Post Office Scandal and is also an Advisory Board member at Board Agenda. He regularly writes about corporate governance and related boardroom matters for the Yorkshire Post and the Financial Times has published a number of his topical letters.

For the Motion: Proposer

Andrew Lowenthal
Andrew is an Advisor with Manchester Square Partners, mentoring executives on career management and working with boards on their effectiveness. He previously ran the Board Practice and the Financial Services Practice in a 25-year career at Egon Zehnder. His early career was in banking with JP Morgan and CSFB. He is an experienced board member at both the Queen's Club and Greenhouse Sports.

Seconder

David Trenchard
David is a consultant on corporate governance, shareholder engagement, activist investment and capital markets - with a variety of advisory and non-executive roles. He is a Non-Executive Director at Integrum ESG, and until recently worked at Elliott Advisors (UK) Ltd where he led the Engagement Team in Europe on all aspects of stakeholder engagement. David was formerly a Member of Council at the Institute of Directors and sat on its Audit and Risk Committee. He was also a member of the Global Stewardship Committee of the International Corporate Governance Network. 

Against the Motion: Opposer

Malcolm Bacchus
Malcolm is the Immediate Past President, ICAEW and a member of ICAEW Council, immediate past chair of ICAEW's Ethics Standards Committee and member of its Technical Strategy Board; he is currently an officer in several charities and a member of HMRC Administrative Burdens Advisory Board. He has been a business consultant and recently head of finance/company secretary for an AIM listed company with lots of past experience in both roles. He has worked in a range of industry sectors that include leisure, property, childcare, hotels, telecoms, public relations and mineral investment.

Seconder

Karina Litvack
Karina is an experienced Non-Executive Director (‘NED’) and Board Adviser in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland and the USA. Her current NED roles include posts at A2A S.P.A and Terna SpA; she was Ambassador & Founding Chairman of the Chapter Zero Alliance (formerly The Climate Governance Initiative) and for six years served on the London Stock Exchange Advisory Body. She is a former financial markets executive with expertise in governance and sustainable development.

Please note: no one should assume that the Debater's personal views either do or do not coincide with the side of the motion for which they are arguing.

“10/10 for the Debate format - I really liked the format it was such a different experience”.

“Excellent job - the Debaters were excellent in balancing their views and styles – I did not appreciate the way the ‘Floor’ would also have such an impact”.

“I thought the Debate itself was so much better than the traditional Panel session that is rolled out – debating the Motion really brought things to life – and of course great chairing by Barry Gamble”

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