Governing for public purpose in times of socio-political change

Across the UK and beyond, public-purpose organisations are facing an era of deep uncertainty. The rise of new political forces such as Reform, alongside a broader public shift away from progressive liberal ideals, is reshaping the social and cultural landscape in which many mission-driven organisations operate.

In this climate, how can leaders uphold values of equity, inclusion, sustainability and social responsibility – all central to the ESG agenda – when those very values are increasingly questioned or politicised?

GGI’s June webinar will explore how boards and executive teams can govern with integrity and resilience during times of socio-political change. We will reflect on how to sustain legitimacy, public trust, and mission clarity while navigating polarised public discourse, political pressure, and growing uncertainty. The session will focus particularly on:

• The emerging political context and what it means for organisations with social or cultural mandates
• Strategic stakeholder engagement: what it means, the role of the board and how it is done well
• Strategic governance under pressure: how boards can stay mission-focused and courageous
• Safeguarding ESG commitments in an increasingly contested space
• Unique challenges for arts, culture and education organisations, whose work often sits at the centre of cultural change

Our guest speakers for this discussion will be Cedi Frederick, GGI special adviser on housing and inequalities, and Richard Hughes, Chief Executive, Awen Cultural Trust.

This is an essential session for non-executives, executives and governance professionals in arts, health, education, culture, and other sectors committed to public value.

Join us for a timely and thought-provoking conversation as we collectively consider what it means to lead with purpose — and how to do so effectively — in a world of shifting norms and heightened scrutiny.

Richard Hughes

Originally from Cefneithin in Carmarthenshire, Richard began his career in television and theatre before beginning a local government career in leisure, arts, culture and tourism spanning 16 years. Richard took up the role of chief executive of Awen Cultural Trust in October 2015 and has steered the organisation since its inception into a new period of growth and development. He oversees the strategic management of the Awen and its trading subsidiary Awen Trading Ltd. with around 190 staff across 18 different sites.

Cedi Frederick

Cedi is Chair of NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board. He has held a number of NHS appointments as part of a 30-year career as a non-executive director in various organisations. He has been chair of North Middlesex NHS Trust, a non-executive director at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust.

Cedi has enjoyed a 40-plus-year career in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors, including 25 years at CEO level as managing director of a BME housing association, 12 years as chief executive of a London-based, multi-regional charity that supported people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health problems, then over five years as chief executive of a charity employing 2,500 staff caring for and supporting more than 3,000 people a year through its older people, children, young people and families services.