Foundation for Governance Research and Education
A Charitable Company focused on thought leadership and governance best practice
_______________________________________________
Introducing FGRE
FGRE, the Foundation for Governance Research and Education, is a not-for-profit company chaired by its founder, Professor John Mellor, a former Citibank Vice President, and Professor of Banking Governance and Finance at the University of Leicester Business School. FGRE is assisted and advised by Slaughter and May, and supported by HSBC. As a charity, FGRE operates in the public interest in support of the banking industry.
FGRE can trace its origins back to the late 1990’s when the Non Executive Directors’ Forum was established with the University of Exeter and sponsored by NatWest Bank, and was a response to the seminal Cadbury Committee Report on corporate governance. The Forum’s Founder and Director was Professor John Mellor, FGRE’s chair. FGRE was later established as a charitable company to continue the work with non executive directors, focusing on governance in the financial sector.
Prompted by a need, acknowledged in discussions with a number of senior bank directors, to address shortcomings in the governance of banks, FGRE launched a series of seminars (FGRE Forums) in September 2021. This initiative was led by Sir Win Bischoff, former chair of Lloyds Bank, Citigroup and Schroders, and attended by a number of bank directors including Sir Mark Tucker, chair of HSBC plc. HSBC has continued its support as a donor.
FGRE's Forums
The purpose of the FGRE's forums is to provide a bespoke and unique experience for personal and professional development as a bank board director, non executive or executive.
Central to this forum experience is a case study, which is provided to attendees beforehand in sufficient detail for preparation for engagement and discussion in the session, together with questions arising from the case. The forums are conducted under Chatham House Rules. A maximum of 8 attendees ensures participation with the sharing of views and open discussion of challenges, both present and future, confronting non executive and executive directors. The forums are led by a team comprising a senior and experienced bank non executive, a legal expert, and Professor John Mellor who chairs the proceedings.
The common denominator for attendees is prior board experience. This may include CEO’s and other executive directors, executive directors aspiring to be non executives, those recently appointed or about to be appointed to non executive roles, and company secretaries. Also included are non executives with more experience. All are conscious of the need for continuing professional development and recognize the value in engaging with others in a confidential environment on topics which challenge bank boards at both subsidiary and main board level.
Upcoming Forum - Wednesday 14th May 2025
The next FGRE Forum is taking place on Wednesday 14th May at Slaughter and May, 1 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8YY, convening at 9.0am with a 9.30 start, and finishing at 11.45. An Agenda will be available.
April 2025
© 2021 Foundation for Governance Research & Education