Our next OpenSpace event
The Modern Governance Professional
Date: 4 February 2026
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Aviva plc, 80 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 4AE
CPD: 1 hour
Shape your governance career by developing the skill sets you need to progress in a changing governance landscape. At our next OpenSpace event we’re welcoming the leaders who are shaping governance today, exploring how the industry is evolving and uncovering insights that’ll help you take the next step in your career.
Attending this event contributes to 1-hour CPD for members of the Chartered Governance Institute
Our experts will cover:
- what skills you need to succeed as a modern governance professional
- what technology and tools you should master today
- how to improve communication and build relationships with board members and executives
- how you can make an impact within your organisation
This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry leaders, while connecting with fellow professionals.
Our expert panel
Melissa Banks
Senior Assistant Company Secretary, British Land
Melissa Banks is a Chartered Governance Professional with experience working for leading FTSE 100 organisations across the financial services and real estate sectors. She is passionate about implementing effective corporate governance to align with business objectives. Connect with Melissa
Emma Jackman
Deputy Company Secretary, Segro
Emma Jackman is a Chartered Governance Professional with over 10 years of experience working with FTSE 100 organisations and in professional services. Emma is currently Deputy Company Secretary at SEGRO plc, and is also a committee member of the Women’s Chartered Governance Association. Her previous governance roles include Hammerson, Vodafone and Capita (now MUFG). Connect with Emma
James Wickham
Head of Corporate Governance, Aviva
James Wichkam is a Chartered Governance Professional with experience gained in large FTSE 100 companies. James is currently Head of Corporate Governance at Aviva plc, having previously worked at Rolls-Royce Holdings plc and British American Tobacco p.l.c. Connect with James
What we got up to in our last event
How to create an inclusive workplace
Thank you for joining us at our recent OpenSpace event as governance professional Samira Chambas-Yusuf shared her powerful journey navigating corporate governance through the lens of diversity and inclusion.
We loved hearing Samira’s story, particularly on how having the right support system can help you to be resilient, the importance of making your team feel seen, heard and valued and how better ideas and results come through hearing from those who think differently to us.
What did our guests think?
“My biggest takeaway was the opportunity to be in the room where essential conversations about diversity were being had. This event taking place gave me a lot of hope for future and a lot of hope for the changes that are being made in the industry.”
Towobola Odukoya, Compliance Professional