Insights

Change is rarely comfortable. Whether it’s scaling down, restructuring, or adapting to new priorities, organisational change disrupts routines and challenges assumptions. The systems and habits that worked in steady times can quickly become obstacles when the ground shifts beneath you. In times of change, clinging to old rules can feel safe but it can also hold you back. What made sense yesterday might not serve you today. Navigating change isn’t just about survival; it’s abo

We’re thrilled that our session, “Reimagining Research Governance: Insights from the Shadow Committees Project,” has been accepted for presentation at the EARMA Conference 2026, taking place in Utrecht, The Netherlands, from 5–7 May 2026. About EARMA Conference Utrecht 2026 The EARMA Annual Conference is Europe’s premier gathering for research management and administration professionals. This year’s theme, “Empowering Research Managers and Administrators as Leaders for Impact

After a brief hiatus, we are delighted to see the Festival of Trusteeship return to annual calendar. Now in its fifth year , the Festival of Trusteeship  has become a cornerstone event for governance professionals across the UK. This year, Formation Consultancy  is proud to be participating for the third time , continuing its commitment to inclusive, courageous, and effective board leadership. Our founder, Sapna Marwaha, will be chairing an exciting session: 🎙️ “Challenge

Despite years of discussion around trustee diversity, progress has been slow. A recent Charity Commission report confirms that board diversity in England and Wales has barely shifted in nearly two decades. Yet we know that diverse boards make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver greater impact. So how do we move from intention to action? Reach Volunteering’s new resource, Diversifying Governance Through Shadowing Programmes, offers a practical, tested approac

When we launched our Shadow Committee initiative for the Reimagining Governance for a Flourishing Research Culture project, one principle grounded every decision we made: inclusivity is not optional—it’s essential. For this experiment to truly make an impact, the Shadow Committees had to reflect the full diversity of our community. Only then could we effectively evaluate the additive value of bringing new perspectives into research governance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s a practical tool that governance professionals are using today to enhance efficiency, consistency, and communication. From drafting minutes to managing board documentation, AI offers real opportunities to streamline operations. But to realise its full potential, it must be introduced thoughtfully, ethically, and with the right safeguards in place. Below are key considerations for governance teams exploring

In the Reimagining Governance for a Flourishing Research Culture project, our shadow committees were given a framework around their agendas and meetings. They were also given the flexibility to adapt that framework to meet the needs of everyone taking part. They have kept some parts of the traditional format adopted by committees across the organisation. They have also chosen key areas to do things differently and make their work more accessible.

At Formation, we know that the research and innovation sector doesn’t stand still. It evolves quickly—shaped by policy shifts, funding changes, talent shortages, and new security and compliance demands. Responding to these pressures often requires more than capacity. It needs experience, agility, and trust. That’s why we’re exploring a new service: Formation Fractional.

Our session, titled “Diversifying Research Governance: The Use of Shadow Committees to Enhance Inclusive Participation in Research...

Each one of us here is a link in the connection between anti-poor legislation, gay shootings, the burning of synagogues ...