Carey Group Director raises bar on corporate governance

Experienced company secretary Sara Bourne has committed to build on recent progress made in recognising the vital role corporate governance plays in Guernsey finance.

The Carey Group Director has taken over as chairman of ICSA: The Governance Institute, Guernsey branch, having volunteered on the council for many years.

Alongside building on the training and support available she said she would continue to strive for the highest standards of corporate governance in the island.

Corporate governance relates to the rules, practices and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. In local finance, similar to other regulated industries, it also entails meeting the requirements of the external regulator, the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the various stock exchanges, which Guernsey companies are listed on.

Mrs Bourne, is a fellow of the Institute, and has an MSc in Corporate Governance alongside 15 years’ industry experience. She has previously served as vice chairman and secretary of the Guernsey branch.

Mrs Bourne said: "When I started on council, ICSA’s profile had become significantly less than other professional organisations, which was not good for any of our members. The Guernsey branch has worked really hard over the last few years and with renewed interest and support from ICSA head office in London, this balance has been addressed and is greatly improved."

ICSA celebrates its 125^th anniversary year in 2016. The local branch represents the interests of more than 400 members and students. Its members are recognised as chartered secretaries, having completed the Institute’s rigorous examinations alongside their work in administration, governance, risk, and compliance roles.

Mrs Bourne joined Carey Group in September 2014 where she leads the corporate services team and acts as client director for a portfolio of companies.

Carey Group is a keen advocator of the Institute with managing director Jim Gilligan among many other colleagues with member status. The team also includes two of four ICSA student reps employed in the local industry – client relationship managers Danielle McIver and Nikolett Mezei.

Mr Gilligan said: "At Carey Group we encourage our staff to participate fully in the financial services community by gaining professional qualifications and then through continued membership of professional societies and as industry association representatives. Sara is well qualified to promote the highest standards of corporate governance and to continue to promote ICSA members and students not just on the boards where she acts as a director at Carey Group but across the wider finance industry in this new thought leadership role."

Mrs Bourne said: "Listed companies, corporate governance and board culture have always been key interests of mine. The best thing about my job is working with a fantastic team of experienced, capable and knowledgeable professionals who all work really well together. I also enjoy working with a number of different boards with varied portfolios. The most challenging part is probably the ever changing regulatory environment we all work in and keeping up to date with this. It is fast-paced, but that of course keeps things exciting.

"As student reps, Danielle and Nikolett help to provide a great support network. They are the voice on council to give feedback from students in relation to exams and tuition providers and also organise student specific events. This year they are also helping to organise our monthly programme of events."