On 20 August, we hosted an informal webinar for new and prospective students to meet our Flexible+ Tutors ahead of the start of lessons next week. This session gave students a chance to understand how Flexible+ works, what support is available, and how this study route can help them prepare effectively for the CGIUKI Qualifying Programme.

What is KCB Flexible+?

KCB Flexible+ is a flexible study route designed for students who want to work at their own pace while still benefiting from structured tutor support. Students gain access to:

• Professionally recorded video lectures
• Comprehensive study materials
• A personalised study schedule
• Tutor support whenever needed
• Popular weekly Drop‑In Sessions, where tutors answer questions and walk through exam‑style practice

Flexible+ is ideal for students balancing work, family and study commitments who still want the reassurance of expert guidance throughout their preparation.

Why should I study with KCB?

KCB has been supporting students through the CGIUKI examinations for over 40 years, combining high-quality tuition with a strong student-centered ethos. As a charity, our mission is to help every student achieve exam success, reflected in our excellent 87% pass rate across all modules in the June 2026 exams.  

A major contributor to this success is the KCB Companion Examination Practice Tool which allows students to revise effectively from day one. With mock exams, topic-based practice questions and personalised performance insights, the Companion helps students build confidence in both knowledge and exam technique.

Our new Student Wellbeing Programme

For the November 2026 exams, we have launched a new Student Wellbeing Programme to support learners beyond academic study. We understand the pressure these exams can create, especially when balancing work and family life.

We have partnered with accredited Coach and Therapist Heather Connery, who will lead three wellbeing webinars designed to help students:

• Reduce anxiety
• Build resilience
• Balance study, work and personal commitments
• Manage exam stress effectively

Register now for our first webinar on 8 September at 12pm BST, The Resilient Professional Governance Student: Balancing Study, Work and Life.

Who teaches on the Flexible+ modules?

Our Flexible+ and Flexible programmes are taught by six highly rated tutors with extensive experience helping students achieve exam success. You can read more about each tutor by clicking on their names below.

Still not sure what option to pick?

If you’re still undecided what tuition route you want to go down, please get in touch with our Programme Manager, Lauren Devine, who will be able to arrange a call with one of our Tutors for you.

You can also register for our Weekly, Flexible+, Flexible and Revision courses here.

If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording below:

With the June 2026 CGIUKI Qualifying Programme exam results now released, many students are beginning to plan their next steps for the November 2026 sitting. If you’re looking for a trusted tuition provider, KCB is ready to support you with clear structure, expert guidance, and flexible study options that fit around your life.

We offer a range of tuition pathways, you can choose the approach that best matches your schedule, commitments, and learning style. Whether you prefer weekly live classes or a more flexible, self‑paced route, our tutors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Alongside your chosen tuition route, all KCB students gain access to the game-changing Companion Examination Practice Tool. This interactive platform is designed to help students strengthen their exam technique and build confidence ahead of the exams. With mock exams, topic-focused practice questions and performance insights with a traffic light grading system, the Companion is a hugely valuable tool and helps students track progress and revise effectively.

KCB Weekly

Our Weekly tuition provides live online classes delivered by experienced tutors. Offering structure, accountability, and regular interaction, this option is ideal for students who benefit from scheduled learning and ongoing support.

KCB Flexible+

Flexible+ combines self‑paced study with personalised tutor support, live drop‑in sessions, and a tailored study schedule. If you want flexibility without losing the reassurance of guided learning, this could be the perfect fit for you.

KCB Flexible

Flexible offers full access to our video lectures, knowledge quizzes, and the KCB Companion Examination Practice Tool, allowing you to study entirely at your own pace. A great fit for independent learners who prefer to manage their own timetable.

KCB Revision

Our Revision courses focus on exam technique, question practice, and targeted review of key topics. These short, intensive sessions are designed to boost confidence and sharpen your exam strategy ahead of the November sitting.

If you’re ready to start work for the November 2026 exams, we are ready to help in whichever way best suits your needs. Register today via the website to secure your place and begin preparing with confidence.

Mauritian Students

As part of our partnership with Belstar Training Centre, KCB is committed to helping students in Mauritius reach exam success on the Qualifying Programme. Through our partnership, Mauritian students gain access to our high-quality study resources, expert tutor support and the KCB Companion Examination Practice Tool, strengthening exam technique and performance.

Mauritian students wishing to study modules not currently available at Belstar can enrol directly with KCB at a discounted rate, giving them full access to all KCB learning materials through our online Learning Management System. When enrolling, these students should select ‘Invoice’ at the checkout stage, allowing us to identify that they are studying from Mauritius and ensures we can send the correct discounted invoice to them by email.

We are dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve exam success, and we’re proud to extend this support to students across Mauritius. 

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If you would like more information about our study options, or would like to speak to a Tutor before registering, please do reach out to our Programme Manager Lauren Devine who can set up a call for you.

Programme Leader, Neill McWilliams joined Kako Mavalla for Season 2, Episode 1, on the CoSeCity Podcast. Their conversation explores how access, awareness and encouragement can transform a student’s trajectory, especially for those who may never have considered governance as a career path.

This episode isn’t just a chat; it’s a call to rethink how pathways into governance are created, supported and sustained.

The power of education as a catalyst

Neill speaks candidly about the role education plays in shaping futures. Governance can feel like a niche field, but when students are given the right entry points, it becomes a space where they can thrive.

Key reflections from the episode include:

• Education as empowerment: When students understand governance, they gain tools to influence organisations, communities and systems
• Visibility matters: Many students simply don’t know governance is an option. Exposure through programmes, mentors and conversations like this open doors
• Opportunity is relational: It’s not just about offering a course; it’s about creating environments where students feel seen, supports and capable

Broadening pathways for underrepresented groups

A standout theme of the episode is the importance of widening participation. Neill and Kako highlight how governance careers can be particularly transformative for students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds.

With governance evolving, organisations are navigating complexity (ESG, digital transformation, ethical leadership etc.), and they need professionals who understand both the technical and human sides of decision making.

Neill’s message is clear: we can’t meet future governance challenges without cultivating new talent today. And that talent won’t emerge by accident. It requires intentional pathways, supportive educators, and opportunities that feel attainable.

BEGA x KCB Bursary

Neill speaks with real enthusiasm about the BEGA x KCB MSc Governance Bursary, highlighting it as a practical example of how opportunity can reshape a student’s future. He explains that the bursary isn’t just financial support, it’s a deliberate effort to open doors for learners who may never have imagined themselves in governance. By reducing cost barriers and actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, the bursary creates a pathway for talented individuals to step into a profession where their perspectives are genuinely needed. Neill emphasises that initiatives like this are how you change the narrative: you show students that governance is for them, and you back that message with meaningful support.

As Neill’s conversation with Kako makes clear, opportunity becomes real when students see the path ahead, and have genuine support to follow it. If this episode has sparked your interest in governance education, you can apply now for the MSc Governance, and our Certificate in Corporate Compliance and Governance, which both start this October.

Deadline for the BEGA x KCB Bursary ends in a week on 18 August, so make sure to get your applications in now! Learn more here.

Listen to the full conversation of the CoSeCity Podcast to dive deeper into the themes of access, empowerment, and future-focused leadership. These links are more than resources, they’re invitations to your next step.

Listen now: YouTube | Spotify

Professional study can be incredibly rewarding, but it also brings real challenges, from managing time effectively to balancing work, life and personal commitments. To support our students in navigating these demands, KCB is kicking off its Student Wellbeing Programme on 8 September 2026, designed to promote healthy study habits, build confidence and strengthen emotional resilience throughout the qualification journey.

As part of this programme, KCB will deliver a three‑part Student Wellbeing Webinar Series, created specifically for CGIUKI students and delivered in partnership with Heather Connery, an accredited coach and therapist specialising in Gestalt, counselling, resilience and holistic wellbeing. Heather brings extensive experience of balancing professional study with work and life, offering students practical strategies grounded in real‑world experience.

These webinars blend effective study planning, time management techniques, and wellbeing support, helping students study successfully without compromising their mental or emotional health.

Webinar 1: The Resilient Professional Governance Student — Balancing Study, Work and Life

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The first session in the series focuses on one of the most common challenges students face: how to balance professional study with work, family and personal commitments. This webinar helps students build the foundations for success from the very start of their studies.

What students will learn

• Realistic study planning and time management
• Managing expectations and avoiding perfectionism
• Navigating emotional demands
• Building sustainable study habits

This session is ideal for new students beginning their qualification, returning students looking to reset their approach, and anyone seeking a healthier, more balanced way to manage their study workload.

The Student Wellbeing Webinar Series forms a core part of KCB’s student support, offering structured guidance at key points in the academic year. While this webinar is designed with Qualifying Programme students in mind, the themes of balance, resilience and healthy study habits are highly relevant to MSc Governance and Certificate students too. All students juggling professional study alongside work and personal commitments will benefit from the practical strategies, wellbeing tools and confidence‑building approaches explored throughout the series.

What’s coming up next?

The full three‑part series includes:

Register for all three of our webinars now to avoid missing out on key insights.

There are now 15 days left to apply for the BEGA x KCB MSc Governance Bursary, a fully funded opportunity for one aspiring governance professional to join the MSc Governance programme starting October 2026. If you’ve been considering postgraduate study in governance, or you’re looking for a way to take the next step in your career, this bursary could be the perfect route forward.

With the deadline approaching, here’s everything you need to know about how to apply, who is eligible, and what to expect throughout the process.

How to apply for the BEGA x KCB Bursary  

Applying is simple, straightforward and designed to give every eligible candidate a fair chance to demonstrate their potential.

1. Submit your CV and Personal Statement (by 18 August)

Your initial application consists of two documents:

• Your CV
• A 500–750 word personal statement

These should be emailed to Sophie (sophie@kcbglobal.net) by 18 August. Your personal statement should explain your interest in governance, your career goals, and why the MSc Governance would support your development.

Once your email is received, you’ll receive a confirmation message so you know your application is safely logged.

2. Receive your short‑essay instructions (by 25 August)

By 25 August, eligible applicants will receive an email inviting them to complete a short written task. This is a 300–500 word essay designed to assess your understanding of governance and your ability to communicate ideas clearly.

You will have one week to complete this task, with a deadline of 2 September.

3. Attend a virtual interview (week commencing 15 September)

Applicants who progress past the essay stage will be invited to a virtual interview. This is your opportunity to discuss your interest in governance, your professional experience, and your motivation for joining the MSc Governance.

Interviews will take place during the week starting 15 September.

4. Receive your final outcome

All applicants will be contacted by the end of September with the outcome of their application. The successful candidate will be awarded the bursary and offered a fully funded place on the MSc Governance.

5. Begin your MSc Governance journey

The bursary recipient will join the new cohort when teaching begins on Wednesday 14 October 2026.

Am I able to apply for the Bursary?

Eligible applications must meet the requirements below:

• Identify as being from a Black or Black-heritage background, in line with the bursary’s aim to support greater representation within the governance profession
• Must be based in the UK for the duration of the programme
• Applicants from all sectors are welcome; however, priority will be given to those working in contexts where employer sponsorships for postgraduate study is not typically available, including the non-profit, charity and voluntary sectors
• Applicants must meet the standard academic and English-language entry requirements
• Applicants must be able to commit to study part-time over two years
• General education entry requirement is a minimum of a 2:2 Bachelor’s degree, or international equivalent in any discipline, or those who have achieved Affiliate status of the CGIUKI through an assessed programme of study with 5 years relevant work experience

Why You Should Apply

With only 15 days left, now is the ideal moment to take action. The BEGA x KCB Bursary offers:

• A fully funded MSc Governance qualification
• A pathway to GradCG professional status
• Access to expert teaching, small cohort learning and personalised academic support
• A chance to deepen your governance expertise and strengthen your career prospects
• An opportunity to join a profession where representation truly matters

If you’re ready to invest in your future and contribute to stronger, more accountable organisations, this bursary could be the opportunity that changes your career trajectory.

Governance is the foundation of trust. When organisations operate with clear structures and transparent decision‑making, stakeholders feel confident that leaders are acting responsibly. Strong governance protects reputation, strengthens relationships and ensures that organisations remain resilient in times of change.

It is also a strategic discipline. Effective governance helps organisations anticipate risks, seize opportunities and align their operations with long‑term goals. As regulatory environments evolve and expectations around accountability increase, governance professionals play a central role in shaping organisational strategy and supporting leadership teams.

Whether you work in the charity sector, corporate governance, education, compliance or public administration, governance expertise is becoming essential. Organisations need people who can navigate complexity, provide assurance and support boards in making informed, ethical decisions.

For aspiring governance professionals, gaining a recognised qualification can be transformative. It builds confidence, deepens expertise and opens doors to roles where you can make a meaningful impact. This is where the MSc Governance comes in: a programme designed to equip future governance leaders with the knowledge, skills and professional recognition needed to excel.

The value of the MSc Governance

The MSc Governance offers a powerful combination of academic depth and professional relevance. Delivered part‑time over two years, the programme is designed for working professionals who want to build specialist knowledge without stepping away from their careers. Weekly live online sessions allow students to engage with expert tutors, explore real‑world governance challenges and apply learning directly to their roles.

One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its partnership with the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) and the University of Essex. This collaboration ensures that students graduate with both a university‑accredited master’s degree and GradCG status, creating a clear pathway toward chartered governance recognition. For employers, this combination signals that graduates have both the theoretical understanding and practical capability to operate confidently in governance roles.

Students also benefit from small cohort sizes (limited to 25 students per cohort), personalised academic support and the opportunity to tailor assignments to their sector or area of interest. Whether you aspire to work in corporate governance, charity governance, board support, compliance or risk management, the MSc Governance provides the foundation needed to progress.

Why applying for the bursary is a valuable opportunity

For Black and Black‑heritage professionals, the BEGA x KCB MSc Governance Bursary offers a fully funded route into this influential profession. The bursary exists to widen access to governance education and ensure that talented individuals who may face barriers to postgraduate study have a clear pathway into the field.

Applying for the bursary is a chance to invest in your future without the financial pressure of tuition fees. It is an opportunity to gain a respected qualification, expand your professional network and position yourself for long‑term career progression. With governance roles growing across every sector, this bursary provides a meaningful step forward for those ready to deepen their expertise and contribute to more accountable, inclusive organisations.

Applications are open until 18 August 2026. Read the full entry criteria and application details below.

Good governance is the backbone of every successful organisation. Whether in the corporate sector, public institutions, charities, or fast‑growing start‑ups, governance provides the clarity, accountability and strategic direction that enable organisations to thrive. It is the framework that ensures decisions are made responsibly, risks are managed effectively, and stakeholders are treated fairly. In a world where expectations of transparency and ethical leadership continue to rise, governance is no longer a specialist concern, it is a fundamental requirement for organisational resilience and long‑term success.

Governance as a driver of trust and accountability

At its core, governance is about trust. When organisations operate with clear structures, defined responsibilities and transparent decision‑making, stakeholders gain confidence in the organisation’s ability to act responsibly. Good governance protects reputation, strengthens relationships and creates the conditions for sustainable growth.

Governance as a strategic discipline

Governance is not simply about compliance, it is a strategic discipline. Effective governance enables organisations to anticipate risks, seize opportunities and align their operations with long‑term goals. It supports boards and senior leaders in making informed decisions, encourages constructive challenge, and ensures that organisational culture reflects the values and behaviours needed for success.

As organisations face increasing complexity with digital transformations, environmental responsibilities, shifting regulatory landscapes and evolving stakeholder expectations, the need for governance professionals with deep expertise has never been greater. These professionals play a critical role in shaping organisational strategy, supporting leadership, and ensuring that governance structures evolve in step with the world around them.

The value of the MSc Governance

The MSc Governance is designed for individuals who want to build or deepen their expertise in this vital discipline. Delivered part‑time over two years, the programme combines academic rigour with practical application, giving students the tools to understand governance in context and apply it confidently in their professional roles.

Students explore key areas such as organisational structures, board dynamics, risk management, ethics, regulatory frameworks and strategic decision‑making. Through assignments and the final Focused Governance Report, they tailor their learning to the sectors and challenges most relevant to their career goals.

One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its blend of professional and academic expertise. Delivered in collaboration with the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) and the University of Essex, the MSc provides both a recognised academic qualification and a pathway to professional status. Graduates earn GradCG status, with the opportunity to progress to full chartered status as their career develops.

The programme is intentionally designed for working professionals. Weekly live online sessions, supported by structured independent study, allow students to balance learning with work and personal commitments. With small cohort sizes and personalised academic support, students benefit from a collaborative learning environment that encourages discussion, reflection and real‑world application.

If you would like to apply for the MSc, please contact our Programme Manager, Lauren Devine.

The BEGA x KCB Bursary

To support greater representation within the governance profession, KCB and BEGA are offering a fully funded bursary place for one aspiring governance professional from a Black or Black‑heritage background. The bursary covers full tuition for the MSc Governance and provides a structured, supportive entry route into the programme. Applications are open until 18 August 2026, with full details available here.

If you would like more information about the Bursary, please contact Sophie Blauth.

Having a tutor you can trust, who is approachable and genuinely invested in your success, is one of the most important factors students consider when choosing where to study governance. At KCB, we are proud of our tutors and the consistently high‑quality learning experience they deliver across all our programmes.

MSc Governance (Financial Analysis & Decision Making) and Qualifying Programme (Interpreting Financial & Accounting Information) Tutor, Richard Whitmill, is one of KCB’s most respected tutors and in-demand tutors. He is widely recognised for his clear, comprehensive teaching style, his ability to simplify complex financial concepts, and the confidence he instils in students preparing for CGIUKI Qualifying Programme Finance module.

Richard is a Chartered Company Secretary and Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, bringing over 15 years of hands‑on experience within the voluntary and not‑for‑profit sector. His career spans roles as a trustee, volunteer and employee, giving him a deep, practical understanding of governance, financial oversight and organisational accountability, insights he brings directly into the classroom.

With a strong academic track record, Richard completed the CGI Qualifying Programme between 2022 and 2025, earning the John Phillips Memorial Prize (2024/25) for highest overall performance after achieving six distinctions. He also received the AW Goodbody Award for his Interpreting Financial and Accounting Information paper, scoring an exceptional 95%.

Today, Richard teaches on both the Qualifying Programme and MSc Governance programmes, supporting students at every stage, from building foundational financial literacy to developing advanced analytical and decision‑making skills. His sessions are known for being engaging, practical and rooted in real‑world governance challenges, making him a standout tutor for students seeking confidence, clarity and exam success.

Read some of Richard’s tutor feedback

Richard has been utterly brilliant. He has made a confusing and daunting subject easy to understand and I feel confident in my learning.

Richard is a natural. So down to earth and personable… Richard is so knowledgeable on this module, and the variety and interaction during the sessions always kept the momentum.

Our tutor is extremely approachable and very patient. He is always happy to answer questions and responds quickly to written communications.

Richard has been fantastic and has brought the textbook to life with his real life examples – it’s refreshing to have someone who is not just reading from the prepared slides.

At last a tutor that can keep me engaged. Richard is amazing!

Want to be taught by Richard?

If you are about to undertake the Qualifying Programme Interpreting Financial and Accounting Information Module, you can pick Richard as your Tutor, in either the Weekly classes, or as your Tutor for Flexible+ and Flexible.

Richard is also teaching on our MSc Governance. Applications are now open for our October 2026 cohort. Learn more here.

From 7–8 July 2026, KCB was delighted to welcome our MSc Governance students to the KCB Lounge at the Annual CGIUKI Governance Conference in London. For many of them, this was the first time meeting their cohort in person after studying online together since February, a chance to turn familiar names on a screen into real conversations, shared experiences, and genuine connections.

The conference provided a vibrant backdrop for their first face‑to‑face gathering. Across two days, students immersed themselves in the energy of the governance community, explored the exhibition hall, and engaged with industry professionals, alumni, and fellow delegates. The KCB Lounge quickly became a hub of discussion, curiosity, and collaboration.

One of the highlights of their visit was the Simulation Strategy session, where students worked in teams to analyse a governance scenario and present their recommendations back to the ‘Board’ and ‘Chair’. Watching them collaborate so naturally by drawing on their modules, professional backgrounds, and individual strengths, was a powerful reminder of how quickly they have grown as governance practitioners. Their presentations were thoughtful, confident, and clearly rooted in the learning they’ve been developing over the past five months.

Attending the CGIUKI Governance Conference is an integral part of the MSc Governance experience because it connects academic learning with the realities of the profession. The conference gives students direct access to current governance debates, emerging trends, and the voices shaping the future of the field. Being in the room with experienced practitioners, board members, and industry leaders helps students see how the concepts they study translate into real organisational challenges and decisions. It also strengthens their professional identity: meeting peers, networking with employers, and engaging in live discussions builds confidence and reinforces the practical relevance of their studies. For many, it marks the moment the MSc shifts from an online programme to a lived professional journey.

The conference also gave us the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with previous KCB students, many of whom stopped by the Lounge to share updates on their careers and reflect on how the MSc has shaped their professional journeys. Their enthusiasm and continued engagement with the KCB community made the event feel even more special.

We were equally pleased to meet prospective students who visited the Lounge to learn more about our programmes, ask questions, and hear directly from current students and our Tutors.

Thank you to The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland for welcoming our students and providing a valuable space for learning and connection.

If you’re looking for a foundation-level governance qualification, our Certificate in Corporate Compliance & Governance is an excellent starting point. This programme is ideal for students who are working alongside their studies, and want a flexible, structured route into the governance and compliance profession.

The Certificate provides a direct pathway into further professional qualifications, including the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme and our MSc Governance, making it a strong option for those planning long‑term career progression in governance, compliance, risk or organisational leadership.

Across the 9‑month course, students gain both the core knowledge and practical understanding of key areas within Corporate Compliance & Governance. The curriculum is designed to build confidence, enhance employability, and develop transferable skills that are valued across corporate, public and not‑for‑profit sectors.

Our students consistently give highly rated feedback, noting that they enjoy the course structure, find the study text clear and accessible, and consider the programme excellent value for money. We pride ourselves on delivering high‑quality governance education, and we are delighted that students recognise the expertise of our Tutors and the strength of our learning resources.

Below, you can read some of our recent student feedback and hear directly from those who have completed the Certificate.

• Overall feel well supported so far and am enjoying the course very much!
• I have learned so much on this module, and I had all the support I needed from Helen, and the rest of the team.
• The live online classes helped me a lot in understanding the study material. The tutor was excellent at explaining not only the theory but also providing many real-life examples, which were very useful and made the learning experience much more practical and engaging.
• Susan really went out of her way to provide additional information and make sure that all students’ questions were answered. Thank you!
• The online teaching, advanced scheduling and receiving the learning materials very early in the course allowed me to study within the confines of my day-to-day role and normal home life. I particularly enjoyed workshops with real life case studies and break out sessions with other students.
• I am more confident in supporting my clients through corporate governance events, and better able to understand the demands of the Company Secretaries I work closely with.
• Overall, I found the course flexible and easy to follow. It’s been incredibly useful for my career, and I would recommend this course to others. A special thank you to Helen for your support over the last year.
• My feeling is that KCB provides excellent value for money and everyone at College has been very supportive with the students.

Applications are open for the October 2026 cohort, so if you are interested in joining, please do register via our website, or reach out to our Programme Manager Lauren if you would like more information.