Neill McWilliams is the Corporate Governance Tutor at KCB, teaching across both the Weekly and Flexible courses. In addition to his work on the Qualifying Programme, many students will also recognise Neill from his teaching on the Certificate in Corporate Compliance and Governance, as well as the MSc Governance, where he leads the Governance & Ethics module.
Neill’s career spans both industry and academia. He commenced his career at the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), before leaving to found an e‑learning company that grew to become a leader in its field before being acquired by a major software provider in 2019. He has since pursued his passion for academia and is currently undertaking a PhD in Corporate Governance at Henley Business School in addition to working at KCB across all our programmes.
As a former member of the CGI Global Professional Standards Committee, Neill played a key role in maintaining the quality and consistency of CGI qualifications worldwide, while also advising on learning resources. A Fellow of the CGI, he is one of our most experienced tutors and is highly regarded for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to supporting students in achieving their goals.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in governance, and how has that changed over time?
Neill: Early in my career, I worked for the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) within the education department, and I think that’s where my first understanding of governance, and the impact that governance can have on organisations started. Whilst working at the CGI, I undertook the CGI Qualifying Programme and became a Chartered Governance Professional, and that was over 25 years ago. My interest in governance, I suppose, started then and has developed over time.
I founded and ran a company, so I can say with firsthand experience what the impact and value that good governance has within an organisation on its long-term sustainability and success.
Around fifteen years ago, Ian Pirie, the KCB Founder, asked whether I would be interested in lecturing. At that time, it was face-to-face in a classroom. I really enjoyed it and found that I had a real interest in supporting CGI students in helping them prepare for their exams.
You’re currently undertaking a PhD at Henley Business School focused on Corporate Governance. How has this expanded your knowledge and experience in the sector?
Neill: I was interested in exploring governance from a range of different perspectives outside that of the Company Secretary. This provides a deeper understanding of governance and the real value that the Company Secretary is able to bring. My PhD research looks at the role of the Chair in board effectiveness and how contemporary governance challenges are impacting the role and importantly, the support that they need from the Company Secretary.
Do you see any emerging trends or challenges that governance professionals should be preparing for over the next five years or so?
Neill: The expectations that are place on the board have never been greater. Boards are operating in environments that are characterized by increased geopolitical instability, heighted cyber threats, persistent economic uncertainty, and at the same time, shareholders are demanding an increased attention to environmental, social governance issues, alongside high levels of engagement and transparency.
These increased expectations require a greater level of support from the company secretary, and it is critical for the Company Secretary to be able to demonstrate their value within the organization. I see my role as being more than supporting them in their exam preparation, but to support them in developing their careers.
You’ve been a tutor at KCB for 15 years. How would you describe your teaching style and approach to helping students achieve exam success?
Neill: Having been a student myself, albeit a long time ago, I understand the challenges that students go though in undertaking the CGI qualifications.
I understand that our students undertake the qualifications part time, and will have already completed a full day of work when they come to our sessions. What I hope is that my passion for Corporate Governance and supporting students, alongside my practical background bring the classes to life.
Also, having been a lecturer for 15 years, and having previously worked for the CGI, I understanding what the examiner is looking for, so that I can be very focused and ensure that students valuable study time is well spent.
How have you found being a Tutor for both the Weekly and Flexible Qualifying Programme for your Corporate Governance module?
Neill: I really enjoyed recording and preparing the video lectures for KCB Flexible. I think this will provide a excellent alternative approach for those with work or family commitments and aren’t able to commit to weekly classes or for those outside of the UK who find it hard to meet our UK class times. I’m excited to support all students across both the Weekly and Flexible, and to meet the Flexible students in my drop in session or helping over emails or phone call. Similarly with Weekly students, I’m excited to get back into our weekly classes and start teaching and engaging with them in support of the June exams.
If you could offer one piece of advice to students about to undertake their first Qualifying Programme exam, what would it be?
Neill: They should commence practicing examination questions early in their studies. Examination technique is absolutely critical. A student can have a great understanding of the knowledge, but being able to apply it in an examination is critical to success
Students are often apprehensive about the examination process, and so quite often delay practicing for too long. It’s for that reason that we developed the KCB Companion Examination Practice Tool to enable students to undertake exam practice and get immediate feedback and boost confidence.
If you would like to register for Neill’s Corporate Governance classes, click the links below.
Weekly Corporate Governance Classes | 4 – 6.30pm | Thursdays
Weekly Corporate Governance Classes | 6.15 – 8.45pm | Tuesdays