Practical Corporate Governance for Directors in England and Wales

Practical Corporate Governance for Directors in England and Wales is a clear, practical guide for directors who want to understand not simply what the law says, but what good governance means in the everyday management of a company.

Written particularly for directors of micro, small and medium-sized companies, start-ups, owner-managed businesses and not-for-profit organisations, this ten-part guide translates the legal and governance responsibilities of directors into practical principles that can be applied around the boardroom table.

Drawing on the Companies Act 2006, current case law and recognised governance guidance, the book examines directors’ duties, business judgment and decision-making, personal liability, conflicts of interest, the duty of reasonable care, skill and diligence, effective board meetings, financial oversight, governance and risk management, and the particular responsibilities arising when a company encounters financial difficulty.

The emphasis throughout is practical: How should directors make defensible decisions? What should they ask? What should they record? When should they challenge, seek professional advice or reconsider the company’s course?

Good governance is not about creating unnecessary bureaucracy. It is about ensuring that directors make lawful, informed and accountable decisions.

About the Author

Leon Terblanche, LL.M, is an International Business Law Consultant with expertise and a particular professional interest in International Corporate Governance, directors’ duties, commercial law and international business law. His work focuses on translating complex legal and governance principles into practical guidance for directors and organisations. He is also a member of the International Law Association (British Branch).

An accessible reference for directors, founders, business owners, trustees, advisers and anyone seeking a practical understanding of corporate governance in England and Wales.

General educational guidance; not a substitute for legal or other professional advice.