QCA City Debate (2 hrs of CPD)

QCA City Debate (2 hrs of CPD)

Free

On Wednesday 25th March 2026, in conjunction with the ‘Boardroom City Debates’, Rathbones will be hosting the Quoted Companies Alliance (‘QCA’) City Debate.

THE DEBATE MOTION

“This House believes that boards must ensure better engagement with investors”.

Background to the Debate:                                                                                                                                 

Boards and their senior leadership teams face growing expectations from their shareholder base and with increasing activism and the accelerating influence of digital technologies and use of AI they need to be on top of their game. How is the Board interacting with both institutional and retail investors? What does the future hold for Investor Relations Programmes? Is the Board leading or lagging in shaping its ‘Shareholder Agenda’? How does the Board maintain transparency and trust, whilst responding to an array of complex corporate governance challenges? The QCA City Debate will explore all sides of the issue, offer insights into current thinking – and help to reshape a more modern-world and forward-looking response. 

Event Details

Date: 25 March, 2026

Start time: 17:00 GMT

End time: 19:30 GMT

Venue: Rathbones, 30 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QN

SKU: QCD250326 Categories: ,

CREATING THE BOARDROOM DYNAMIC

In adopting the debate format to explore this topical issue we are recognising there may be a close parallel between a debate and a boardroom. In each situation, there must be careful listening, respect for the opposing view and an atmosphere of constructive challenge to allow insights to fully develop. A good decision will hopefully result through the examination of alternative approaches.

THE CHAIRMAN and DEBATERS

The Debate will be Chaired by Barry Gamble, an experienced board advisor and NED. He has chaired a number of formal Board and NED debates exploring an issue challenging boardrooms. The two Debate teams – one team of two to propose and second the Motion; and one team of two to oppose the Motion – will be announced shortly.

FORMAT

The formal debate style really has its place particularly when tackling difficult and contentious topics. The debaters will be speaking without ‘PowerPoint’ presentations or props of an kind. They will be relying on words alone to persuade, win over and sway the Floor.

The Debate will be a lively, interactive session with an indicative vote on the Motion at each end of the formal debating process. In the past votes have moved and been swayed by both the debaters and participants from the Floor – we therefore encourage YOU to attend and to get involved and make a difference from the Floor. Spaces are limited, and since past formal debates have been very well attended, we would encourage early booking.

TIMINGS

17:00 – 17:15 – Arrivals & Registration
17:30 – 19:00 – The Debate
19:00 onwards – Drinks & Networking

PREVIOUS DEBATE FEEDBACK

“I really liked the format it was such a different experience”. 

“Excellent job – the Debaters were excellent in balancing their views and styles – I did not appreciate the way the ‘Floor’ would also have such an impact”. 

“I thought the Debate itself was so much better than the traditional Panel session that is rolled out – debating the Motion really brought things to life – and of course great chairing by Barry Gamble”. 

“10/10 for the Debate format – the choice of Debaters worked very well”. 

Please note that attendee name, contact and organisation details will be shared between the QCA and Rathbones in order to process registrations for this event.

The Chairman: Barry Gamble

Barry has extensive experience as a Board Director in the publicly quoted, private and charitable sectors. As Chairman of the ‘Boardroom City Debates’ he has chaired a number of Board and NED debates on the challenge of boardroom best practice.

He is Senior Advisor at NEDA and Advisory Board member at Board Agenda. He regularly writes about corporate governance and related boardroom matters, including a range of very topical letters published in the Financial Times.

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