Governance Market Survey 2026: The Reality of the Role
We are delighted to have launched The Governance Market Survey 2026: The Reality of the Role, produced by The Core Partnership in partnership with The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.
The report was launched at Governance 2026, CGIUKI’s annual conference, in London on Tuesday 7 July.
Based on responses from 971 governance professionals across the UK, the survey provides a detailed snapshot of how the company secretarial and governance profession is changing — and what that means for governance teams, employers and the wider market.
A changing role
One of the clearest messages from this year’s survey is that the governance role continues to grow in visibility, influence and complexity.
The traditional view of the company secretary as being focused primarily on board papers, minutes and compliance no longer reflects the full reality of the role. While technical governance expertise remains fundamental, governance professionals are increasingly supporting boards and executive teams on decision-making, governance, risk, succession planning, organisational change and stakeholder expectations.
The survey found that 65% of respondents said the influence of the governance function is increasing, while 66% said supporting board information quality and decision-making is becoming more important.
Influence, workload and recognition
Greater visibility is positive for the profession, but it also brings pressure.
The survey highlights a profession that is taking on a broader remit, often within lean team structures. 74% of respondents reported an increase in workload over the past 12 months, while 42% said their governance function is not adequately resourced for its current responsibilities.
Where responsibilities have increased, recognition has not always followed. 70% of those whose responsibilities had increased said there had been no meaningful change in recognition.
This points to one of the central questions raised by the report: are governance teams being given the structure, resource, recognition and career opportunities they need to carry the weight now being placed on them?
What the report covers
The Governance Market Survey 2026 explores the key issues shaping the profession, including:
- team structures and reporting lines
- workload and scope of responsibilities
- hybrid working and flexibility
- technology and AI adoption
- career progression and development
- remuneration and reward
AI is also firmly on the agenda, with 93% of respondents saying AI tools are being used regularly, used occasionally or being explored within their governance team. However, the findings suggest adoption remains uneven, with governance teams still working through how AI can be used safely and effectively in practice.
Why it matters
For governance professionals, the report provides a useful benchmark for understanding how roles, reward, flexibility and career opportunities compare across the market.
For employers, boards and HR teams, it offers insight into how governance functions are evolving – and where support, structure and recognition may need to catch up.
Governance is becoming more influential, more visible and more demanding. The challenge now is ensuring that the role is properly understood, supported and valued.
Request a copy
To request a copy of The Governance Market Survey 2026: The Reality of the Role, please contact us at team@core-partnership.co.uk and we’ll be happy to send it over.
