Business schools collaborate on launch of handbook to remove barriers to board effectiveness

Researchers have uncovered vital policy and practice gaps which are blocking the ability of boards to act collectively and effectively.

In response they have launched the Board Behavioural Dynamics Handbook, which draws upon a review of over 50 FTSE Board disclosures as well as consultation with over 600 stakeholders through workshops and webinars.

“Boards have evolved substantially over the past two decades. But unlocking effectiveness and success has been stifled by a lack of understanding around the behavioural and relational aspects of board effectiveness, and with increased economic, societal and geopolitical challenges, the stakes for senior leaders have never been higher to make the right decisions,” said Professor Ruth Sealy from Henley Business School, who led the project with Loretto Leavy from the University of Exeter Business School.

“Understanding and optimising behavioural dynamics is key to success and forms the foundations of the Handbook, providing a framework to help boards identify the approach that is proportionate to their circumstances.”

Designed from a strategic and process perspective, the Handbook provides strategic insights for Chairs, Directors, and Nominations Committees, and detailed process maps for Company Secretaries and Advisors. The Handbook is relevant to Boards of listed UK PLCs and large, highly regulated organisations.

“Boards have been making progress on internal dynamics for some time, but without a market understanding of current practices progress has been held back. We are incredibly proud not only to address this gap but to do so with the insights and engagement of over 600 participants,” said Leavy.

Developed in collaboration with the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, the Handbook provides the missing framework to facilitate ‘people processes’ within a board and ensure it can function optimally.

“This is such an important issue. Having a practical and comprehensive resource which has gone through feedback from so many people is a huge advantage for the boards which engage with it. It is also reassuring that it highlights the central role of the Company Secretary and governance professionals in facilitating these board processes and their key role working with the Chair, Board and Nomination Committee,” said Peter Swabey, Policy and Research Director at the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.

The Handbook presents clear and actionable insights in practical steps that can be taken to deliver board behavioural dynamics in a considered and planned manner.

It defines the board behavioural dynamics architecture which forms the basis of a refreshed Nomination Committee approach. The next stage of the programme is to engage Chairs and Directors to further build how this architecture is strategically delivered, in the autumn of 2025.

Officially launched at the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Annual Conference on 1 July 2025, the Handbook is an open resource which will evolve and be updated to respond to the market to ensure it stays relevant. It is a market-driven tool developed with the engagement of the practitioner community.

To find out more about the research or download a copy of the Handbook, visit the dedicated website here.