Does your business have a shape that defines it? Ours does. Perhaps our name gives it away.

At Round Governance, our shape has always been a circle—a circle of trust, expertise, connection, and shared purpose.

This year, that circle didn't just hold its shape. It grew, it flexed, and it embraced.

Circling and highlighting our official status

We've always conducted ourselves to the highest standards, and we recognise and respect the Chartered Governance Institute's Public Practice Scheme. We're proud of our membership and status as a CGI-approved Public Practitioner.

You might think it's a badge of honour. And it is. But it also reflects the widening circle of confidence around our work—one that assures our clients that the governance advice they receive is rooted in recognised expertise and the highest professional standards.

Kerry Round, Founding Director, says, "This was one of the very first accreditations I applied for when I set up Round Governance nearly eight years ago. It's important to us that we practice what we preach, holding ourselves accountable and to the highest standards of integrity."

Our expertise goes full circle

Our General Counsel to Co Sec course became CPD accredited—a milestone that confirms what we've always believed: practical, applicable learning, when done right, lifts not only people but the organisations they serve.

For our clients, this means the people supporting them are progressing through training that's formally recognised, structured and of the highest quality. Our programme is not about General Counsel stepping into Company Secretary roles. It is about supporting and guiding GCs who find themselves in uncharted waters—often beyond their control and outside their comfort zones.

We are always proud to welcome professionals into the governance profession.

Leadership at the centre of RGS

One of the most significant moments this year was seeing our Founding Director, Kerry Round, voted by the members and appointed to the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland Board of Directors.

It placed her at the heart of the governance profession. Kerry has always been a beacon of change and creativity in our world. She continually advocates for high standards, constructively challenges, shapes the future of the field, and brings those insights directly back to our clients and community.

Kerry says, "I was overwhelmed at receiving the members' vote as Director of the Board of the UKI CGI. My application spoke of being part of a Board that continues to work with a diverse population of members, that continues to evolve its practices and offerings, and that stays alert to how the world, its organisations, and their governance structures move forward. A Board is only as strong as its members, and I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and contributing to the Institute's ongoing work. It's a role I take seriously, and I'm proud to take my place at the table and be a small part of the Institute's future."

We're proud of you, Kerry!

**The circle expands with knowledge**

Our team welcomed Governance Director Jane Powell, whose depth of experience and steady leadership have already strengthened the support we provide clients.
Jane says “Joining Round Governance has been an exhilarating journey from day one—jumping straight into meaningful work, reconnecting with inspiring leaders, and collaborating with courageous, like-minded individuals on diverse projects. And the unexpected perks? Fresh veg boxes and coffee pods! A fantastic experience all around.”

Precision matters more than ever. Kim Carey, Governance Manager, achieved her professional proofreading and editing qualification, ensuring the quality surrounding clients' policies, reports, and documentation is tighter than ever.

Kim says, "Words matter. Clear, accurate communication is at the heart of good governance and adding this credential to my toolkit helps ensure that what we share is polished, precise and professional.”

Looping you in

In September, we launched Governance Decoded, our YouTube channel that tackles governance questions simply and clearly.

It's our way of widening the circle—understanding that different people access their information in different forms - inviting you into conversations that often happen behind closed doors, and giving clients and professionals quick, reliable guidance when they need it.

In the summer, we welcomed our community to the second Gather Round event—an afternoon of shared learning, honest conversations, and solidarity among Co Secs and governance professionals. We had some wonderful speakers, including Design Portfolio, Slaughter & May and Companies House, to name but a few.

This get-together is becoming a tradition, a circle within our circle, where peers connect, support each other and build confidence in their practice. Join us in 2026.

We've had the privilege of speaking at several events this year — sharing our knowledge through speaker panels and workshops. Highlights include the CGIUKI Governance North Conference in Manchester, providing insights on careers in sustainability for women at Sheffield Hallam University, and teaching on Flex Legal's Readiness Programme for their second cohort of Company Secretaries in London.

Alongside these, we've contributed to a plethora of virtual webinars — perhaps too many to list!

We’ve put a ring on it and made it official

With the ever-increasing demand for our Board performance reviews, we turned our attention to formal accreditation.

We're pleased to share that Round Governance Services is now officially recognised as a CGI-accredited Board reviewer. The Chartered Governance Institute took a close look at our approach, tested our processes, reviewed our resources, and examined our record of success.

We’re proud to have met their standards and to be part of a community committed to high-quality governance practice.

Flexing the circle of trust

We believe the profession grows stronger when we lift others.

Claire Taylor, RGS Governance Consultant says, "With only 19% of lawyers coming from lower socio-economic backgrounds, there's still so much to do. Which is why I'm especially pleased to be playing my own small part by becoming a Flex Legal mentor."

"One of the highlights of being asked to be a Flex Legal mentor was getting to visit the House of Lords. It was great to hear about why it exists, its plans for the future, and to hear from trainees themselves about the obstacles they have overcome to pursue their chosen careers was truly inspiring."

Rounding off our achievements

Finally, we're proud of what hasn't changed—our team line-up. Kerry, Kim, Helen, Claire, Jodi and Jane make up 8 years of 100% employee retention for Round Governance.

It's a testament to the culture we've built (work anytime, anywhere), the trust we nurture, our commitment and the fact that we enjoy working together.

For clients, it means something simple but rare…continuity.

When you work with us, you're supported by people who have been working together for years, not months.

2025 was a year in which every Round Governance accomplishment connected to the next, creating a stronger circle of support around our team, our community, and, most importantly, our clients.

Circles evoke harmony and inclusivity. They draw us in with their symmetry, openness and lack of hard edges. Their smooth, continuous shape suggests completeness. And while the RGS mission is far from complete, our clients, supporters and collaborators who walk with us make the circle feel whole. As we step into a new year, we do so with a sense of connection, confidence, and an ever-growing commitment to keep expanding our circle.

Here's to the next round of 12 months.