Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on board practices and processes, the insights in this report have been drawn from interviews and roundtables with directors and company secretaries, as well as a survey of Australian Institute of Company Directors members.

Lessons  from the pandemic 

With input from directors and company secretaries  across a range of sectors, the report identifies key learnings  and recommendations to help organisations ensure they are better prepared for future crises.

The report looks at:

• The foundations that must be in place for the board and company secretary to add value in a  crisis;
• Effective crisis  and continuity  planning – what it  looks  like  in practice;
• The impact and future of virtual meetings; and
• How  the pandemic has changed  the  way  boards  engage  with stakeholders.

Recommendations on the path forward   

To help organisations develop stronger resilience and navigate their way out of the pandemic, the report also offers:

• Recommendations that address each of the key learnings;
• Practical tips to help boards operate and govern in the new environment;
• Insights from prominent directors; and
• Case studies exploring the virtual and hybrid AGM experience.

While the insights in this report are drawn from the COVID-19 experience, boards must anticipate further disruptions to how their organisations work. COVID-19 has shown us that unlikely but catastrophic impact events can and do occur. By exploring how technology can be used to facilitate effective board meetings, and understanding the impact of a crisis on boards, management and stakeholders, it is hoped that this report will help develop stronger organisational resilience.