Management governance professionals insurance

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What is management governance professionals insurance?  

Management governance professionals insurance secures individuals who work behind the scenes to help run businesses. These professionals include:  

  • company secretaries  
  • governance officers  
  • board advisors  
  • compliance managers  
  • risk and assurance leads  
  • heads of corporate governance  

They help boards stay legal, organised and accountable. With real risks across sectors, having the right insurance is a requirement.  

Why insurance for management governance professionals matters  

If a charity trust is fined because documents are filed wrong, it can delay important funding. The board may blame the hired governance advisor, who might not have insurance. 

They could face legal costs and harm to their reputation without proper financial protection. Insurance is the safeguard against this. 

Management governance professionals insurance: industry trends and emerging risks 

Increased board-level responsibility under the UK Corporate Governance Code has made more professionals take out directors and officers (D&O) insurance. 

With more meetings held online, cyber insurance is growing to protect private files and board systems. Many professionals now work freelance, so there’s more demand for tailored professional indemnity (PI) cover. 

Brokers must assess emerging problems in the management governance professionals insurance sector: 

  • AI errors in board records: faulty meeting notes can lead to PI claims for bad advice 
  • overseas work risks: cross-border roles may void UK PI insurance policies 
  • fast-changing rules: ESG and data laws raise threat of missed compliance steps 

Cyberattacks on board software can leak private data and lead to costly claims. And as roles blur between governance and legal teams, insurance gaps can grow.  

It’s up to brokers to look closely at each client’s duties when advising on management governance professionals insurance. 

Management governance professionals insurance FAQs 

What does a governance professional do? 

A governance professional supports boards by helping them follow the law, record decisions, and manage risks. They make sure meetings, filings, and policies are done properly. 

In this page’s context, a management governance professional is a broader term. It includes governance officers, company secretaries, and consultants who advise on board-level duties. 

Do I need insurance as a NED? 

Yes, non-executive directors (NEDs) should have insurance to shield themselves. Even if they don’t manage day-to-day work, they can still be held legally responsible. 

Many NEDs are covered by their company’s D&O insurance. But if they work across several boards, personal cover is often a smart move.  

This is where management governance professionals insurance comes in—offering specialised protection for board-level risks. 

Are NEDs part of management governance professionals? 

Some NEDs give advice on governance or sit on several boards. In these cases, they fall under the management governance professionals category and may need added insurance. 

Can a non-executive director be sued? 

Yes, NEDs can be sued for reasons like poor oversight or failing to flag risks. They face the same legal duties as executive directors under UK law. 

Claims can come from shareholders, regulators, or even employees. Without D&O insurance, NEDs risk paying legal costs out of their own pocket. 

Do directors need professional indemnity insurance? 

Most directors rely on D&O insurance, but those offering advice or governance services may need PI too. This includes NEDs working as consultants or in multiple roles. 

What is the difference between D&O and PI insurance? 

D&O insurance covers board members if they’re sued for decisions made in their role. It helps with legal costs and claims against them personally. 

PI insurance covers mistakes in advice or services, like giving the wrong guidance or missing a deadline. It’s made for professionals who offer support or consultancy. 

Both are useful in management governance professionals insurance, as they protect against different hazards. 

Is professional indemnity insurance the same as management liability? 

No, they are different. Management liability often includes D&O cover, while PI is separate and covers service errors. 

A board decision claim goes to D&O. A mistake in advice goes to PI. Many professionals need both, based on how they work. 

What are common management governance professionals insurance options? 

Besides PI, D&O, and cyber insurance, other common options include: 

  • legal expenses insurance 
  • public liability insurance 
  • combined business insurance 
  • employers’ liability insurance 
  • portable equipment cover 

Management governance professionals often need a mix of these, especially if they work across different boards or provide advice as independent consultants. 

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