Event to make Trustees and NEDs think deeper
Digital transformation is no longer simply an IT issue. For organisations seeking to remain competitive, resilient and sustainable, the digital environment is influencing everything from strategy and operations to customer experience, governance and decision-making.
That is why the upcoming event taking place at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland on Monday 21 September 2026, will focus on a timely question:
What is the board’s role in digitising an organisation?
Running from 11.00am to 4.30pm, the event hosted by Andrew Marsh will bring together business and charity leaders for a day of expert presentations, discussion, networking and reflection.
Andrew who runs, facilitates and manages The Experience Bank Peer Groups (TEBPGs) has organised the day for his cohort members, their guests and those interested in being a potential member. Peer group members are all aspiring or existing trustees and NEDs or people working at advisory or consultancy board level. Andrew said: “For many organisations, digital transformation can appear daunting. New technologies emerge rapidly, while businesses are expected to make informed decisions about artificial intelligence, automation, data, cybersecurity and digital strategy.
“But successful digital transformation is rarely about adopting technology for technology’s sake. The board has an important role in setting the direction, establishing priorities and ensuring that digital investment supports the wider ambitions of the organisation. This means asking the right questions, understanding risk and opportunity, and creating an environment in which digital innovation can deliver genuine business value.”
The event promises to explore these issues in practical terms, examining how boards can contribute to creating an organisation that is capable of adapting to an increasingly digital world.
The programme begins with arrival and networking at 11.00am, followed by a welcome and a presentation from the BIC on their outstanding work with business owners in the region.
After lunch, the afternoon will feature a series of speaker sessions before moving into a panel discussion, self-reflection and further networking. The day will close at 4.30pm.
Among the featured topics are:
Challenging some of the assumptions surrounding no-code software and explore what it can realistically offer organisations. As businesses look for faster and more accessible ways to develop digital solutions, no-code and low-code approaches are becoming increasingly relevant. Understanding where these tools can add value is an important consideration for boards and senior leaders.
Exploring what a good digital strategy looks like. A strong digital strategy goes beyond a list of technologies or projects, connecting digital activity to organisational objectives, customer needs and long-term growth. For boards, the challenge is ensuring that digital strategy is embedded within the overall business strategy rather than treated as a separate initiative.
The board’s use of AI, including evaluation and recognition. Already changing the way organisations work, AI’s rapid development raises questions around governance, risk, skills and responsible adoption. The conversation around AI is moving quick so effective leadership is critical to ensuring organisations capture opportunities.
Andrew Marsh concluded: “The central theme of the day is that digital capability should ultimately create sustainable advantage. That requires more than buying new software or introducing new tools. It requires leadership.
“Boards need to consider whether their organisation has the right culture, skills and processes to make technology work effectively. They also need to understand how digital decisions affect customers, employees, security, finances and long-term organisational resilience.
“In an environment where technological change is accelerating, standing still can itself become a strategic risk. For boards and senior leaders, the event offers a valuable opportunity to consider not just what technology can do, but what leadership needs to do to make digital transformation work.”
The day provides an opportunity for attendees to step away from the day-to-day pressures of running an organisation and consider some fundamental questions:
Is our digital strategy aligned with our overall business strategy?
Does our board understand the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technology?
Are we making effective use of data and AI?
Are our digital investments delivering measurable value?
Do our people have the skills needed for the future?
Are we innovating quickly enough while maintaining appropriate governance?
These are questions that increasingly belong at board level.
Alongside this event, Andrew has a number of events for senior leaders, including a roundtable event on 29th September on Building your own and your boards effectiveness; an event on Cyber Security; and an economic debate event in November. Watch this space for further details.
If you want to join the conversation at the event on the 21st September, or any future events, please contact Andrew Marsh at andrew@theexperiencebank.co.uk