Beyond the Boardroom
Helena Morrissey's May Newsletter
A Note from Helena
Dear subscribers,
I had a great trip to Australia, visiting Perth, Sydney and Melbourne before spending two days in Singapore, all with CT Group, the research, intelligence and campaigning company. I met with many clients and prospects, diplomats and local CT Group employees.
I also spent time with the 30% Club in Australia and its wonderful Chair Nicola Wakefield-Evans and the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations, which is the umbrella organisation for over 60 groups working on everything from helping women who have suffered domestic abuse to equal career opportunities.
Huge thanks to Sir Lynton Crosby, executive chairman, my hosts Catherine Douglas MD Australia (along with the wonderful Maddy and Siobhan who made everything run so smoothly) and Abdul Malik and Liberty Pegg in Singapore. It was a very productive visit that swept in an interview with The Australian, a cocktail party at the Aster Bar at the Intercontinental Hotel Sydney (with its magnificent view, captured above), a sailing trip around Sydney Harbour (thank you again to Nicola Wakefield-Evans) and - of course - a Singapore Sling at Raffles.
My trip coincided with President Trump's initial dramatic announcements on global trade tariffs, which naturally dominated many conversations. There is a clear opportunity for the UK to work with willing partners around the globe as we adjust to a new world order - the subject of my latest Telegraph article (see below).
Back in the UK, this month finds me deeply engaged in parliamentary work on the Employment Rights Bill, continuing to progress genuine diversity and inclusion efforts amidst the backlash, and preparing for some exciting upcoming summer events. I'm particularly looking forward to sharing the findings from research commissioned by the Diversity Project research on cognitive diversity and investment performance.
The Australian: International Perspectives
I was featured in The Australian this month, discussing global economic shifts and the implications for international markets - and my views on the importance of character and ethics in business. View the article
Thought Leadership
The Telegraph: Britain's Opportunity in Trump's Tariff Chaos
In my latest Telegraph article, I explore how the disruption caused by President Trump's tariff policies could create opportunities for Britain – but only if we're prepared to act decisively and strategically.
Read the full article: "Trump's tariff chaos could form a new Britain. But only if we act now"
Parliamentary Work: Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill has now entered the 'Committee' stage in the House of Lords, where we're examining proposed amendments to strengthen and refine this extensive piece of legislation.
I've tabled and supported several amendments focused on protecting vulnerable workers and creating safer, more equitable workplaces:
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
I've proposed and supported amendments to restrict and govern the use of non-disclosure agreements in sexual harassment cases. Building on the support we received from our Diversity Project consultations and last year’s Sexism in the City Parliamentary review, these amendments aim to prevent the misuse of NDAs that can silence victims and perpetuate toxic workplace cultures.
Preventing and Addressing Harassment
Currently, the Bill proposes requirements for employers to prevent sexual harassment. I've tabled an amendment that would also require them to actively address harassment when it occurs. Prevention is crucial, but having clear protocols for addressing incidents is equally important for creating truly safe workplaces.
Parental Leave Review
I've added my support to an amendment requiring the government to review parental leave arrangements, including extending leave for fathers, within six months of the Act being passed. The government would then have eighteen months to return to Parliament with concrete proposals. This aligns perfectly with the winning idea from the Dragons' Den contest at the Diversity Project’s International Women’s Day event – recognising that workplace equality depends on progress toward equality at home.
The Committee sessions are expected to continue well into May, reflecting the comprehensive nature of this legislation and the careful scrutiny it deserves.
Diversity Project Update
Global Executive Webinar
I recently moderated a global webinar for executives participating in the Diversity Project, focusing on how to reposition diversity and inclusion efforts to be more strategically embedded within organisations. This session was part of our ongoing program to help leaders navigate and address the current DEI backlash thoughtfully and effectively.
The discussion centered on moving from isolated initiatives to integrated strategies that demonstrate clear business value while staying true to our core principles of meritocracy and opportunity for all. There was also recognition that leaders who remain committed need to communicate that clearly; silence suggests waning interest or enthusiasm.
Our panel of global executives agreed that it’s the execution of DEI that has sometimes gone awry, not the intent or the values behind it. The ‘why’ remains as before, but the ‘how’ needs to change to be more effective.
Now is an opportunity to emerge with better, more strategic efforts that are genuinely inclusive and make sense to all those who share the goals of creating the best teams and opportunity for everyone with talent.
Research Preview: Cognitive Diversity and Investment Performance
I'm excited to share that we're approaching the release of findings from the study commissioned from Professor Alex Edmans of the London Business School. The research examines the linkage between cognitive diversity and investment decision-making. We’ve defining cognitive diversity as the range of perspectives gained through background, education, skills, experience, and ways of thinking. In other words, diversity of thought.
A glimpse of the headline finding: there is indeed a real benefit to cognitive diversity in investment teams, but – crucially – only when leaders manage those teams effectively. This nuanced conclusion reinforces what many of us have long believed: diversity alone isn't a magic solution; it requires thoughtful leadership to unlock its potential.
Full findings will be revealed soon, along with practical guidance for leaders and managers on creating genuinely high-performing diverse teams.
Family Corner
It was so wonderful to meet beautiful Sylvia, the firstborn child for my middle son Tuppy and his amazing wife Matilda, and fifth grandchild for Richard and me. The picture shows Sylvia at two days old with her two very happy grannies!
Looking Ahead
Travel & Board Meetings
I'll be traveling to Bermuda and Jersey - and Bristol! - for board meetings in the coming weeks, continuing my governance responsibilities across multiple jurisdictions.
30% Club 15th Anniversary Celebration
Richard and I will be celebrating the 15th anniversary of the 30% Club along with so many others who have been involved – a milestone moment to reflect on how far we've come in transforming corporate boardrooms and to chart our course for continued progress.
Altum Alternatives Live Event
I'm particularly looking forward to speaking at the 'Altum Alternatives Live' event alongside a great speaker lineup including Steven Bartlett. The focus will be on innovative thinking in investment and business. It promises to be a dynamic event about disruption, adaptation, and the future of alternative investments.
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