What High-Performing Boards Do Differently: Governance Priorities for 2027

As boards prepare for 2027, the question isn't simply whether governance structures, committees, and policies are in place, but whether they help the board operate effectively. High-performing boards continually assess how oversight, enterprise risk, internal audit, information flow, management accountability, committee coordination, escalation, and decision-making work together in practice.

In this NACD RTC interactive program, Grant Thornton will lead a practical discussion of governance practices that strengthen board effectiveness and where oversight can break down.

The program will examine how directors can more effectively leverage the governance system, including internal audit, enterprise risk oversight, management reporting, escalation protocols, decision rights, committee coordination, and accountability for follow-through. Experienced directors and governance leaders will bring practical perspective on lessons learned, common challenges, and the practices that distinguish high-performing boards.

Participants will then apply those concepts through facilitated tabletop discussions focused on real-world governance challenges. The discussions will let directors explore how oversight responsibilities, risk ownership, information quality, escalation, and accountability work when issues cross functions and committee boundaries.

The program will conclude by translating the discussion into practical priorities for the 2027 governance cycle, helping directors identify where greater clarity, coordination, or discipline may strengthen board and committee effectiveness.

Attendees will leave with practical insights to bring back to their own boards to assess governance effectiveness, strengthen oversight, and set priorities for the year ahead.

• Assess how governance structures, oversight processes, and committee responsibilities work together to support effective board decision-making.
• Identify common breakdowns in risk oversight, information flow, escalation, accountability, and cross-committee coordination.
• Evaluate how boards can more effectively leverage internal audit, enterprise risk management, management reporting, and decision rights.
• Apply governance principles to real-world scenarios involving shared oversight responsibilities and complex enterprise risks.
• Identify practical priorities to strengthen board and committee effectiveness for the 2027 governance cycle.

An NACD RTC Director Imperatives Program led by Grant Thornton.