Legal leadership with impact: navigating the GC to Trustee and NED journey

What does it take for senior in-house lawyers to successfully step into trustee and non-executive director (NED) roles and how can they translate legal leadership into meaningful boardroom impact across the not-for-profit sector?

We’re excited to welcome you to our next Taylor Root UK Trustee Network event in Blackfriars, London, featuring a candid and insightful Q&A with: 

• Sabine Chalmers, a seasoned General Counsel, NED for Bank of England and board member, leading the legal function at BT, winner of In-House Legal Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2025
• Gillian Fairfield, FTSE NED, Investment Committee Trustee for The National Trust for Scotland and Legal Director for Cancer Research UK. Winner of The Lawyer Awards’ In-House Team of the Year 2025; previously The Lawyer Awards‘ Client Partner of the Year at Herbert Smith Freehills; currently NED at the Earlham Institute of Genomics
• Shrina Shah, General Counsel at F1® Arcade, Board Trustee of Virgin Unite and London Marathon Foundation, Board Advisor for BAFTA and Trustee (previously Interim Chair) of the Board of the Kiln Theatre in London where she sits on the Nominations Committee

Moderated by Georgia Morgan-Wynne, who is hosting the event alongside Sarah Ingwersen, this panel discussion is designed for senior in-house lawyers exploring trustee and NED roles in the not-for-profit and broader boardroom landscape.

We will cover:

• Why trustee roles aren’t always what they seem
• The differences between being in management and being a trustee or NED
• How to conduct due diligence before joining a board
• What makes a trustee or NED role truly rewarding
• The distinction between chair and trustee responsibilities
• How to secure your first board role and what skills will help you stand out

Whether you’re just starting your trustee or NED journey or looking to deepen your boardroom experience, this session will offer practical advice, inspiration and a chance to connect with peers.

If you would like to attend, please register your interest below and we will be in touch to confirm your place. By signing up, you agree to join the Taylor Root UK Trustee Network and receive future updates and opportunities.