Corporate Affairs Post-Event Summary Report
Post-event summary report from our Corporate Affairs Breakfast Roundtable with EACD UK
GlobeScan convened senior Corporate Affairs leaders at its London office for an EACD UK breakfast roundtable to discuss what’s changing for the function, and what that means for operating models, decision-making, and cross‑functional coordination. The conversation drew on early insights from the Oxford–GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey 2026.
Participants reflected on how rising expectations, AI‑driven risk, and persistent geopolitical pressures are raising the stakes for Corporate Affairs, prompting renewed questions about roles, ownership, and how to coordinate effectively across the organisation in moments of fast-moving scrutiny.
Key Findings
- Growing pressure on the Corporate Affairs function: Leaders reflected on how rising expectations are stretching existing ways of working and prompting renewed questions about readiness for a more complex risk environment.
- A clear appetite to rethink how Corporate Affairs operates: The discussion revealed strong momentum for reassessing models and approaches, driven by pace and complexity rather than doubt about the function’s value.
- AI is introducing a new category of risk and scrutiny: Participants highlighted AI‑related risk, particularly misinformation, as accelerating external exposure and scrutiny, while exposing uncertainty around accountability and preparedness within organisations.
- Capability and ways of working are becoming a limiting factor: The discussion highlighted growing gaps between what Corporate Affairs is expected to deliver and the skills, capacity, and operating models currently in place.
Read Previous Year’s Reports
- Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey 2025
- Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey 2024
- Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey 2023
The annual Oxford-GlobeScan Corporate Affairs Survey of corporate affairs and corporate communications professionals explores key risks and challenges facing enterprises in coming years and shares internal perspectives on how to best engage with the world to build trust and strong reputations.
The program was founded in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Academy at the world-renowned Säid Business School at Oxford University. It is designed to build the capacity of Corporate Affairs practitioners and assist the function in becoming future-fit.
The European Association of Communication Directors (EACD) brings together current and future communication leaders to inspire excellence in the profession. We provide a credible platform to connect, deepen expertise, share best practice and help shape professional standards.
In a complex and fast‑moving world, the EACD offers its members a trusted space for dialogue, connection and mutual support, where experience is shared and the profession moves forward together.
