PAST CHAPTER EVENTS
Highlights from 03 December 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Chapter Awards 2020
Bring a bit of sparkle into 2020 with the GEO UK Chapter Awards
Don’t let your party dress or DJ gather dust... attendees joined with us on Thursday 03 December 2020 for an alternative take on awards season. Featuring a range of awards, including several suggested by the GEO UK Community, this event was sure to get your December off to a great start!
Highlights from 18 November 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Chapter Virtual Event
TOPIC
The GEO Conference took place virtually in September and October. There were so many fantastic sessions and some great speakers. Our UK community was well represented and we shared some of the highlights in this GEO UK Chapter event.
Highlights from 25 August 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Chapter Meeting
TOPIC
Breaking Boundaries with Employee Benefit Trusts
The Channel Islands has for decades facilitated the expert delivery of share trusts – in this webinar attended heard from our expert panel of Issuers, Advisors and Providers exploring how a share trust facilitated by a professional trustee can supercharge your share plans, talking them through the benefits and practicalities. There was a live Q&A and a fun quiz with a Channel Islands twist with prizes to test share plan and general knowledge at the end!
Often underused and not fully understood, employee share trusts have and continue to play a key part in the success of your share plans - from enabling trading windows to facilitating a successful listing of a private company. Listed companies continue to find new ways to use their share trusts to help them navigate legislation changes in an efficient and robust manner.
Presented by:
Sonia Gilbert, Clifford Chance
Elaine Graham, Zedra
Tom Hicks, Appleby
Keri Simm, Diageo
Stephen Woodhouse, Pett Franklin
Highlights from 01 July 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Event
In these unprecedented times, local communities have come together - and we want to provide the same opportunity for our global share plans family! Rather than only providing topical content, we have created an opportunity to have some fun over video conference. Following the success of the weekly virtual series, we moved to monthly sessions, but don’t worry, all your favourites were still here!
Highlights from 03 June 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Social Hour
For the finale of the #GEOUK weekly series, member spotlights complimented a mix of music and conversation.
Highlights from 01 July 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Event
In these unprecedented times, local communities have come together - and we want to provide the same opportunity for our global share plans family! Rather than only providing topical content, we have created an opportunity to have some fun over video conference. Following the success of the weekly virtual series, we moved to monthly sessions, but don’t worry, all your favourites were still here!
Highlights from 03 June 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Social Hour
For the finale of the #GEOUK weekly series, member spotlights complimented a mix of music and conversation.
Highlights from 27 May 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Meeting
The Share Plan Lounge returned for the penultimate in the weekly series, with another great panel of experts and another chance to get to know members of the #GEOUK community.
Highlights from 20 May 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Social Hour
There was a full house for the third in the virtual series, with the #GEOUK community enjoying member spotlights and Bingo!
Highlights from 13 May 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Virtual Meeting
A change of pace for the second in the virtual series saw #GEOUK member spotlights and a topical discussion with a fantastic panel in the Share Plan Lounge.
Highlights from 06 May 2020
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Inaugural Virtual Social Hour
The first in the virtual series featured member spotlights, a quiz, and an opportunity to maintain connections with the #GEOUK community.
Highlights from 23 October 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting in Manchester
On 23 October 2019, GEO was pleased to host attendees at GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting. Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as to our speakers and event sponsors for their support. Presentation materials are available here.
TOPIC
Case Studies
Case studies on Financial Wellbeing, Employee Engagement and a Share Plans Lounge with industry experts including Aggreko, EY, Link, Pinsent Mason and YBS Share Plans.
Download:
Presentation
Highlights from 17 October 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Social & Scavenger Hunt in London
Points mean Prizes!
As autumn arrived in London, attendees joined us for some fun and games at GEO's UK & Channel Islands Social event in London.
In addition to our usual GEO community networking, we also hosted a scavenger hunt activity for those who were competitively inclined!
Attendees were put into teams and provided with details of their challenges. Participants were entered into a prize draw for two great prizes: A free pass for any upcoming GEO event [for Issuers only]; and a free pass for the GEO PERE event in Berlin on 20 November [open to all].
Those who didn't want to participate in the hunt and prize draw were welcome to join us for some refreshments and good company as we cheered on the teams.
Kindly sponsored by members of the GEO UK & Channel Islands team:
Highlights from 15 August 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting in Edinburgh
TOPICS
Keynote: Phillip Bartlett, Senior Economist, RBS
Philip is currently a senior economist in the RBS Strategy Economics and Corporate Development team. He focusses on helping the bank, and its customers to navigate the economic environment and will provide his thoughts and insights into the current economic outlook and how this might be relevant to employee share plans.
Case Study 1: Diageo Share Plans: From company strategy through to employee share ownership
This case study will demonstrate Diageo’s belief in employee share ownership and how share plans support the Company’s delivery of its performance ambition and corporate strategy. It will explain how employee share plans fit together with its reward philosophy and how Diageo’s purpose is woven throughout their employee share plan communication and engagement strategies. Diageo will also share some employee feedback and of course how success can be measured with plan engagement and participation.
Presented by:
Keri Simm, Head of Shares, Diageo
Case Study 2: RBS - Financial Wellbeing in the Workplace
Managing your money is important, but it’s not always easy. At the Royal Bank of Scotland, we’re passionate about helping our colleagues to make better financial decisions so that they’re better equipped to care for themselves and support our customers. In this session, Thomas Joy and David Edwards will talk about the bank’s financial wellbeing strategy, how employee share plans play an important role in helping colleagues to manage their money, and our plans to innovate in the future.
Presented by:
David Edwards, Royal Bank of Scotland
Tom Joy, Royal Bank of Scotland
The Share Plan Lounge
Informal chat show format hosted by Darren Smith of YBS Share Plans, and special guests discussing the latest in equity news:
Presented by:
John Ball, Unilever
Sophie Altaf, Fidelity
Hannah Needle, Tapestry
Arran Simpson, Deloitte
Download:
Presentation Materials
Networking Reception
Followed by a visit to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! We will take a tram a few stops into the city, where we’ll have a space reserved to use as a base to enjoy the atmosphere and explore the festival.
Highlights from 30 July 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Chapter Webcast
TOPIC
The Role of a Trustee in Your Incentive Plans with Insights from Recent Transactions
An introduction to the role of a trustee and why the Channel Islands has a rich history of providing specialist corporate fiduciary services. There was a discussion of two recent transactions and the impact on incentives arrangements. The concept of a trustee was introduced to those not familiar with the role they play, as well as providing details of real client experiences for those who have existing arrangements.
Case Study 1 - In 2018, Zedra worked closely with their client and stakeholders to ensure the impact of a takeover had minimal effect on employee incentive arrangements. Trustee obligations will be covered, along with decisions and how to manage the tight timeline.
Case Study 2 - Join Sanne for this discussion of a plc de-merger and subsequent acquisition by a US listed company which will cover the evolving role they played throughout this transaction.
Presented by:
Vicki Aston, Sanne
Elaine Graham, Zedra
Materials:
Webcast Recording
Highlights from 20 June 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
GEO Amsterdam Issuer Round-Up
Presented by: Mark Higgins, WPP; Ita Shaughnessy, GAM; Julie Shepherd, Sage
GEO Award Winner Update
Presented by: John Ball, Unilever; Lisa Clegg, Royal Dutch Shell; Veronique Japp, IHS Markit; Meera Mistry, Ascential; Pat Sims, PJS Consultancy
Discussion Streams
Experts from the Amsterdam Conference shared highlights from their presentations across different themes in an interactive format. The aim was for an open discussion on hot topics, so the audience leaves with information that is directly applicable to your own challenges and interests. We had 4 streams:
Regulatory & Compliance
Presented by: Janet Cooper, Tapestry Compliance; Jeremy Edwards, Baker McKenzie; Hannah Needle, Tapestry Compliance; Elena Petrou, Aviva
Design
Presented by: Stuart Bailey, Computershare; Mark Higgins, WPP; Mitan Patel, Fidelity; Louise Sutton, Unilever
Corporate Actions
Presented by: Lynette Jacobs, Pinsent Masons; Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case; Anna Jex, Deloitte; Paul Randall, Hogan Lovells
Communications
Presented by: Sophie Altaf, Fidelity; Amy Brimble, Stitch Communications; June Davenport, Solium; David Edwards, Royal Bank of Scotland; Meera Mistry, Ascential; Pat Sims, PJS Consultancy
Download:
Presentation Materials
Highlights from 05 March 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Social
Attendees mingled with peers and industry experts, as well as celebrated the end (almost) of a busy Q1! Issuers had the chance to win a free pass for GEO's 20th Annual Conference in Amsterdam. A special thank you to Aon for sponsoring this event.
Highlights from 15 January 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands/ProShare Regional Event in Edinbugh
TOPICS
Introduction to GEO and Proshare
Learn about both organisations and their resources offered to you.
Presented by:
Danyle Anderson, Global Equity Organization
Gabbi Stopp, ProShare
Communications Masterclass
Key areas of focus for successful share plan communications and open discussion.
Presented by:
Emma Dawson, Stitch Communications
Remuneration and Governance Update
With particular focus on the new UK corporate governance code.
Presented by:
Fleur Benns, Pinsent Masons
Lynette Jacobs, Pinsent Masons
The Future of Share Plans
Summary of the latest share plans research to help you plan for 2019 and beyond.
Presented by:
Danyle Anderson, Global Equity Organization
Gabbi Stopp, ProShare
Download:
Presentation Materials
Highlights from 14 January 2019
GEO's UK & Channel Islands/ProShare Regional Event in Birmingham
TOPICS
Introduction to GEO and Proshare
Learn about both organisations and their resources offered to you.
Presented by:
Danyle Anderson, Global Equity Organization
Gabbi Stopp, ProShare
Communications Masterclass
Key areas of focus for successful share plan communications and open discussion.
Presented by:
Amy Brimble, Stitch Communications
Charlotte Cooper, Stitch Communications
Remuneration and Governance Update
With particular focus on the new UK corporate governance code.
Presented by:
Julie Swann, Deloitte
The Future of Share Plans
Summary of the latest share plans research to help you plan for 2019 and beyond.
Presented by:
Danyle Anderson, Global Equity Organization
Gabbi Stopp, ProShare
Download:
Presentation Materials
Highlights from 18 October 2018
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Autumn Social Event
Attendees joined us for an evening of networking with peers and industry experts from legal, tax and administrators in the City of London. We connected with some new and familiar faces, and took the opportunity to ask some burning questions to industry peers and experts. We also shared with you some updates on key GEO events coming up in London and Amsterdam, as well as an opportunity to win a free attendee pass to one of them!
Highlights from 20 June 2018
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
Orlando Conference Roundup
Attendees heard from Issuer attendees of the recent GEO annual conference, as they shared highlights from the event and focused on the key insights gained over the 3-day meeting.
Presented by:
Pam Roffe, Royal Dutch Shell
Pat Sims, PJS Consulting
Louise Sutton, Unilever
As a judge of the GEO awards, Pat Sims also shared some tips on the awards process, and introduced you to some of this year’s winners who shared an overview of their case studies.
Featuring:
BAE Systems
HSBC
Janus Henderson
Sage Group
DISCUSSION DENS
We were excited to introduce a new format to this chapter meeting! We broke out into small groups to facilitate focused discussion with leading industry experts, on the topics most relevant to you.
Discussion Dens available were:
Share Plan Case Studies in the News
We discussed the practical implications of the recent share schemes case of J. Eric Daniels vs Lloyds Bank plc. which highlights some key legal considerations for companies when seeking to amend share plan rules. We gained updated insight into how the courts will view Remuneration Committees exercising discretion in relation to treatment of long term incentive awards.
Presented by:
Ian Brown, Associate Director of Legal Reward, Deloitte
Global Surgery
Do you operate a global plan or are you thinking of introducing one? If so, this session was for you. We found out what tax and regulatory changes are on the horizon, and what you can do to prepare your company. Attendees used this intimate setting to troubleshoot their global plan issues with experts and peers - from simplifying your employee communications to addressing those niggling local legal and tax issues.
Presented by:
Sally Blanchflower, Managing Associate, Tapestry Compliance
Hannah Needle, Legal Director, Tapestry Compliance
Maximising your share plan administration
We looked at the best practices, pitfalls and challenges of today's global equity compensation. Offerrf some food for thought on key items and then providrf a surgery approach for practical concerns of the audience to help them improve their share plan management internally or with their administrators.
Presented by:
Chris Mowatt, Director, Barclays
Communications Workshop
Communication is always high on the agenda at industry events, but why? We discussed with industry colleagues, sharing your thoughts on the value it adds to your plans and how to develop a communication strategy that delivers results. We were available to troubleshoot your concerns and hope attendees left with a clearer understanding of how other companies perceive the role communications play in their plans, their approach, insight to your own needs, and some useful tips!
Presented by:
Emma Dawson, Communications Consultant, Stitch Communications
Over there, over here…best practice for running incentive plans in the US and the UK
We shared best practices, focusing on tax after the recent US reforms, as well as providing an open forum to answer your burning questions!
Presented by:
Nicholas Greenacre, Partner, White & Case (UK)
Henrik Patel, Partner, White & Case (US)
What's happening in the board room? The changing corporate landscape
Attendees joined a discussion on how UK listed companies are responding to proposals for the “employee voice” in the boardroom and the increasing focus on reporting of workforce pay and policies. Attendees shared their views and heard how changes are impacting your peers.
Presented by:
Suzannah Crookes, Legal Director, Pinsent Masons
Market Abuse Regulation
Making the tricky calls – things to think about when you want to deal holding inside information. Attendees joined us to find out more and shared their insights.
Presented by:
Cara Hegarty, Senior Lawyer, Linklaters
Download:
Chapter Meeting Presentation – 20 June 2018
Highlights from 07 February 2018
UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
MiFID II Update
MiFID II is one of the largest, most complex pieces of EU legislation to come into effect in recent years. Whilst it is intended to strengthen investor protection and improve market transparency, it poses many challenges to the practical operation of share plans. ProShare's working party has met with the UK regulator, the FCA, and in this session we present what you need to know in order to 'MiFID-proof' your share plans.
Presented by:
Gabbi Stopp, Proshare
What’s on the Horizon for the New Year?
Panel led by Gabbi Stopp of Proshare, looking at what new regulations have come into play, or are coming soon that affect how share plans will need to be designed and managed. Taking into consideration changes including MIFID II, GDPR, UK budget changes and more – take this opportunity to get practical updates from the experts and learn how other firms are dealing with these changes, to help you prepare for the year ahead.
Presented by:
Isobel Evans, EY
Lynette Jacobs, Pinsent Masons
Rob McKinney, HSBC
Jennifer Rudman, Equiniti
Gabbi Stopp, Proshare
Global Updates for 2018
With many companies coming up to their annual share plans grant and vesting cycle, this is a key time of year to review recent changes to tax and regulatory rules which may impact on employee share plans. In particular, tax legislation is often introduced towards the end of the calendar year, coming into force on 1 January. This year we have seen major changes to the tax treatment of employee income in several countries, including the US, France and Romania, which we will discuss. France has also introduced another series of alterations to the ‘Macron’ tax qualified free share regime which will affect existing and new share plans for French employees. We will also cover some key recent/upcoming changes on the regulatory side, such as the introduction of gender pay gap reporting in the UK and how companies are dealing with this. Join us for a global tour of recent relevant tax and regulatory updates.
Presented by:
Hannah Needle, Tapestry Compliance
Lorna Parkin, Tapestry Compliance
Download:
Chapter Meeting Presentation – 07 February 2018
Highlights from 25 July 2017
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
Panel: 2017 GEO Award Winners Share Their Stories
Some of the local award winners from GEO 2017 will join us to share their stories of challenge, success, and excellence in share plans.
Presented by:
Robert Head, Neo Reward
Elena Petrou, Aviva
Jessica Vinsand, SAP
Regulatory Challenges on the Horizon
Looking at GDPR, MIFID, MAR, and Brexit affects on share plans.
Presented by:
Ian Fraser, Simmons & Simmons
Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case LLP
Tim Hickman, White & Case LLP
Highlights from 09 February 2017
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
Session 1: GEO Update
Presented by:
Phil Ainsley, Equiniti
Session 2: GAM Case Study
An insight into GAM's award-winning new global share plan (ProShare winner of Best International Plan 2016)
Presented by:
Hannah Needle, Tapestry
Ita Shaughnessy, GAM
Session 3: Remuneration policy renewal
A "behind the scenes" look at what companies are planning for 2017 in terms of policy renewals and how shareholders are responding, ahead of the upcoming AGM season
Presented by:
Sophie Black, Mercer
Download:
UK & Channel Islands Meeting Presentation
Highlights from 5 October 2016
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Social Event
TOPIC
The Big GEO Quiz
Attendees tested their GEO and general knowledge and met fellow GEO peers!
Presented by:
Question Master - Lindsey Doud, Head of Development & Strategy, RBC cees
Introduction - Nicholas Greenacre, Partner, White & Case
Question Master - Robert Head, Reward Director - Reward Consultant
Highlights from 14 June 2016
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPIC
2016 GEO Award Winners
Hear from some of the organisations who were recognised with a prestigious GEO Award at our 17th Annual Conference in Boston, MA in April. The Awards, now in their 15th year, continue to provide a leading stage for the industry to applaud innovation, excellence and achievement, and to honour individuals and organisations who have engaged, retained and recruited employees through their exemplary and industry leading compensation strategies.
Presented by:
Moderator: Robert Head, 2016 GEO Awards Judge
Louise Sutton, Unilever, winner of Best Plan Communication and Best Use of a Share Plan in an
Emerging Market
Jessica Vinsand, SAP, winner of Most Innovative and Creative Plan Design
Florence Rivoire-Lenglin and Louisa Mellor, DS Smith PLC, winner of Most Creative Solution
Iain Wilson, Computershare, winner of Best Plan Effectiveness
Downloads:
2016 GEO Award Winners
Join the discussion on GEOconnect: UK & Channel Islands meeting success - 14 June 2016 - an update
Highlights from 8 March 2016
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
Session A
2016 AGM Season approaches: what you need to know
Presented by:
Daniele Vitale, Georgeson
Session B
Financial Education case study: Henderson Global Investors
Presented by:
Stuart Hudson, AAG
Shelly Ribbons, Henderson Global Investors
Session C
UK Pension Changes - how will they affect executive compensation?
Presented by:
Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case
Alan Judes, Strategic Remuneration
Download the Presentations
Highlights from 4 November 2015
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPIC
Taxation of Internationally Mobile Employees
Presented by:
Jeremy Edwards, Baker & McKenzie LLP
Sarah McMaster, Baker & McKenzie LLP
Pat Sims, Pearson
Highlights from 11 June 2015
GEO's UK Area Chapter Meeting
TOPICS
AGM season, UK corporate governance update
Presented by:
Matthew Findley, Partner, Pinsent Masons
Andrew Ninian, Director, Corporate Governance and Engagement, The Investment Association
Horizon watching, what will the new Government do affecting equity plans
Presented by:
Suzannah Crookes, Legal Director, Pinsent Masons
Heather Self, Partner, Pinsent Masons
Downloads:
Introduction to GEO
AGM season, UK corporate governance update - Matthew Findley
AGM season, UK corporate governance update - Andrew Ninian
Horizon watching, what will the new Government do affecting equity plans - Heather Self and Suzannah Crookes
Highlights from 11 March 2015
GEO's UK Networking Event at The Counting House
GEO's UK & Channel Islands gathered at the historic Counting House for an exclusive networking event to mark the coming of GEO's 16th Annual Conference to London in April and to meet familiar faces and fellow share plan peers.
Attendees received a welcome toast, courtesy of the UK & Channel Islands committee.
Highlights from 21 January 2015
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPIC
Know Your "Know Your Customer" Compliance Requirements
Presented by:
Giles Capon, Partner, EY
Ian Hopkinson, Partner, EY
David Latham, British American Tobacco plc
Downloads:
Download the presentation
Highlights from 1 July 2014
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
Forfeiture and clawback clauses are becoming more common (and not just in the financial services sector) - how enforceable are they?
Presented by:
Ian Fraser, Partner, Simmons & Simmons
Pensions deregulation - can a pension work as part of a Long Term Incentive Plan?
Presented by:
Nick McMenemy, Director, Head of Consulting, Arthur J. Gallagher Employee Benefits
Findings from the GEO 2014 Survey
Presented by:
Ralph Beidelman, Senior Vice President Total Rewards, Discovery Communications Inc.
Jay Foley, Managing Director, Computershare
Downloads:
Download the presentations
Highlights from 3 October 2013
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPICS
GlaxoSmithKline (Winners of GEO 2013 Awards for Best Plan Communication and Best in Financial Education): Employee Communications
Presented by:
Kirsi Mokhtar-Benounane, GlaxoSmithKline
Mark Sheppard, Copperfield Communication
UK Remuneration Round-up
Presented by:
Stephen Diosi, Ashurst
Global Nominees
Presented by:
Nancy Price, Linklaters
Graham Rowlands-Hempel, Linklaters
Highlights from 7 March 2013
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPIC
Executive pay at the crossroads - what does the future hold?
Presented by:
Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case
Robert Head, Pearsons
John Pymm, Towers Watson
Highlights from 16 February 2011
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPIC
Remuneration in the Financial Services Sector
Presented by:
Sophie Black, Principal, Mercer
Nicholas Greenacre, Partner, White & Case LLP
Jeremy Mindell, Senior Reward and Tax Manager, Henerson Global Investors
David, Shammai, Head of Executive Reward Policy, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Downloads:
Remuneration in the Financial Services Sector
Highlights from 2010 UK Regional Event
2010 GEO UK Regional Event
TOPIC
Up for a Challenge?
The HR community in the financial services sector has had to meet considerable challenges in recent times. With city bonuses already making headlines ahead of the next pay round, more challenges lie ahead. At the 2010 UK regional meeting, attendees heard first-hand experiences of the hurdles companies from the financial services sector and elsewhere are facing in an environment of ever-increasing checks and controls.
more information
Highlights from 8 June 2010
GEO's UK & Channel Islands Meeting
TOPIC
The Impact of the General Election on Share Plans
Presented by:
Judith Greaves, Pinsent Masons
Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case
Downloads:
The Impact of the General Election on Share Plans
Highlights from 2009 UK Regional Event
2009 GEO's UK Regional Event
TOPIC
Taking Stock
Now is the time for companies operating global equity plans to take stock and consider the challenges ahead. At the 2009 UK Regional Meeting, GEO Award-winning companies presented case studies on their state-of-the-art plans and industry experts gave their views on the key current topics for global equity plan professionals.
more information
