The 'FT–ICSA Boardroom Bellwether' is a twice-yearly survey of FTSE 350 companies. We ask how they are addressing the challenges of the economy and market conditions and how their boards are responding to the wider business and governance environment.

This report summarises the key findings of the latest survey, which took place during the first two weeks of November 2015. Carried out by ICSA in association with the Financial Times, the survey canvasses the views of the FTSE 350 by contacting the company secretary. Their pivotal position at the heart of the boardroom gives them a unique perspective on how boards are responding to external pressures such as political and market conditions as well as how they are tackling key governance issues such as board diversity, succession planning, shareholder engagement and risk.

The data is analysed in an aggregated and anonymised form. Questions cover a range of general business issues as well as more specific governance matters. Although some questions change from survey to survey, the core remains the same to reveal trends and shifts in opinion.