SCCE's annual European conference explores compliance and ethics in Lisbon

The Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (SCCE) convened its annual European conference this week in Lisbon, Portugal, attracting over 300 compliance professionals from various sectors. The festival of compliance included networking opportunities, insightful presentations, and discussions designed to further the understanding of compliance and ethics within organisations.

Kicking off the conference on Monday morning, attendees were treated to a keynote presentation that delved into transforming ethics and integrity into beneficial forces within organisations. Bettina Palazzo captured the spirit of the event by sharing a video that illustrated the significant turnout.

In addition to the opening session, a prominent discussion focused on the issue of employee leaks of confidential information. This session not only offered practical strategies for managing these leaks but also provided a nuanced analysis of how such incidents can be indicative of a company’s culture regarding speaking up. Exploring the impacts of an effective communication strategy within a compliance framework was deemed essential.

Another important topic covered was compliance training. Various sessions explored how organisations could assess whether their training initiatives were genuinely having an impact on employee behaviour and compliance culture. Attendees shared innovative approaches and metrics that could be employed to gauge the effectiveness of such programmes.

While the conference had a distinct focus on European compliance issues, the agenda also welcomed insights from diverse global perspectives. This commitment to inclusivity reinforced the idea that compliance is a universal concern that transcends borders and geographical challenges.

Networking was a critical element of the event, as relationships and connections among compliance professionals often yield collaborative opportunities and professional growth. A notable highlight included the introduction of the Portuguese Compliance Officers Association, which was previously unknown to many attendees. This revelation underscored the value of such conferences in fostering community among compliance professionals.

A first-time attendee, Diego Espigado, expressed gratitude in a touching farewell sentiment, reflecting on the conference's positive impact and the community’s vibrant spirit. Participants have continued to share their experiences and reflections post-conference on various social media platforms using hashtags such as #ECEI2025 and #ECEI, allowing for broader participation and engagement beyond those physically present.

The SCCE is credited withthe  excellent organisation and execution of the event, providing a platform for compliance professionals to converge, learn, and collaborate. Looking ahead, the Society has announced the dates for the next European conference, set to take place from March 2 to March 4, 2026, in Berlin, promising to be another significant occasion for those in the compliance sector to come together.

The event in Lisbon not only facilitated discussions and knowledge-sharing but also reinforced the crucial role compliance plays in organisational integrity and reputation management within the business landscape. As the community continues to grow and evolve, these annual conferences serve as vital touchpoints for professionals dedicated to advancing ethical practices and compliance standards across industries.