Library | ESG issues

Board Structure

An effective board structure combines diverse expertise, skills, backgrounds, gender, and cultural perspectives. Boards consider factors like independence, rotation, term limits, and skill gaps when appointing directors. A well-structured board enhances resilience, strategic leadership, risk management, and investor confidence, fostering long-term value.

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Field guide to impact investing: For Australian charitable trusts and foundations

Impact Investing Hub
This is a comprehensive resource to help organisations make sustainable impact investing decisions. Covering everything from impact measurement to legal structuring, this guide contains expert insights and is designed to be an essential tool for the industry.
Research
4 October 2023

Consideration of social risks and opportunities by occupational pension schemes

Department for Work and Pensions (UK Government)
The UK government is calling for evidence on how occupational pension schemes can appropriately consider financially material social risks and opportunities when making investment decisions. Trustees must adhere to legal requirements to take account of ESG factors in their policies but there is concern that they lack the knowledge to manage financially material social risks.
Research
24 March 2021

Elevating stakeholder voices to the board: A guide to effective governance

Australian Institute of Company Directors
This guide offers Australian directors valuable insights on elevating stakeholder perspectives to the board, emphasising a broader view of corporate interests. It explores stakeholder governance, effective practices, and the advantages of integrating voices from employees, customers, suppliers, and the community into board-level decision-making.
Research
26 April 2021

The role of women on boards in corporate environmental strategy and financial performance: A global outlook

This paper examines the relationship between board gender diversity and environmental strategy and financial performance of firms. Empirical findings indicate that women on boards promote proactive environmental strategies leading to a sustained competitive advantage in both short-term and long-term financial performance.
Research
3 April 2020

Sustainable corporate governance and non-financial disclosure in Europe: Does the gender diversity matter?

This study explores the link between boardroom gender diversity and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure in European listed firms. The results show that having women directors improves ESG practices, potentially enhancing sustainable value creation for firms. The study recommends policy actions promoting gender equality in decision-making roles to further enhance corporate transparency and accountability.
Research
28 June 2021

Increasing female participation on boards: Effects on sustainability reporting

This study explores the relationship between board gender diversity and sustainability reporting using data from 2,116 banks over a ten-year period. Results indicate that having 22–50% female board members positively affects ESG disclosure, but beyond 50%, negative effects appear. It suggests that banks should mandate quotas to promote sustainable disclosure.
Research
18 June 2020

Climate governance study 2024: Moving from vision to action

Australian Institute of Company Directors
This study reveals that Australian directors increasingly prioritise climate change as a material governance issue. However, stakeholders are pulling in a variety of directions, making it challenging for organisations to execute their climate strategies. Policy uncertainty poses the most significant obstacle for climate governance, although the implementation of mandatory climate reporting from July 2025 presents an opportunity for greater accountability.
Research
5 March 2024

Human rights risks in tech: Engaging and assessing human rights risks arising from technology company business models

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
This tool outlines strategies for investors to assess technology companies’ responsibility to respect human rights. It includes questions addressing engagement on specific business model features that may create human rights risks and an evaluation framework to assess company responses.
Research
30 March 2023

Chapter Zero New Zealand

Other Industry / Sector Specific Groups & Sponsored Organisations
Chapter Zero New Zealand is part of a global network of board directors committed to taking action on climate change in Aotearoa. Engage with us for comprehensive insights, resources, and tools to navigate the transition to a sustainable future. Join our community of business leaders committed to responsible practices and environmental stewardship.
Organisation
1 research item

Global Governance Principles

International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN)
The Global Governance Principles (GGPs) from the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) are corporate governance standards that act as a framework for well-governed companies to follow. The GGPs are widely applicable, irrespective of national legislative frameworks or listing rules.
Research
2 September 2021

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Commercial Organisations
Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP) advises companies about how to build long-term sustainable value and positive impact. Working with executives and leaders in its coalition of companies from around the world, CECP shares actionable insights with its coalition of executives to address stakeholder needs.
Organisation
1 research item

Corporate governance principles and recommendations: 4th edition

ASX Corporate Governance Council
The report sets out eight principles and thirty-five recommendations of corporate governance practices for listed entities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The principles and recommendations address emerging issues around culture, values, and trust. It includes governance standards around disclosure, gender diversity, corporate reporting, risk management and director remuneration.
Research
27 February 2019

ASX Corporate Governance Council

Finance Industry Groups
ASX Corporate Governance Council is an independent body that brings together a wide range of business, shareholder and industry groups, each offering their individual insights and perspectives on governance issues. The council develops and issues principle-based recommendations on corporate governance practices adopted by Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listed entities.
Organisation
1 research item

Women on boards and the human capital connection

MSCI Inc.
Companies with a gender diverse board and stronger talent management practices enjoyed higher growth in employee productivity compared to companies with a diverse board only or with strong talent management practices only. Companies with mostly male boards and lagging talent management practices had the lowest rates of employee productivity growth.
Research
1 March 2018

Australian Institute of Company Directors

Other Industry / Sector Specific Groups & Sponsored Organisations
The Australian Institute of Company Directors is committed to strengthening society through world-class governance. The organisation's aim is to be the independent and trusted voice of governance, building the capability of a community of leaders for the benefit of society.
Organisation
5 research items

Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative

Other Industry / Sector Specific Groups & Sponsored Organisations
Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative (CCLI) is a research, education and outreach project focused within four Commonwealth countries: Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom. It examines the legal basis and obligations that directors and trustees have in response to climate change risk.
Organisation
6 research items
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