Library | ESG issues

Governance

The governance pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) refers to the systems, policies, and practices that ensure an organisation is managed responsibly and ethically. It includes issues such as board structure, reporting & disclosures, shareholders & voting, and risk management. Strong governance reduces risks, enhances trust, and supports long-term business sustainability.

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Global responsible investment trends: Inside PRI reporting data 2025

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
The 2025 PRI report analyses data from 3,048 signatories, highlighting trends in climate risk management, stewardship, and human rights. Asset owners show increased engagement, with climate and social issues gaining priority. Investors continue integrating responsible investment into decision-making and oversight, with varied progress across policy, governance, and disclosure practices.
Research
26 March 2025

CIM's impact report 2024

Conscious Investment Management
CIM’s FY2024 Impact Report details investments in social and affordable housing, disability accommodation, and carbon farming. The portfolio supported 260 homes, 114 SDA dwellings, and biodiversity-focused climate projects, while applying rigorous impact measurement. The report reflects lessons from emerging sectors and First Nations partnerships.
Research
10 October 2024

The disability inclusion imperative

Disability:IN
Companies excelling in disability inclusion earn higher revenue, profit, and productivity. Despite rising interest, action lags. Barriers include disclosure fears and cost assumptions. The report introduces a five-part “A List” framework—Access, Awareness, Advocacy, Action, Accountability—to guide inclusive practices and improve organisational and financial outcomes.
Research
20 January 2024

2024 board diversity index

Governance Institute of Australia
This benchmark series provides an annual analysis of board diversity across ASX300 companies. It tracks representation beyond gender, covering areas such as cultural background, skills, age, tenure, and independence. The series offers longitudinal insights to assess diversity trends and board composition in the Australian corporate sector.
Benchmark/series
2 April 2024

Australia's employer gender pay gaps series

Australian Government
This benchmark series, produced by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, reports on employer gender pay gaps across Australia’s private sector. It provides comparative insights into pay disparity trends by industry, employer size, and remuneration levels, supporting ongoing evaluation and improvement of workplace gender equality practices.
Benchmark/series
4 March 2025

CEW's senior executive census series

Chief Executive Women (CEW)
This benchmark series tracks annual progress in women's representation in executive leadership roles across the ASX300. It provides a consistent and comparative overview of gender diversity trends, highlights structural barriers, and evaluates corporate efforts towards achieving gender balance in leadership.
Benchmark/series
18 September 2024

Chief Executive Women (CEW)

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Chief Executive Women (CEW) is an Australian organisation uniting over 1,200 senior women leaders across sectors to advance gender equity. CEW offers leadership programs, scholarships, and conducts research to support women's progression into executive roles. Its members collectively oversee more than 1.3 million employees and $749 billion in revenue.
Organisation
1 research item

2024 disability equality index

Disability:IN
The Disability Equality Index is a benchmark series assessing corporate performance in disability inclusion across multiple markets. It provides organisations with a structured tool to evaluate, compare, and enhance their inclusive practices aligned with sustainability and governance expectations.
Benchmark/series
30 October 2024

RIAA's responsible investment standard assessment note: For RIAA certified products trading with ‘impact’ in the product label

Responsible Investment Association Australasia
This note outlines RIAA’s requirements for certified products using ‘impact’ labels, ensuring alignment with international impact investing standards. It details criteria on intentionality, measurement, and investor contribution, and sets thresholds to avoid misleading claims. Products must show evidence of positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.
Research
1 September 2023

How just transition can help deliver the Paris Agreement

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
This report outlines how embedding just transition principles in climate strategies supports equitable decarbonisation. It presents trends, case studies, and a UNDP framework guiding countries to integrate socio-economic considerations into their Nationally Determined Contributions and Long-Term Strategies, promoting inclusive, sustainable development in line with the Paris Agreement.
Research
20 January 2023

Drova’s ESG stakeholder materiality assessment

Drova’s ESG Stakeholder Materiality Assessment is a digital tool designed to identify and prioritise environmental, social, and governance issues relevant to an organisation and its stakeholders. Aligned with frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), it facilitates stakeholder engagement and produces a materiality matrix to inform sustainability strategy. The platform streamlines the assessment process, reducing time and cost compared to traditional methods.
Online tool/database

Navigating portfolio exposure to conflict-affected and high-risk areas: Practical guidance for investor engagement with companies

Heartland Initiative
This report offers practical guidance for investors engaging companies on managing conflict-affected and high-risk area (CAHRA) exposure. It highlights legal obligations, best practices in heightened human rights due diligence, and governance strategies, drawn from pilot dialogues with tech and renewable energy firms. Recommendations target risk mitigation aligned with global standards.
Research
30 April 2025

The saliency-materiality nexus: Addressing systemic risks to people and portfolios in a turbulent world

Heartland Initiative
This report introduces the saliency-materiality nexus, a framework linking severe human rights harms to financially material risks in conflict-affected areas. It highlights case studies totalling over $85 billion in losses and offers guidance for investors on due diligence, portfolio risk management, and alignment with legal and ethical responsibilities.
Research
23 August 2024

Heartland Initiative

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Heartland Initiative is a nonprofit investor advisory organisation dedicated to advancing human rights in investment. It collaborates with institutional investors, civil society, and policymakers to address systemic risks and promote responsible investment practices. Heartland offers tailored learning services and fosters environments that integrate human rights considerations into business strategies.
Organisation
2 research items

PRI's human rights due diligence tool for real estate investors

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
The UN PRI’s Human Rights Due Diligence Tool for Real Estate Investors provides a structured approach to identify, assess, and manage human rights risks in property investments, aligning with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles and OECD Guidelines. It supports responsible investment decision-making.
Online tool/database
16 May 2025

How to identify human rights risks: A practical guide in due diligence

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This guide outlines a structured approach for investors to identify and prioritise human rights risks across countries, sectors, and companies. It supports due diligence through risk mapping, severity assessment, and prioritisation frameworks, promoting responsible investment aligned with international human rights standards.
Research
5 June 2023
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