The integrated thinking journey: The Cbus case study

Main points: David Atkin CEO of Cbus Super Fund discusses how the process of developing integrated reporting led to more integrated thinking which in turn: helped their response to COVID-19 supported the integration of sustainable development considerations into investment practices Asset owners have an important role to play in achieving the SDGs Cbus have been […]

Issues with assurance on SDG disclosures and NFR

by Carol Adams Main points: The consultation informing the SDGD Recommendations identified a number of gaps in assurance provision; The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) is currently consulting on guidance on Extended External Reporting (EER) Assurance.  Readers will no doubt be familiar with examples of ‘green washing’ and ‘rainbow washing’ (referring the UN […]

Call for improved UN Sustainable Development Goals disclosures

by Carol A Adams Main points: Sustainable Development Goals Disclosure (SDGD) Recommendations is published today by leading accounting bodies and others. The SDGD Recommendations are aligned to GRI, IIRC and TCFD. Consultation responses and a Feedback report informed the Recommendations. Consultation responses emphasised the need for accountability for value destruction and negative impacts. Recommendations calling […]

Have your say on recommended SDG Disclosures

By Carol A Adams Main points: The sustainable development issues addressed by the UN SDGs will impact on long term business success. Businesses, asset owners and asset managers are incorporating the risks and opportunities they bring into their decision making. ACCA, CAANZ and ICAS have collaborated to publish SDG disclosure recommendations – accountants have a […]

Revised ASX Corporate Governance Principles increase focus on climate change, environmental and social risks

by Carol Adams Main points: The ASX has released revised Corporate Governance Principles The term ‘social licence to operate’ has gone following consultation feedback Climate change and sustainability risks gain prominence Reference made to TCFD, GRI, CDSB and IIRC disclosures / Frameworks Importance of stakeholders to long term value creation is emphasised The Australian Securities […]

What does investment stewardship mean in the era of climate change and the Global Goals?

by Carol Adams Main points: The UN SDGs provide a useful framework for investors to consider social and environmental risks The UK Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) revised Stewardship Code recognises that climate change poses risk to investment beneficiaries’ returns Responses to the Australian Senate Inquiry on the SDGs emphasised the role of investors Investment stewardship, […]

Let’s Talk Value: How Universities Create Value for Students, Staff and Society

Main points: Universities contribute to solving the world’s challenges and improving future workforce skills A focus on value for money, efficiency and outputs sells universities short Integrated reporting has improved university decision making and helped them raise funds Universities can improve their annual reporting – they have largely ignored 20 years of developments in sustainability […]

ASX consultation on Corporate Governance Principles

by Carol A Adams Main points: ‘Social licence to operate’ is inappropriate as a frame for determining climate change and other sustainability risks Boards should identify sustainable development risks in their external environment Climate change and sustainability risks should be on the Board skills matrix Minimum gender targets for women should be enforced The ASX […]

Bringing to life the value creation process in corporate reporting

by Kerry Hicks, Senior Policy Advisor, Australian Institute of Company Directors The reporting process should be seen as an investment which can bring huge rewards, says Dr Carol Adams. This interview with Carol Adams was first published by the Australian Institute of Company Directors here Dr Carol Adams is an author, consultant and Non-Executive Director […]

Corporate Governance Code consultation tackles the big issues

by Carol A Adams Ethnic diversity, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, wider stakeholder interests and encouraging a longer-term focus are some of the issues considered in the UK Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) consultation on the revision of the Corporate Governance Code. Elsewhere many corporate governance codes are yet to address these issues and, whilst the […]