Accountability

Corporate accountability refers to a board’s responsibility for providing explanations for a company’s conduct.

• The board should present a balanced and clear assessment of the company’s position and prospects
• The board is responsible for determining the nature and extent of any risks it may take
• The board should keep proper risk management and internal control systems
• The board should put in place formal and transparent arrangements for corporate reporting and risk management, as well as for maintaining a relationship with the company’s auditor

Transparency

Stakeholders should be kept informed about a company’s activities, plans and any risks inherent in its business strategy.

In acting transparently, a company demonstrates its willingness to provide clear information, such as accurate financial performance figures, to shareholders and other stakeholders, who can then be confident in the company’s decision-making and management processes.

Fairness

All shareholders should receive equal treatment and consideration, whatever shareholdings they may have. A company should also aim to treat all of its stakeholders, including employees, communities and public officials, fairly.

John leads a global team at Integrity Governance that is focused on making boards more effective. A boardroom expert working with multinationals, SMEs, trade associations and not-for-profits, he provides practical, impartial advice to directors, business owners, executives and CEOs, to help improve board performance. He has 30 years of experience at director level in the corporate world, having worked at blue chip businesses including: Mars, Schroders and Goldman Sachs.

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