Tag: ESG

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Yee Chow on Shifting Responsibilities of ESG at the Management Level

I recently had the opportunity to visit with folks from Diligent. We look down the road at key issues in 2024 in a podcast series sponsored by Diligent entitled Compliance Professionals Adapting to Change: Industries, Regulations, and Beyond. I was able to chat with Nicholas Latham, Renee Murphy, Jessica Czeczuga, Yee Chow, and Alexander Cotoia. Over this series, we discussed compliant communications in regulated industries, managing conflicts of interest at the Board level, the Board’s role in compliance training and communications, navigating the current ESG landscape, and professional growth and mentorship in compliance. In this Post 4, we discuss the continuing evolving landscape of ESG with Yee Chow.

The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) role has undergone a significant evolution in the realm of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. What was once a secondary focus has now become a vital part of the agenda for global corporations. This shift has led to CCOs taking on the responsibility of overseeing compliance with ESG standards at the highest organizational level.

One of the key factors driving this evolution is the rise in regulation and mandatory reporting on ESG factors. Governments, stock exchanges, and regulatory bodies have pushed for compulsory reporting, bringing new challenges for companies. They are now required to provide more detailed operational and value chain information. For example, companies are expected to report not only on their climate impact but also on the climate impact of their customers and suppliers. This increased level of reporting necessitates gathering extensive data, which can be a challenge for organizations.

Companies need to establish a clear leadership structure for ESG compliance to address these challenges. The specific system may vary from company to company, but some key components should be in place. Firstly, there needs to be a point of contact within the organization responsible for coordinating ESG efforts and ensuring compliance. This role is often filled by a sustainability professional who works closely with different business units. Secondly, there needs to be accountability for the ESG program, which usually falls under the purview of the Chief Compliance Officer or even the Chief Executive Officer. The accountability for ESG compliance should ultimately rest with the organization’s highest leadership levels.

In addition to a clear leadership structure, companies recognize the importance of involving various stakeholders in the ESG compliance process. It is no longer a single department’s responsibility but a team effort that consists of all business units and leaders within the company. Committees are often established to drive the ESG strategy and agenda forward, ensuring that all relevant parties are involved.

Educating the Board of directors on their role in ESG compliance is crucial. While not every board member needs to be an expert in the details of ESG, they should have a high-level understanding of its implications for business growth, drivers, and regulatory compliance. ESG should be integrated into board meetings and discussions, driven by the compliance and regulatory space and the demands of customers and stakeholders. This level of involvement from the Board helps drive change within the organization and ensures that ESG compliance is taken seriously.

The evolution of the CCO’s role in ESG compliance is driven by the need to meet regulatory requirements, provide detailed reporting, and address stakeholders’ expectations. Companies are recognizing the value of non-financial data for business performance and opportunities. By establishing clear leadership structures, involving various stakeholders, and educating the Board, organizations can navigate the challenges associated with ESG compliance and make informed decisions that align with their values and goals.

In conclusion, the evolution of the Chief Compliance Officer’s role in ESG compliance reflects the growing importance of ESG in the corporate world. With the rise in regulation and mandatory reporting, companies face new challenges in gathering and reporting ESG data. However, by establishing clear leadership structures, involving stakeholders, and educating the Board, organizations can successfully navigate these challenges and embrace ESG compliance opportunities.

Ready for Purpose-Driven Compliance? Diligent equips leaders with the tools to build, monitor, and maintain an open, transparent ethics and compliance culture. For more information and to book a demo, visit Diligent.com

Join us tomorrow, where we conclude our series with a review of professional development and mentoring for compliance professionals.

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31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to a More Effective Compliance Program Through Data Analytics: Day 5 – Data Driven Compliance and ESG Integration

ESG integration focuses on incorporating environmental, social, and governance considerations into business processes. This broader overview allows organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact, save costs, improve efficiency, and increase profitability. However, it is important to note that ESG initiatives often come with additional costs, as environmentally sound products may be more expensive than traditional alternatives. This is a tradeoff that companies must carefully consider when implementing ESG practices.

ESG integration in business processes is crucial for organizations aiming to enhance their compliance programs and make informed decisions. By leveraging data analytics, companies can identify and address ESG risks and opportunities more effectively. Collaboration and information sharing among companies also play a significant role in improving compliance efforts. As the compliance landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adapting to new evaluation processes will be key for compliance professionals.

Three key takeaways:

  1. ESG integration in business processes is crucial for organizations aiming to enhance their compliance programs and make informed decisions.
  2. By leveraging data analytics, companies can identify and address ESG risks and opportunities more effectively.
  3. Collaboration and information sharing among companies also play a significant role in improving compliance efforts.

For more information on KonaAI, check out their website here.

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Daily Compliance News

Daily Compliance News: November 9, 2023 – The ESG Helps Hiring Edition

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance brings you compliance-related stories to start your day. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee, and listen to the Daily Compliance News. All, from the Compliance Podcast Network. Each day we consider four stories from the business world, compliance, ethics, risk management, leadership, or general interest for the compliance professional.

  • ESG helps in hiring the best and brightest. (FT)
  • The UK hits Russia with new sanctions. (WSJ)
  • Indian anti-corruption journalist targeted in spy op. (Reuters)
  • GE Aerospace to pay $9.4M in a DOJ false claims case (Compliance Week)
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The ESG Report

The ESG Report – Ben Vivari and Kyle Purcell on Sustainable Investing

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Ben Vivari and Kyle Purcell about ESG investing.

Ben Vivari and Kyle Purcell are seasoned professionals with a strong background in business and sustainable investing. Ben Vivari, with his classic MBA and deep interest in corporate social responsibility, co-founded the Till Investors Initiative with Kyle Purcell, recognizing the growing importance and future of ESG investing. Vivari believes that ESG investing is inevitable and will continue to gain momentum, particularly as younger generations gain more financial power. Similarly, Kyle Purcell, a prominent communicator and educator in the financial industry, sees ESG investing as an unstoppable trend. He emphasizes the need for corporations to provide non-financial disclosures to avoid appearing outdated and believes that smaller companies will face challenges if they do not prioritize ESG performance factors. Join Tom Fox, Ben Vivari, and Kyle Purcell on this episode of the ESG Report podcast as they delve deeper into the growing importance and future of ESG investing.

Key Highlights:

  • Sustainable Investing and the Future of Finance
  • Empowering Sustainable Investing with Till Investors
  • Unstoppable Momentum: ESG Programs and Investments
  • Aligning Investment Strategies with Individual Values
  • The Impact of False ESG Claims
  • The Rise of Investor-Driven ESG Programs

Resources

Ben Vivari on LinkedIn

Kyle Purcell

Till Investors

Tom Fox 

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Report from IMPACT 2023

Report from IMPACT 2023: Pat Harned on Collaborative Partnership for Ethics and Compliance

ECI’s IMPACT 2023 was one of the leading compliance events in 2023. At this conference, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, was able to visit with several of the speakers, exhibitors, participants, and one group of ethically-minded Girl Scout Troop. In this limited podcast series, Report from IMPACT 2023, Tom explores many of the most cutting-edge topics in ethics and compliance through short podcast episodes. Check out the full series of interviews. You will be enlightened and informed and come away with a fuller and more thorough understanding of the most cutting-edge topics in ethics and compliance. In this episode, Tom visits Pat Harned, CEO at ECI.

Pat Harned, the CEO of the Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI), has spent many years observing the evolution of the ethics and compliance profession and has played a pivotal role in creating initiatives to keep professionals engaged in the field. Pat’s perspective on consumer behavior, corporate ethics, and compliance evolution is that these fields are converging, with employees and consumers increasingly expecting companies to be purpose-driven and have a positive global impact. She emphasizes the need for the ethics and compliance profession to take a thought leadership role in this convergence or risk being overshadowed by the growing prominence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts. Pat’s views are shaped by her active involvement in dialogues with the Department of Justice and other regulators and her current leadership in establishing a Blue Ribbon Commission focusing on effective ESG efforts. Join Tom Fox and Pat Harned on this episode of the Report from Impact podcast to delve deeper into these insights.

 

Highlights Include:

  • The Rise of Purpose-Driven Consumerism
  • The Value of Experienced Professional Advisors
  • Collaborative Partnership for Ethics and Compliance

 Resources

ECI

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The ESG Report

The ESG Report: Charity Buhrow on Living off the Grid: Revolutionizing Sustainable Living

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Charity Buhrow, who, with her husband, constructs tiny homes for sustainable, off-grid living.

The podcast episode “Living Off-Grid: Building Tiny Houses” explores the rising trend of living a more environmentally conscious and simple lifestyle. Charity Buhrow, who builds tiny houses in Wisconsin, shares their goal of promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on the outside world. They have designed systems that allow people to live off-grid and meet their own needs. The conversation emphasizes the impact of the pandemic, which has highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency and creating one’s own life. Twisted Willows Outfitters specializes in constructing environmentally friendly structures, catering to those who want a more traditional or free lifestyle.

Their commitment to sustainable sourcing and construction sets them apart, using materials that have already been knocked down and supporting local suppliers. The conversation also discusses the role of sustainable tiny houses in addressing the affordable housing crisis, highlighting their environmental benefits and cost-saving potential. These houses are built with environmentally friendly practices and can be rented, sold, or offered through land contracts to make them accessible. Independent and energy-efficient homes are also highlighted, offering homeowners the opportunity to save money and feel secure while generating their power. Additionally, the conversation explores the passionate and family-oriented culture of Den Cave and Cabin, a company that prioritizes work-life balance and creating personalized spaces for clients. Overall, the episode showcases the growing movement towards environmentally conscious living and the various ways people are embracing this lifestyle.

Key Highlights:

  • Living Off-Grid: Building Tiny Houses
  • Sustainable Sourcing and Construction
  • Sustainable Tiny Houses for Affordable Housing
  • Benefits of Independent and Energy-Efficient Homes
  • Passionate and Family-Oriented Business Culture

Resources:

Den Cave and Cabin

Tom Fox 

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Report from IMPACT 2023

Report from IMPACT 2023: Richard Davies on Collaborative Integrity in Business

ECI’s IMPACT 2023 was one of the leading compliance events in 2023. At this conference, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, was able to visit with several of the speakers, exhibitors, participants and one group of ethically minded Girl Scout Troop. In this limited podcast series, Report from IMPACT 2023, Tom explores many of the most cutting-edge topics in ethics and compliance through short podcast episodes. Check out the full series of interviews. You will be enlightened, informed and come away with a fuller and more thorough understanding of the most cutting-edge topics in ethics and compliance. In this episode, Tom visits Richard Davies a Board member of ECI since 2021.

Richard Davies brings a wealth of experience from his time in the General Counsel’s office and active involvement in industry organizations. Davies views ECI’s expanded focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues as a positive and necessary shift, seeing it as a significant transformation for the organization. He believes that ECI’s traditional focus on ethics and compliance has broadened to address the most pressing issues of the day, reflecting a convergence of various risks. Davies’ perspective is shaped by his belief that boards and senior management teams are more concerned with addressing these risks than assigning responsibilities to specific groups. He applauds ECI’s role in supporting sustainability teams effectively. Join Tom Fox and Richard Davies as they delve deeper into this topic on the next episode of the Report from Impact podcast.

Highlights Include 

·      ECI Impact 2023: Collaborative Integrity in Business

·      Expanding Focus to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

·      Where does ECI go from here?

 Resources 

Richard Davies on LinkedIn

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Principled Podcast

Season 10 Episode 3 – Transparency and Disclosure: Unpacking the “E” of ESG Reporting

What you’ll learn on this podcast episode

Environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, has been in the news a lot lately—particularly the “E” when it comes to new and evolving regulations. There’s been a greater push in the United States for transparency and disclosure of data regarding businesses’ environmental impact, driven largely by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau. In fact, California is expected to soon be the first US state to require company reporting related to environmental impact. So, what does this all mean for companies that are working to become more sustainable? How do you even begin to report on emissions and environmental impact? In this episode of LRN’s Principled Podcast host Eric Morehead explores how transparency plays a crucial role in corporate sustainability with Andrea Peters, the senior counsel of Interface. 

Guest: Andrea Peters

Andrea Peters – Grayscale

Andrea Peters is senior counsel for Interface, Inc., a global commercial flooring company (NASDAQ: TILE).  In her role, she provides legal support for the company’s global operations, including Research & Development, Sales, Marketing, Procurement, Tax and Human Resources, and she also manages Interface’s global compliance program. Andrea has over 26 years of legal experience, over two-thirds of which comes from working in-house at companies such as Interface, CAN Capital, The Weather Channel, the General Electric Company and GAMBRO Healthcare.   

Andrea earned her J.D. from the Vanderbilt University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising from the Pennsylvania State University, where she was the student marshall (valedictorian) for the College of Communications. 

Andrea resides in Atlanta with her 10-year-old daughter.  She has gone sky diving twice, bungee jumping once, and ziplining once. She enjoys cooking, wine and travel. When she retires, Andrea plans to go back to college to audit all of the hard but interesting classes without worrying about writing papers or taking exams. 

Host: Eric Morehead

Headshot_Principled Podcast_Eric Morehead

Eric Morehead is a member of LRN’s Advisory Services team and has over 20 years of experience working with organizations seeking to address compliance issues and build effective compliance and ethics programs. Eric conducts program assessments and examines specific compliance risks, he drafts compliance policies and codes of conduct, works with organizations to build and improve their compliance processes and tools, and provides live training for Boards of Directors, executives, managers, and employees.

Eric ran his own consultancy for six years where he advised clients on compliance program enhancements and assisted in creating effective compliance solutions.

Eric was formally the Head of Advisory Services for NYSE Governance Services, a leading compliance training organization, where he was responsible for all aspects of NYSE Governance Services’ compliance consulting arm.

Prior to joining NYSE, Eric was an Assistant General Counsel of the United States Sentencing Commission in Washington, DC. Eric served as the chair of the policy team that amended the Organizational Sentencing Guidelines in 2010.

Eric also spent nearly a decade as a litigation attorney in Houston, Texas where he focused on white-collar and regulatory cases and represented clients at trial and before various agencies including SEC, OSHA and CFTC.

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The ESG Report

The ESG Report – Kai Gray on ESG: The Compliance Officer’s New Frontier

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Kai Gray, CEO and co-founder of Motive, a software company focused on ESG data management.

In this podcast conversation with Tom Fox, they discuss the growing significance of ESG in various industries and its connection to compliance. They explore the role of compliance officers in ESG, the influence of large corporate customers on driving ESG down the supply chain, and the need for standardized measures and reporting. The discussion also delves into the expanding role of compliance in incorporating external stakeholder feedback and addressing non-financial metrics. The future of ESG is predicted to involve more companies integrating it into annual reports, stricter regulations, penalties for greenwashing, and the evolution of ESG ratings. The conversation highlights the importance of clarity and understanding within the ESG industry.

Key Highlights

·       Kai Gray’s Journey into ESG

·       Evolution of a Company’s Focus

·       ESG as a Business Driver

·       ESG’s Influence on Compliance

·       ESG Regulation and the Future

Resources

Kai Gray on LinkedIn

Motive

Tom Fox 

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Blog

Navigating Transformational Changes: The Intersection of E&C and ESG

Today I would like to explore the intersection thought of ethics and compliance (E&C) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. In a recent podcast on Report from IMPACT 2023, we explored the crucial role of ethics in guiding organizations through transformational changes. With data-driven insights and practical advice, considered the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for success in this evolving landscape.

In the face of rapid technological advancements, the importance of ethics cannot be understated. The need to build safeguards to prevent potential crashes or negative consequences. Much akin to car racing, this world has the need to moving forward with technology in a safe and responsible manner. Further and just like a skilled racer, organizations must navigate the track of progress while ensuring the ethical implications of their actions are considered. Finally always remember that brakes are not on a car to slow it down but so that you can drive fast.

As power dynamics shift and new technologies emerge, the establishment of checks and balances in this arena becomes paramount. This means that organizations need to distribute power internally both wisely and ensure ethical decision-making processes are in place. By doing so, they can safeguard against potential abuses and ensure that transformative changes are guided by integrity. I often use the visual of the billboard announcing the Eyes of Dr. T J Eckleburg from The Great Gatsby as the best way to think about having a second set of eyes on your process for process validation.

In a world undergoing rapid transformation, continuous education and expanding horizons are crucial for organizations and individuals alike. For Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) and other compliance professionals, the importance of being adaptable and open to learning cannot be overstated. Our profession is changing as fast as any other corporate function and it is coupled with the needs of our customers changing. Who are the customers of a corporate compliance program? You can start with the multiple stakeholders identified by the Business Roundtable in their seminal Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation. It can be employees, shareholders, third-parties, vendors and business partners and those who may live in localities where your organization does business.  By embracing new perspectives and staying informed, CCOs, compliance professionals and corporate compliance functions can effectively navigate the challenges of a changing world.

A significant development highlighted in the podcast is the convergence of ESG and E&C. This integration presents a strategic risk and opportunity standpoint for organizations. By aligning environmental, social, and governance considerations with ethical and compliance practices, companies can create a holistic approach that benefits both their bottom line and society at large. Equally importantly is the mandate that the CCO and corporate compliance function should lead this effort. There is no other corporate function which has such a wide mandate, as set out by the regulators as the corporate compliance programs. One need only consider the 2019 Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs which led to the 2023 Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs to see that a corporate compliance function (and CCO) must have visibility literally across your entire corporate organization.

The demand for businesses to take positions on social issues is growing louder, both from employees and stakeholders. It well known within the compliance community and wider corporate world of the importance of both the CCO and compliance function not remaining silent on these matters. You may call this speaking truth to power but in the wider ESG world, businesses must recognize the power they hold to effect change and leverage it responsibly. By aligning their values with those of their workforce and society, they can build purpose-filled organizations that resonate with the younger generations.

I speak with many Human Resource (HR) and talent specialists and they all say that the acquisition and retention of talent will be the key market differentiator for business by mid-century. From Baby Boomers to through GenXers to Millennials and now Genders; the values and mindset of the current and upcoming workforce differ significantly from those of previous generations. To motivate and attract these individuals, organizations must listen to their ideas and incorporate them into the company’s values and purpose. By engaging with the younger generations and understanding their perspectives, board members can foster an environment that aligns with their aspirations. Businesses which try to enforce well-known and well-debunked tropes such as there is no such thing as climate change will be consigned to the dustbin of corporate failures.

Building transformative leadership and engaging forward-thinking board members pose challenges but are necessary for success. Just as talent acquisition and retention will be one of the most critical aspects of corporate survival, the importance of recruiting board members who understand current and future challenges and the need for an integrated approach will be equally critical. Critically this also means diversity on the Board. While seasoned experience is valuable, finding individuals who can bridge the gap between traditional values and the demands of a changing world is crucial. It also means new and different subject matter expertise will be critical. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has noted that a Board needs to have a compliance resource on it. The logical step is for a Board to have a Compliance Committee, chaired by a seasoned compliance professional.

It might even lead to a broader concept of a true risk management professional on the Board. Given the paradigm shift coming out of the Pandemic from disaster recovery to business resiliency to business as usually; a Board having the ability to have that strategic discussion  and lead through oversight will be a critical element as well.

Recognizing the pivotal role that ethics and compliance play in guiding organizations through transformational changes is something that is gaining traction in the corporate world. In a world that is evolving at an unprecedented pace, it is imperative to build ethical safeguards, establish checks and balances, provide appropriate oversight and adapt to the values and mindset of the younger generations. By embracing continuous education, converging ESG and E&C efforts, and taking a stand on social issues, organizations can navigate the inflection point we find ourselves in and thrive in the future.