The European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) has published its final guidelines on funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms (the “Guidelines”).

In light of COVID-19, annual reports are entering new territory. What are investors looking for? What does this mean for longer-term ESG and sustainability questions?

Boards that act now in framing their ESG issues will be ahead of the curve in terms of the effective delivery of new products and services in established and new formats and ongoing sustainability.

A trustee board that is aware of its powers, duties and responsibilities and the impact it can have on the sustainability of an organisation is better placed to lead the charity to achieving its stated objects and making the intended positive impact on society.

In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson in the USA created Earth Day to force sustainability issues onto the national agenda. Europe followed this movement with environmental laws, and The Earth Day Network went global in 1990. This network now has over 50,000 partners in 193 countries.

With increasing importance placed on boards embedding ESG considerations in their decision-making and operations, stakeholder capitalism has become something of a buzzword du jour. It is intrinsically linked to sustainability as it is grounded in the view that giving consideration to wider interests, perspectives and impacts leads to long-term value creation.

Some 78% of organisations believe that sustainable values are very important to their community according to a poll out today from The Chartered Governance Institute and governance recruitment specialist The Core Partnership. An additional 22% consider that sustainability is slightly important and no organisations feel that it is unimportant.

ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) recently celebrated their one-year anniversary on Thursday 3 November. Lindsey Stewart, director of investment stewardship research at Morningstar, shares a few thoughts.

Join our South East of England branch for their upcoming CPD event at The CGIUKI London office on Tuesday 11 March 2025.