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.

Professional rugby player and Chair of the RPA Men’s Rugby Board, Max Lahiff reflects on why governance matters to players, how it shapes decisions on welfare and sustainability, and why strengthening governance capability is essential to the future of the game.

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.

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.

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.

The rise of green claims in an era of authentic sustainability.

As a result of being easier to measure and less likely to conflict with profit making, the E of ESG has dominated efforts – it’s time for the S to claim its place at the centre of this acronym.

The UK competition regulator seeks to promote the green agenda with the publication of draft guidance on environmental sustainability agreements.

Sustainability forces in the market are changing the governance landscape. If we cannot direct the wind, a mental shift may be in order.