How to Integrate Global ESG Reporting Requirements into Existing Compliance Frameworks

Introduction

While environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives have been on board agendas for several years now, a new wave of ESG regulations aimed at increasing corporate accountability and improving transparency for investors and stakeholders make it imperative that companies are proactive in monitoring their ESG regulatory risks to remain competitive.

New and prospective global ESG regulations are increasingly requiring corporates to report on non-financial aspects of their businesses, marking an emerging global shift towards compulsory climate and human rights supply chain reporting. Global regulation aimed at encouraging responsible corporate behaviour and addressing adverse ESG impacts in companies’ supply chains is also on the rise.

These new and developing ESG reporting and due diligence requirements will mean increased scrutiny of companies’ ESG disclosures and global supply chain practices by regulators, investors, and other stakeholders, creating increased risks in these areas.

Misleading and inaccurate disclosures that overstate an organisation’s performance on environmental and human rights issues (i.e., ‘greenwashing’ and ‘social washing’) could lead to enforcement action and criminal investigations. Similarly, companies’ failure to comply with new and incoming supply chain due diligence requirements could put them at risk of potential penalties, debarment from public procurement processes and restricted access to capital markets.

There are actions that corporates can take to get ahead of increased ESG regulation, and responding to ESG risks should be seen as an evolution of existing compliance concepts rather than a revolution. Companies should therefore seek to integrate ESG reporting and human rights due diligence processes into their existing compliance frameworks.

Presented by expert speaker Alexandra Von Westernhagen of Keystone Law, this virtual classroom seminar will provide practical tips on how to do this.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Overview of ESG legislation and regulations
• UK
• US
• EU
• Other local laws (e.g., France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Italy)
• Increased risks for companies and their directors
• Increased reporting requirements - mandatory vs optional
• Increased ESG litigation
• Reputational risks, impact on the balance sheet and share price
• Government penalties for breaching prospective supply chain due diligence requirements
• How can companies prepare for and ensure that their operations and controls are compliant
• Integrate ESG reporting and human rights due diligence into existing compliance frameworks
• Roadmap to ESG transformation
• Work with the media and press teams to develop strategic responses to an adverse media enquiry or event

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.