Voluntary Code of Conduct for Directors: will it make a difference?
The Institute of Directors (IoD) have published a consultation document on a code of conduct for directors.
The new code would be voluntary and is designed to help directors and business leaders build trust from the public in their business activities. It has been prompted by recent corporate scandals, such as the Post Office, that have had a wider impact on the public losing trust in business leaders.
The code of conduct is centred around six key principles: Leading by example, Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Fairness and Responsible Business.
Because the code is voluntary and contains no means of enforcement, questions have been raised over how useful this code will be and what the take up is likely to be.
The IoD is looking for views from both the business community and the general public.
For more information and to respond and read the full consultation document, see: https://www.iod.com/resources/governance/iod-public-consultation-on-a-code-of-conduct-for-directors/
With the Budget coming on 30th October, speculation is increasing on what changes will be announced. The Chancellor and the Prime Minister have made comments to indicate that the Budget will bring “difficult decisions”.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has just published a new set of heat maps showing where businesses across the UK have received warning or advisory letters for potentially breaking competition law. It’s the first time the CMA has published this kind of information, and it’s a reminder for all businesses to ensure they’re on the right side of the law.
