Yearly Archives: 2020

contract surrounded by money

Managing fraud risks during Covid-19

History teaches us that extraordinary global events such as the current Covid-19 pandemic can lead to an increase in fraud and other forms of corruption. Companies have rightly prioritised health and safety, business continuity and recovery programmes. This is quite distinct from previous economic crises when companies focussed heavily on cost reductions and revenue protection…

Scientists collaborating in a modern laboratory environment.

How companies can protect their reputation during a pandemic

A Financial Times Special report on Working from Home examined the business response to the Covid-19 lockdown, exploring in particular the steps that companies can take to protect their reputations. Alicia Clegg compared the very different approaches taken by leading high street names, looking not just at the way employers were treated, but also suppliers….

volcano erupting

Managing compliance risks during Covid-19

Few businesses, if any, will be unaffected by the Covid pandemic. While crisis management and compliance may not be natural bedfellows, managing compliance risks will be vital if organisations are to be properly protected. The business response to Covid-19 is under considerable scrutiny, getting this right could have a long-term impact on reputation and sustainability….

After the Covid crisis, can we build back better?

The call to ‘build back better’ as we emerge from the pandemic has come from many quarters, including the United Nations, World Health Organisation, the Mayor of New York and the director-general Confederation of British Industry.  GoodCorporation discussed the role of business in helping to build back better with Jennifer Nadel, barrister, journalist and co-founder of Compassion in Politics. Prior to the…

Integrity, ethics, respect, honesty signpost under sky.

Maintaining integrity standards for Covid-19 response funding

Since the start of the pandemic, billions of dollars have been sent to developing countries by multilateral development banks (MDBs) and financial institutions to provide the resources necessary to manage immediate health needs, but also to address the longer term economic and social impacts of the pandemic. The World Bank Group has pledged $160 million…

Covid-19: how can a good corporation survive?

Among the many consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is the reminder that business has a societal as well as an economic purpose. As the scale of the pandemic rapidly unfolded, a spotlight shone on societal purpose, in particular the steps companies were able to take to help their communities cope with the crisis. Media Scrutiny…

textile factory workers

New UK Environment Bill could lead to greater human rights due diligence

In a comment piece for Ethical Corporation Michael Pollitt argues that amendments to the UK Environment Bill could plug the current implementation gaps in the Modern Slavery Act. A new clause tabled for addition to the Environment Bill would force the government to publish legislation within six months imposing a duty on corporations to identify…

Scientists collaborating in a modern laboratory environment.

Crafting the compliance response to the Coronavirus

Coping with the Coronavirus will require enhanced vigilance by compliance teams. As boards and senior executives navigate the way forward with their focus on sustainability and financial resilience, compliance officers must ensure they stay at the forefront and visible. In a crisis situation there is a temptation to think that normal rules no longer apply….