Environmental, Social & Governance Briefs

In its 2018 Trends to Watch report, MSCI says “investors will increasingly seek to invest in talent quality,” even to the point of evaluating companies by “sifting out winners and losers in the race for human capital.” The focus on human capital is driven by the growth in artificial intelligence—with many routinized tasks becoming automated, people will be required to use “higher level cognitive, creative and social skills in their evolving role.”

EY Community Impact provides an immersive volunteer experience that delivers EY services to nonprofits that otherwise could not afford them. During one- to three-month assignments, Community Impact “Residents” share the best of EY’s knowledge and experience to strengthen our communities, while building leadership skills that strengthen their own careers.

A focus on organizational, operational and product improvement by activist investors seems a far cry from socially responsible investing. So, it attracted some notice when Trian Partners modified its website last year to add a statement embracing ESG.

We are pleased to announce that the Giving in Numbers 2018 survey, conducted by CECP in association with The Conference Board, is now open. The annual survey is the industry-leading tool for corporate societal engagement professionals. The survey closes on March 30, 2018.

America’s Charities’ 2017 Snapshot survey found nearly six in 10 workplace donors want to work for companies where the culture supports giving and volunteering. That’s a significant number—and it shows that today’s employees are placing a high value on charitable opportunities in the workplace.

In a business environment where the weakest link in an ecosystem can jeopardize the entire community, effectively governing and managing third party risk takes on greater importance.

Evidence is mounting that diverse and inclusive teams make better decisions that lead to more innovation and better outcomes. Foundations can apply this knowledge of the value of diversity and inclusion to drive better results in grant-making and capacity-building for grantees.

Wouldn’t it be good if there was a business strategy which would build global leadership talent, improve company reputations, and make a positive impact on addressing global challenges? “Pro bono” is just such a strategy and it’s not just for lawyers anymore. Companies are increasingly utilizing Global Pro Bono (GPB) programs to create shared value for the community and the business.

The chief executive being free to “pick his own board” was long a common, accepted prerogative of boardroom politics. Today, though, it would seem to fly in the face of every current precept of how good corporate governance should function.