Disclosure and Engagement: Stakeholder Participation Mechanisms

Over the past years, voluntary self-regulatory instruments like the United Nations Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative have become important vehicles through which companies demonstrate their commitment to a more sustainable future, including adherence to environmental and social rules. In the UK, disclosure requirements of companies are to be found in company law and securities law and have recently been increased through the introduction of the strategic report. According to the amended CA 2006, the directors of a company must prepare a strategic report for each financial year of the company. The aim of the strategic report is to provide details on how s. 172 CA 2006 has been applied and how stakeholder interests have been integrated into board decision-making and the activity of companies. The question that this article will address is whether or not, with high levels of disclosure, additional reform is needed, by way of legislative amendments or soft law that will increase stakeholder participation resulting in an engaged stakeholder base during board decision-making.