Frequently Asked Questions

What should company secretaries know about ESG and sustainability in 2025?

In 2025, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors continue to dominate the corporate landscape, making it essential for company secretaries to understand their implications. ESG reporting has become a cornerstone of corporate governance, driven by investor expectations, regulatory requirements, and societal pressures for sustainable practices.

Company secretaries must be familiar with key ESG frameworks like the ASX Corporate Governance Principles, TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), and GRI (Global Reporting Initiative). They play a pivotal role in preparing and validating ESG disclosures, ensuring they are transparent, accurate, and aligned with regulatory guidelines.

A focus on sustainability means company secretaries need to help boards identify material ESG risks, implement governance policies, and monitor compliance. This includes addressing climate change impacts, diversity and inclusion, and ethical supply chain practices.

Technology is also reshaping ESG reporting. Company secretaries should leverage data analytics tools to track ESG metrics, streamline reporting processes, and provide insights for strategic decision-making.

By staying updated on ESG trends and regulations, company secretaries can guide boards in building sustainable governance frameworks. This enhances investor confidence, strengthens the company’s reputation, and ensures long-term value creation.