As action against greenwashing grows in frequency and profile, it poses increasing financial and compliance risk as well as reputational risk for the firms and NEDs alike. ‘Greenwashing’ class actions have hit the headlines but multiple UK regulators are also becoming more proactive in their approach to this area.
Expert lawyer, Anna Williams of Osborne Clark, will update on recent activity by the regulators including the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), as well as sharing a forward look at planned expansion of powers for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). She will draw practical lessons for organisations of all types to consider in protecting against this risk.
We will also be joined by sustainability practitioner, Åse Bergstedt, who will share lessons on embedding effective policies and procedures to ensure compliance and enable best practice. Åse will cover particular approaches for Financial Services companies, but also brings deep experience across a range of sectors.
This session aims to provide a space for board members to consider how to translate concern on the increasing ‘greenwashing’ compliance risk into practical action, to meet and even get ahead of the regulatory requirements. There will be ample opportunity for participants to share questions and experience under Chatham House rule.
Our Directors’ Circle events are fast-paced conversations for those with a good understanding of the boardroom. For this particular session, we strongly recommend all participants have a good base understanding of ESG and Sustainability. If you want to upskill in this area, take a look at our online learning ‘ESG Essentials’ Quick course.
Speakers
Åse Bergstedt
Åse is a Sustainable Finance and Environmental expert. She is a Board member at Financial Inclusion Forum UK, she has worked for several companies, including BAT, Nordea Asset Management, Millicom, Tele2 AB, LSE and Nasdaq listed companies.
Åse is an expert in not only on environmental reporting but also the technicalities of changing a corporation’s culture, and mindset, concerning ESG at every level an organisation. She understands the herculean task for large complex global companies in regard to doing the ‘right thing’ for all their stakeholders, including society, and has much insight to share with us at this event.
Anna Williams
Anna is a Partner within Osborne Clarke’s media team who co-leads the UK’s dedicated Advertising, Marketing & Sponsorship team. She is an advertising, marketing and sponsorship specialist, recognised in both Chambers & Partners and Legal500.
Anna provides advice on a range of regulatory, contractual and intellectual property issues within the advertising ecosystem to a number of well-known brand owners, media owners and advertising agency clients within the advertising, digital, retail and media sectors.
This event is included in our Directors’ Circle membership. Current Directors’ Circle members have received a calendar invitation already – if you haven’t, please get in touch with us via contact@wbdirectors.co.uk
Please note: Our Directors’ Circle events are fast-paced conversations, designed for those with experience of serving as a non-executive director and/or a strong understanding of the role. Full members with this background are also welcome to attend.
For this particular session, we strongly recommend all participants have a good base understanding of ESG and Sustainability. If you want to upskill in this area, take a look at our online learning ‘ESG Essentials’ Quick course.