header-logo header-logo

09 May 2025 / Joanna Ludlam
Issue: 8115 / Categories: Features , Public , Governance , Company
printer mail-detail

Accountability matters

217849
Public inquiries & parliamentary hearings are a risk companies cannot ignore: Joanna Ludlam sets out how best to prepare for the spotlight
  • Public inquiries and parliamentary hearings have become essential mechanisms for examining corporate conduct and holding companies accountable for their actions.
  • Good corporate governance should include preparations for potential questioning, involving legal advisers and communication professionals to manage responses effectively.

We are living through a period of history marked by a number of global crises. Climate change, threats to human rights, and economic instability are examples of these ever-present challenges, and such challenges have placed companies under increasing scrutiny where their operations can be linked or consequential to these issues. This is a risk companies must proactively manage.

The spotlight is often pointed at the role of corporate actors, and the demands for accountability have been growing louder. With this, public inquiries and parliamentary committee hearings have become prominent ways in which conduct is examined. They allow for light to be shed on past failures and can inform future standards.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

DAC Beachcroft—Paul Brehony

Commercial disputes practice expands with partner hire in London

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Ward Hadaway—Maria Coster

Partner appointed to lead family and matrimonial department in Leeds

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Slater Heelis—Helen Marsh

Commercial property team expands in Manchester with partner appointment

NEWS
SRM Recruitment has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Law Society RFC Festival of Sport 2026, which will take place on 20 September at Richmond Athletic Association. The specialist legal search firm joins the event as organisers prepare to welcome more than 110 teams across five sports, including rugby sevens, netball and five-a-side football
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
back-to-top-scroll