header-logo header-logo

Accountability matters

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

Charles Russell Speechlys—Matthew Griffin

Charles Russell Speechlys—Matthew Griffin

Firm strengthens international funds capability with senior hire

Gilson Gray—Jeremy Davy

Gilson Gray—Jeremy Davy

Partner appointed as head of residential conveyancing for England

DR Solicitors—Paul Edels

DR Solicitors—Paul Edels

Specialist firm enhances corporate healthcare practice with partner appointment

NEWS
Personal injury lawyers have urged parliamentarians to reject plans to enact an extra defence in civil cases where child sexual abuse is alleged
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has launched a post-Mazur regulatory review into litigation rights, and is fast-tracking an application from CILEX
The Court of Appeal has upheld the principle of core immunity for advocates, in an important judgment
The Bars, Faculty of Advocates and law societies of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have come together to accuse politicians of putting lawyers at risk through their use of ‘irresponsible and dangerous’ language
The beleaguered TA6 property form has been re-released after almost a year of tests with a working group of residential conveyancers
back-to-top-scroll