Talking ESG: Building effective sustainability reporting governance

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A critical step in getting ready for new sustainability reporting requirements is building a comprehensive governance framework. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Stephen Parker and Matt DiGuiseppe of PwC’s Governance Insights Center to discuss the new regulatory environment and what it means for board members looking to discharge their oversight responsibilities effectively and management looking to get the board ready.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:21 - Reactions to new sustainability reporting frameworks from senior management and boards
• 6:13 - Strategies for managing the “noise” around new rules and how best to proceed despite uncertainty
• 10:43 - The need to upskill board members so that they are capable of performing their fiduciary responsibility related to oversight of sustainability processes and disclosures
• 18:43 - How management can best help the board prioritize its time given the increase in its responsibilities
• 23:15 - Whether the market has begun to consider a board candidate’s knowledge of climate during board selection processes and the level of expertise required
• 27:39 - How boards are performing their responsibilities with respect to climate information
• 33:55 - Working through the challenges of presenting sustainability information to the board given tight timelines and other reporting responsibilities
• 39:25 - Best practices for governance over sustainability matters at the board and management levels

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Stephen Parker is a partner in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, which strives to strengthen the connection between directors, executive teams, and investors by helping them navigate the evolving governance landscape. With more than 30 years of experience, Stephen has advised boards of directors on a variety of complex financial reporting matters. Stephen’s client service experience includes energy and utility companies, financial services companies, and nonprofits.

Matt DiGuiseppe is a managing director in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, which helps stakeholders navigate the evolving governance landscape. Matt has participated in numerous industry groups and was the founding chairperson of the Investor Stewardship Group (ISG), which advanced a set of corporate governance and stewardship principles for the US market.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.