The Business Ethics Twin-Track: Combining Controls and Culture to Minimise Reputational Risk

Chapter SevenRisk, compliance and the controls framework

A THREE-STAGE PROCESS: SIXTH WORKSHOP

Opening

I arrive at the Stronach Group's offices in good time for the scheduled 7.30 pm start for this, the sixth and additional workshop on compliance and the controls framework that was agreed at the conclusion of the last session. The room is ready, coffee and biscuits provided, and the team comes in together only a little time after me – they are clearly keen! Rachel Gordon, the Chairman, asks how long the workshop is likely to last and I assure everyone that it will be 60–90 minutes maximum, so that we will finish by 9.00 pm at the latest. That is acceptable to the team, though I can sense that no one has the appetite for a longer session tonight.

Update

We are all drinking coffee and exchanging small talk when Rachel informs me that the board has made a decision on who will be the Stronach Group's new non-executive director. Somewhat surprisingly (and against her own prediction) the Nominations Committee recommended the female candidate – equally surprisingly, the board agreed with the recommendation and ratified her appointment. The new non-executive is a lady called Lesley Gowing. I have heard of her I think – I ask if she is a big player in the media industry and Rachel nods by way of confirmation. Rachel is clearly delighted and the reactions of her male colleagues are all very positive too. John Holt, the CEO, tells me that the appointment will be announced in the media ...