Voluntary Code of Conduct for Directors: will it make a difference?
The Institute of Directors (IoD) have published a consultation document on a code of conduct for directors.
The new code would be voluntary and is designed to help directors and business leaders build trust from the public in their business activities. It has been prompted by recent corporate scandals, such as the Post Office, that have had a wider impact on the public losing trust in business leaders.
The code of conduct is centred around six key principles: Leading by example, Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Fairness and Responsible Business.
Because the code is voluntary and contains no means of enforcement, questions have been raised over how useful this code will be and what the take up is likely to be.
The IoD is looking for views from both the business community and the general public.
For more information and to respond and read the full consultation document, see: https://www.iod.com/resources/governance/iod-public-consultation-on-a-code-of-conduct-for-directors/
For many sole traders and small business owners, reviewing their accounting system only happens when something forces the issue. For instance, many sole traders are currently looking at whether their accounting system meets the requirements for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
UK inflation eased to 3.6% in the year to October, down from 3.8% in September, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).