09 Stakeholder interests

The board should respect the interests of stakeholders, taking into account the entity’s ownership type and its fundamental purpose.

The board should have clear policies for the entity’s relationships with significant stakeholders, bearing in mind distinctions between public, private and Crown ownership.
The board should regularly assess compliance with these policies to ensure that conduct towards stakeholders complies with the code of ethics and the law and is within broadly accepted social, environmental, and ethical norms - generally subject to the interests of shareholders.
Public sector entities should report at least annually to inform the public of their activities and performance, including on how they have served the interests of their stakeholders.

The board should make available communication channels for periodic dialogue and reporting on environmental, social or governance matters with stakeholders (including shareholders) as appropriate. Boards should clearly explain such procedures to stakeholders including guidance relating to compliance with disclosure and other relevant market rules.