Ever-increasing consumer, investor and employee awareness continues to drive the business case for responsible behaviour, and recent events have highlighted the growing need for corporate accountability and transparency from C-suite behaviour to global supply chain management. But what exactly are these expectations across different sectors, as the acceleration of the digital age continues to present new risks, opportunities and concerns? How can the right behaviours be encouraged? 

Furthermore, ongoing political transitions and regulatory stances over the last two years have shone a light on companies’ potential and realized impact on society. With trust in political institutions low, many are calling upon businesses not only to reflect their values but to actively bridge the governance gap on issues such as equality, sustainability and human rights, in their own business operations and beyond.  But what role should business be adopting, and what are the consequences of this trend? What are the perceived trade-offs? 

The past year has seen examples of technology leaders being held to account for the mishandling of data, global corporations taking a proactive stance on contentious political issues and executive behaviour directly impacting share price. It is critical that policy-makers and business leaders re-evaluate their priorities, practices and principles as technology and politics continue to reshape the landscape. 

The third annual Chatham House Responsible Business conference will explore key questions, including:

• Who will lead the corporate responsibility agenda? What is driving responsible behaviour? 
• To what extent has there been a policy retreat in this space? What has been the response to this, and what does it mean for different roles and responsibilities? 
• What are the new priorities for responsible business in a digital age? How have recent events demonstrated a shift in expectations? 
• How can policy-makers and companies foster the integration of human rights across global supply chains, international trade and regional business operations?
• What is the role of corporate governance and leadership in setting standards and promoting responsible business? Is this a new era of corporate activism? 

The Chatham House Rule
To enable as open a debate as possible, this conference will be held under the Chatham House Rule.

Twitter
@CH_Events
#CHBusiness

Thursday 28 February
0920

Welcome and chair's opening remarks
Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House

Keynote address
Simon Thompson, Chairman, Rio Tinto

Questions and discussion

Session One | Leaders and Drivers
1000-1115

This opening session will examine the status of corporate leadership in responsible business, evolving policy environments and stakeholder expectations, and how they continue to shape roles and responsibilities. 

• How are expectations for responsible business evolving? Where has this been most apparent in the past 18 months, and what is driving these shifts? 
• Do policy and regulation continue to be effective at encouraging responsible business behaviour? Where is regulation most effective in this space? 
• Given current political sentiments and levels of trust, what role should business play in creating a sustainable economy and a more equal society? What are the implications of this?  
• What can business leaders learn from existing examples of corporate activism? 
• Does a trade-off exist between responsible practices and economic competitiveness, or do commercial drivers incentivize better behaviours? How does this differ across different markets and regions?

Chair
Tamzin Booth, European Business Editor, The Economist

Speakers
Helena Morrissey, Head of Personal Investing, Legal & General Investment Management, and Founder of the 30% Club
Ioannis Ioannou, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, London Business School
Phil Bloomer, Executive Director, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre​
Sue Garrard, EVP Sustainable Business and Communications, Unilever (2014-18)

Questions and discussion

1115-1145 Refreshments

Session Two | Practices and Transparency
1145-1300

This session will address regulatory frameworks and economic incentives governing responsible business conduct, as well as human rights and business operations across global supply chains. 

• How prominent are business and human rights issues on national policy agendas? To what extent has this influenced business behaviours across different sectors and regions? 
• What progress has been made with regards to the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights? What has most effectively driven their integration? 
• To what extent can public opinion and public awareness help narrow the governance gap? How can investors actively promote and enforce better governance practices? 
• Does transparency necessarily lead to accountability, and in turn increase consumer and investor trust? What are the implications of this? 
• How can due diligence and reporting be made more efficient to enhance accountability as well as transparency across supply chains and investments? Can digital solutions be employed to achieve social and environmental best practice?

Chair
Bennett Freeman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, US Department of State (1999–2001)

Speakers
Gillian Caldwell, CEO, Global Witness
Madelaine Tuininga, Head of Unit, DG Trade, European Commission
Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation 
Guus Houttuin, Trade Adviser, European External Action Service, and Chair, the OECD Multi-stakeholder Steering Group 

Questions and discussion

1300-1400 Lunch

Session Three | Responsibility in the Digital Age
1400-1515

This session will examine the risks and opportunities presented by digitization and other technological developments for responsible business practices. 

• What have events over the past year indicated regarding stakeholder concerns accompanying specific technologies and business practices? How have different sectors and companies responded? 
• What are the responsible business issues that accompany the transition to a digital-first society? What can be learned from the challenges of regulating tech titans?
• How can businesses ensure data privacy and help customers with digital access to maintain trust and maximize benefits from digital transformation? 
• To what extent is the proliferation of information through technology already enhancing corporate accountability and transparency? What are the risks here? 

Chair
John Thornhill, Innovation Editor, Financial Times

Speakers
Nuala O’Connor, President and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology
Simon McDougall, Executive Director, Technology Policy and Innovation, Information Commissioner’s Office​
Rebecca MacKinnon, Director, Ranking Digital Rights, New America
Sarah Drinkwater, Director, Tech and Society Solutions Lab, Omidyar Network

Questions and discussion

1515-1545 Afternoon refreshments

Session Four | Governance
1545-1700

This closing session will explore the role of corporate governance in setting standards and leading responsible business practices, including diversity and inclusion as well as C-suite accountability and transparency. 

• How are businesses responding to expectations of good corporate governance and leadership in the digital age? Are businesses equipped to maintain high standards of accountability and transparency in the era of open data and social media?
• Do business leaders have a responsibility to embody as well as promote high standards of responsible business and ethical leadership? What lessons can be learnt from corporate governance failings? 
• What role should business leaders play in the broader political environment? Is corporate activism part of responsible governance, and what are the risks?
• What are the best strategies to empower diversity and foster inclusion in a rapidly changing global economy? Should diversity and inclusion begin in the boardroom?

Chair
Aris Vrettos, Director of Open Programmes and International Markets, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

Speakers
Catherine Howarth, CEO, ShareAction 
Jane Ellis, Director, GoodCorporation
Mo Ibrahim, Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation 
Alison Cottrell, CEO, Banking Standards Board

Questions and discussion

1700 Close of conference and drinks reception 

© The Royal Institute of International Affairs 2019

Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Ways to book:

1. Online: Click here to complete the online registration form
2. Phone: Call Boudicca Georgii Hellberg on +44 (0) 20 7314 2785
3. Email/Post: Download a PDF registration form, complete and return to Boudicca Georgii Hellberg via email or post: Chatham House, 10 St. James Square, London, SW1Y 4LE

Check if your organization is a member of Chatham House here.

Your delegate pass includes:

• Documentation
• Lunch and refreshments

Travel and accommodation are not included.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please contact Olivia Lewis on +44 (0)20 7957 5732

If you are interested in partnering with Chatham House on this event, please contact Ayesha Arif on +44 (0)20 7957 5753

Chatham House
10 St James's Square
London
SW1Y 4LE
UK
conferences@chathamhouse.org

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7957 5643
Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 5710

If you wish to book the venue for your own event please phone +44 (0)20 7314 2764

Directions
The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus which is on the Piccadilly and the Bakerloo Underground lines. From Piccadilly follow Regent Street southwards towards Pall Mall and take the first road on the right called Jermyn Street. Duke of York Street is the second road on the left and leads to St James's Square. Chatham House is immediately on your right.

Map

Accommodation
Although we cannot book accommodation for delegates, we have arranged a reduced rate at some nearby hotels, where you can book your own accommodation. Please inform the hotel that you will be attending a conference at Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) to qualify for the Institute's reduced rate.

Please note all rates are subject to availability.

Flemings Mayfair
13 Half Moon Street
Mayfair
London - W1J 7BH

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7499 2964
Fax: + 44 (0)20 7499 1817
reservations@flemings.co.uk

Classic Double without breakfast: £195 +VAT

The Cavendish London
81 Jermyn Street
London - SW1U 6JF

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7930 2111
Fax: + 44 (0)20 7839 2125
enquiry.cavendish@the-ascott.com 

Classic Room without breakfast: £195 +VAT

Book The Cavendish online

The Stafford London 
St James's Place
London - SW1A 1NJ

Tel: 020 7493 0111
Fax: 020 7493 7121
​reservations@thestaffordlondon.com

Classic Queen without breakfast: £247 +VAT
Quote Chatham House

This conference will be held under the Chatham House Rule. Information for journalists.

Press can request a press pass.

For enquiries relating to the conference agenda or sponsorship please call Olivia Lewis on +44 (0) 20 7957 5732

For registration enquiries please call Boudicca Georgii Hellberg on +44 (0) 20 7314 2785

For general enquiries please email conferences@chathamhouse.org