Corporate governance is a set of principles, practices and standards governing a company's decision-making process and the distribution of rights and responsibilities among its various stakeholders. It establishes structures and guidelines that everyone in the organisation should follow. It is key to operating ethically and effectively. Elements of governance, such as effective management structures, a healthy organisational culture and responsible leadership, integrate environmental and social aspects, which is essential for the implementation of initiatives in all ESG areas.

ESG factors and corporate governance

Companies are increasingly incorporating ESG factors in their business strategies, often under pressure from legal requirements, especially EU regulations. Compliance with ESG legislation is therefore important for compliance with appropriate corporate governance, and failure to comply can generate legal and reputational risks. We therefore support our clients by offering:

• audits to determine the extent to which and manner in which identified regulatory requirements are being met and to assist with the implementation of any necessary changes,
• the mapping of the legal risks associated with clients' operations and the development of risk mitigation solutions,
• implementation of systems for monitoring and supervising compliance with legal requirements, advising on compliance with companies' due diligence requirements,
• verification of advertising activities and support in counteracting greenwashing practices,
• advice on ESG-related intellectual property law.

Tax transparency as an element of corporate governance

An important element of corporate governance that helps companies meet their responsible management objectives is tax transparency. Disclosure of quantitative and qualitative data on taxes paid by a company demonstrates its integrity and helps build up stakeholder confidence. Our services in this area include:

• designing tax strategies and analysing the impact of transactions and investments,
• support in the implementation of internal policies and procedures concerning the tax function, assistance with drawing up rules for managing and minimising tax risks, negotiations with the tax authorities,
• support in tax inspections and representation of clients before the tax authorities,
• training staff on tax issues.

Compliance with ESRS G1 standard

Also key in the area of corporate governance are the aspects set out in the ESRS G1 standard on corporate governance, risk management and internal control, including:

• internal business conduct policies and how to promote a corporate culture (G1-1),
• management of relationships with suppliers and impacts on the supply chain (G1-2),
• systems for the prevention of corruption (G1-3) and activities and obligations relating to the exercise of political influence, including lobbying activities (G1-5),
• mechanisms for identifying, reporting and investigating information that may indicate illegal activity or activities contrary to ethical standards,
• ensuring appropriate protection for whistleblowers.

Building an effective compliance system

The aforementioned solutions are also components of an effective compliance system, which is one of the key areas of organisation management and a prerequisite for the sustainable development of any company. In this respect, we offer:

• update and implementation of internal procedures and policies, and compliance management systems,
• implementation of solutions compliant with ISO standards (ISO 37001 and ISO 37301),
• design and implementation of whistleblowing systems and assistance with whistleblower protection,
• monitoring of regulatory developments and trends,
• support in defining roles and responsibilities in management bodies,
• advice on shaping the regulatory environment,
• identification of sustainable development initiatives,
• training for management and staff.

Team:

Corporate governance | Compliance

Anna Hlebicka-Józefowicz

Tax

Joanna Wierzejska | Jan Czerwiński | Grzegorz Sprawka