News

I was surprised to read Jonathan Guthrie’s statement that “good governance . . . prescribes box ticking over the independence of non-executive directors and similar matters of little significance” (“ESG category errors need unbundling for ethical investors”, Opinion, April 5).

Especially when the FT’s own non-executive director (NED) diploma — quoting from Sir David Walker’s “Review of Corporate Governance in UK Banks and Other Financial Industry Entities” (2009) — emphasises to students the importance of having NEDs who exhibit “the quality of independence of mind and spirit, of character and judgment . . . to bring effective and constructive challenge to the board’s decision-taking process”.

Julia Smithers Excell
Cohort 46, FT NED Diploma
Guildford, Surrey, UK

Articles You May Like

Top Wall Street analysts like these dividend stocks for portfolio income
Russia detains 11 suspects after deadly attack on Moscow concert hall
Trump’s stake in social media group hits $4.6bn after market debut
US faces Liz Truss-style market shock as debt soars, warns watchdog
Activist Oasis may turn to a preferred playbook to help build value at Greencore