Creating an independent Scrutiny Board
The client and background
ENGIE UK were keen to introduce an independent governance mechanism to hold them to account for delivery of their new Responsible Business Charter commitments. CfGS was commissioned to design, deliver and support this new governance approach.
What we did and the impact
Following confidential research with public sector leaders from local government, housing and education, we designed a new governance mechanism would provide external assurance and tangible business benefits.
We recommended the creation of an independently chaired Scrutiny Board with a range of experts covering the Charter commitments. It would meet quarterly and publish a publicly available annual report. The Board’s independence is verified by CfGS and we act as the liaison between the Board and ENGIE. We also undertook the Board members’ search and recruitment.
The Board was established in September 2018 and produced its first ENGIE Scrutiny Board Annual Report in January 2020. The reported highlights the achievements made and areas where further progress was needed. ENGIE believes there has been a significant positive impact from the Board’s scrutiny and direct business benefits in areas including review of staff benefits and impact on the fair payment of suppliers.
In April 2020 the second ENGIE Scrutiny Board Annual Report was published, highlighting a number of achievements over the past 12 months. A table summarising progress against each of the Responsible Business Charter Commitments can be found here.
“Together, the Responsible Business Charter and the accompanying Scrutiny Board reflect our strong ambition to operate transparently with the highest standards of governance throughout our business. We continue to welcome the insight, support and also challenge from both the Board and the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny.”Nicola Lovett, CEO ENGIE UK & Ireland
“The way ENGIE UK and the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny worked together to develop the framework for transparency and accountability around the Responsible Business Charter is a model which I would like to see replicated.”
Joan MacNaughton, CB HonFEI, Scrutiny Board and Advisory Board Member
If you would like CfGS to support your organisation to help drive improvement in the way you do business please get in touch by emailing info@cfgs.org.uk
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