A recent paper reported as showing a causal link between divestment and carbon emissions proves nothing of the kind. It’s a case study on why to be sceptical of headlines describing complex research.

I’ve spent the year looking at what the best evidence has to say about key issues in responsible business. This is some of what I’ve learned.

Good corporate governance matters. But it’s not going to solve the world’s problems. The idea that it will risks taking us in the wrong direction and could make matters worse.

Overstating the business case for diversity understates the changes we need to make

There’s no clear consensus on how individual citizens should best use their investments to save the planet. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

The lesson from Danone is that purpose must lead to value

ISS voting recommendations are influential. Academic evidence suggests that’s probably not a good thing. Investors should revisit how they use them.

ISS voting recommendations are influential. Academic evidence suggests that’s probably not a good thing. Investors should revisit how they use them.

The UK Government’s mismanagement of the COVID crisis has left the country with no good options. What does an evidence-based approach look like from here?

Executive pay practices can signal governance troubles ahead. Investors should take note.

Despite welcome progress, the latest report from The Purposeful Company shows that pay reform is probably too timid to make much of a difference

The focus should be on how companies treat their employees not on the largely meaningless pay ratio statistic

Cutting carbon through individual behaviour is possible, but can't be the whole answer…

It is essential for the financial services industry to rediscover its purpose.

Until we have global carbon pricing we must take responsibility for our consumption choices

Changes to diet and food sourcing are the closest thing to a free lunch in the battle against climate change…

Cutting our transport footprint means cutting our transport miles - electric vehicles can only be part of the answer…

Support for simpler executive pay plans is growing - now both companies and investors need to focus on the possibilities not just the risks…

Electrification of power is an essential part of moving to a low-carbon future. But looking at the issue in detail has exposed my naivety and challenged my view about the right solution…

Green tariffs and solar panels can make a real contribution to reducing our domestic carbon footprint