Spring 2018
Managing AI along ethical lines
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming our lives and our workplaces; robots carry out dangerous and repetitive tasks, machine-learning algorithms are being used to improve medical diagnoses and many of our cyber defences are AI powered. This week, one of the UK’s biggest hospitals, University College London, announced that it plans to use AI to radically improve its services.
As intelligent machines evolve, so too do the ethical questions that should govern these developments. If AI machines make mistakes that cause harm, who should be held responsible? AI systems learn through access to data, so what does that mean in terms of our right to privacy? And who, if anyone, should be responsible for the output of AI ‘thought’ processes?
Rightly, these questions are being posed at both national and international levels. Our latest blog takes a look at the steps being taken to develop the ethical and legal framework to govern the use of artificial intelligence.
How businesses utilise AI will have a significant impact on how they are trusted by society. GoodCorporation is exploring the ethical considerations that should govern the evolution of AI technologies and will be publishing updates in this newsletter and on our blog. A strong ethical code will require a multi-stakeholder approach. We would value any thoughts on our blog or direct to our inbox.
Managing human rights risks
While the majority of corporates make a firm commitment to protecting human rights in their code of conduct, the nature of modern businesses, with complex structures across diverse locations, means that this can be a challenging pledge to fulfill.
To be sure that human rights policies are properly respected across all sites, companies need a robust monitoring programme as well as strong policies and procedures.
This can be easier said than done. Our article on creating a worker welfare programme to set your business apart looks at some of the issues routinely faced when checking human rights across an international business.
Click here to read the article in full
ESG and value creation
A corporate scandal can decimate share value and not just in the immediate aftermath as the gory details hit the headlines. Shareholders in Volkswagen, Tesco, Toshiba and Rolls Royce are still suffering damage some four years after the scandals emerged.
Not surprisingly, investors are increasingly looking for indicators of long-term sustainability that will help mitigate risks and protect long-term investments.
Investment analysis that focuses solely on financial performance is no longer sufficient. Instead we now see more and more investors analysing ESG-related indicators alongside financial performance. Our latest blog explores this trend and what it may mean for businesses.
Click here to read the blog in full
In Brief...
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New team member
GoodCorporation is delighted to announce the appointment of Jane Ellis as a company director.
Previously head of the International Bar Association’s Legal and Policy Research Unit, Jane is an Australian-qualified lawyer with expertise in competition law, anti-bribery law, corporate governance, whistleblower protection, diversity and business ethics.
See us at C5
GoodCorporation is a sponsor of C5’s Anti-Corruption conference, in London in June.
Readers of this newsletter can receive a 20% discount by quoting the code P20-999-GC18.
The conference will look at UKBA and FCPA enforcement, how to evidence adequate procedures and managing risks in emerging markets, among other challenging topics.
New address
Since our last newsletter, GoodCorporation has expanded into larger offices, hopping over Putney Bridge to Fulham.
Our new London address is 2-3 Melbray Mews, London SW6 3NS. Phone numbers and emails stay the same.
If you’d like to visit us or find out more about what we do, get in touch.