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      Directors and boards continue to face into an increasingly challenging operating environment. 

      KPMG’s thought leadership report ‘In the hot seat’ reveals 68% of directors find the current regulatory landscape to be increasingly challenging or a continually difficult and stressful experience.

      Rapid technological advancements such as automation and artificial intelligence, alongside concerns about data privacy, personal information and the escalating cyber threat environment, have added complexity to the corporate governance landscape. 

      Alongside this, stakeholder expectations are rapidly evolving, and directors are navigating and engaging with increasingly diverse and complex stakeholder groups.

      The role of directors is now more critical than ever in facing  shifting societal expectations and heightened regulatory scrutiny. This latest edition of The Directors' Toolkit aims to provide directors with practical guidance that supports you in effectively executing your governance duties and navigating changes in the external environment.



      7th edition of The Directors' Toolkit

      This latest edition of The Directors’ Toolkit reflects on the significant developments that have emerged since our last release in 2022, Notably, ESG, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and stakeholder engagement.  In addition to these thematic shifts, this update incorporates insights from recent governance failures as well as legislative changes. 

      Given the proposed 5th edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations changes are not proceeding, areas where a significant change has been proposed by the ASX, we have included this for reference.

      Explore practical guidance that helps you navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

      Download

      The Directors' Toolkit – Your guide to good governance – Edition 7

      Board and corporate governance guide


      New content for evolving topics

      This edition includes a new section and updates to existing content, including:

      Abstract curved building with reflective windows

      Stakeholder engagement

      We share how to engage with a growing group of stakeholders and incorporate their perspectives into planning and decision-making.

      Protecting vulnerable people

      This new chapter explores the role of the board in safeguarding vulnerable customers, communities and people, and how to measure the risks and successes.

      Enviroment, Social & Governance (ESG)

      Understand changes to your regulatory reporting requirements under the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) framework and broader ESG risk areas and considerations.

      Automation and AI

      Insights into AI’s impact on culture, customers, business models and risk frameworks, and how to respond.



      Access the toolkit

      Register for access to KPMG’s 7th edition of The Directors' Toolkit.


      Download toolkit

      The Directors' Toolkit – Your guide to good governance – Edition 7

      Board and corporate governance guide


      How KPMG can help

      KPMG’s Governance & Board Advisory team provides comprehensive support to boards in the development and enhancement of their governance frameworks and processes.

      The team also conducts evaluations of overall board performance and individual director performance, plus assessments of board composition.



      Find out more

      Caron Sugars

      Partner, Governance, Risk & Controls Advisory and Board Advisory Services

      KPMG Australia

      Supporting Non-Executive Directors in navigating boardroom challenges.

      Enhance boardroom dynamics and improve board management relations.


      Frequently asked questions

      The toolkit is a comprehensive directors’ handbook designed to help corporate directors fulfil their roles and responsibilities effectively. It includes essential information, practical tools, guidelines, and best practices for good governance. 

      It aims to equip directors with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of corporate governance, adapt to changing regulations, engage with diverse stakeholders, manage risks, and ensure the organisation’s integrity and accountability. Topics covered include board roles and responsibilities, ethical leadership, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, technological advancements, and data privacy.

      The Directors’ Toolkit provides comprehensive information, practical tools, and updated guidelines to enhance governance capabilities. It aids in regulatory compliance, informed decision-making, effective stakeholder engagement, and risk management. 

      Additionally, it provides directors  with guidance for adapting to technological advancements and developing ethical leadership, ensuring they can navigate the complexities of modern governance with integrity and accountability.

      The toolkit offers best practices, case studies, and frameworks to enhance corporate governance structures and processes, helping directors fulfil their responsibilities effectively.

      The 7th edition of The Directors’ Toolkit has 26 chapters covering the role of directors, governance accountability, governance leadership and oversight. Topics range from leadership to tax, ESG, stakeholder engagement, and culture. 

      For this edition, existing chapters were updated with new content to align to changing times and technology. We have also added a new section on the responsbility of boards in safeguarding vulnerable people. 



      Access now

      Please fill out your details to get access to KPMG’s edition 7 of the Directors’ Toolkit.