Hollingsworth & Co Ltd

Voluntary Code of Conduct for Directors: will it make a difference?

Talk to an expert

The Institute of Directors (IoD) have published a consultation document on a code of conduct for directors.


The new code would be voluntary and is designed to help directors and business leaders build trust from the public in their business activities. It has been prompted by recent corporate scandals, such as the Post Office, that have had a wider impact on the public losing trust in business leaders.


The code of conduct is centred around six key principles: Leading by example, Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Fairness and Responsible Business.


Because the code is voluntary and contains no means of enforcement, questions have been raised over how useful this code will be and what the take up is likely to be.


The IoD is looking for views from both the business community and the general public.


For more information and to respond and read the full consultation document, see: https://www.iod.com/resources/governance/iod-public-consultation-on-a-code-of-conduct-for-directors/

June 10, 2026
Pressure selling tactics ruled to be illegal

A High Court order has confirmed that Emma Sleep, a mattress seller, behaved illegally and broke consumer law by using misleading countdown timers, false ‘high demand’ messages and ‘discount claims’.

Read article
June 8, 2026
Why every growing business needs a business plan

You have the idea, the energy, and maybe even your first customers. So why slow down to write a business plan? It can seem like something banks ask for, but not something that really helps you run your business.

Read article