At a time of heightened public scrutiny of corporate behaviour,
the Institute of Directors has launched a new Commission to
examine the role of business in society and assess the extent to
which business is acting as a force for good in today's world.
The Commission will undertake a rigorous, evidence‑based
assessment of how businesses create economic, social and
environmental value, as well as the factors, behaviours and
incentives that have limited or undermined positive impacts. Its
work will also explore where business is falling short, and the
conditions under which it can best contribute to long‑term
prosperity and wellbeing.
Chaired by The OBE, the Commission
brings together senior representatives from across business,
professional bodies, trade unions and civil society to provide a
well-rounded, credible assessment of how business contributes to
society today.
The Commission will run from Spring to Autumn 2026 and conclude
with practical recommendations for directors, boards and
policymakers on how businesses can support long‑term economic
success, social progress and sustainable development.
Commenting on the new Commission, Jonathan Geldart,
Director General of the IoD, said:
“At a time of economic, social and environmental pressure, it is
right to ask a serious question: is business truly a force for
good? This IoD Commission will move this debate beyond slogans
and binaries, undertaking a rigorous, evidence‑based assessment
of how businesses create economic, social and environmental
value, and where outcomes have fallen short. It will examine the
incentives, behaviours and governance structures that shape
real‑world decisions, recognising that enterprise is complex,
trade‑offs are real and leadership is often exercised under
significant constraint.
“We are deeply grateful to Lord Rees for agreeing to Chair this
Commission, alongside a distinguished group drawn from business,
policy, the trade union movement and wider civil society. Their
collective insight will be essential in grounding the
Commission's work in lived experience and hard evidence, helping
to define what responsible enterprise should look like in
practice – protecting the honest majority, strengthening trust,
and ensuring business plays its full role as a stable, productive
force in a resilient society.”
Commenting on his appointment as Chair of the Commission,
Lord Rees said:
“I am pleased to be chairing this Commission at such an important
moment. Society is a collective act, shaped by the choices we
make across politics, economics, civic life and personal
responsibility. Business is central to that story. It creates
jobs, wealth, innovation and opportunity, and it shapes
communities, life chances and public trust.
“But building a good society is not simply an act of altruism. It
is enlightened self-interest. Healthy populations make for
resilient workforces. Stable societies are good for investment.
Business leaders and workforces live in, and are shaped by, the
world business helps create. And these are determinants of
business success.
“This work is timely. Many people are losing faith in the
institutions that have held our society and economy together. Too
many feel left behind by an economy that no longer offers the
security, dignity and opportunity it once promised.
“This Commission will examine honestly where business has been,
and can be, a force for good; where it has fallen short; and what
conditions are needed for business to contribute to long-term
prosperity, wellbeing and inclusive, sustainable development.”
Further details on the Commission are available here.
In previous years, the IoD has convened Commissions to examine
the role and contribution of
non-executive directors, develop a Code of Conduct for
Directors and harness diverse talent.
