Companies are embracing the spirit of the Wates Principles

The Financial Reporting Council has issued the first in-depth assessment of the quality of reporting from private companies who have chosen to follow the Wates Principles. The report, which was conducted with the University of Essex, shows that the Wates Principles are the most widely adopted corporate governance code used by large private companies.
The research shows that companies are grasping the spirit of the Wates Principles in their governance reporting. They are using the principles as a tool for self-reflection and improvement, and seeing the yearly governance reporting as an opportunity, not a burden. This research also includes examples of good reporting and acknowledges that it is too early to draw too many conclusions as most companies were in their first cycle of reporting.
Sir James Wates
Chair of the Wates Principles Coalition Group
Sir Jon Thompson
FRC CEO
Early indications of Wates Principles reporting are promising
Many companies have clearly sought to grasp the spirit of the Principles and have provided good explanations of how their governance arrangements work.