The ICGN Guidance on Diversity on Boards (2016) builds upon the ICGN Guidance on Gender Diversity on Boards published in 2013. The original guidance identified the responsibilities of shareholders and companies alike to promote gender diversity on boards ultimately to enhance corporate governance and the overall success of companies. The new guidance recognises that a range of social and economic factors contribute to a fully diverse board, beyond gender diversity. This promotes directors with experience, social backgrounds and competencies to help enable effective board decision-making and leadership. Moreover, relevant board candidates with the needed skills to promote diversity and board effectiveness should not be discriminated against based on gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation or gender identity.