As Robert Swannell departs Marks & Spencer as chairman, he tells Board Agenda that he is optimistic about the role of M&S and wider business in a more sustainable, engaged and happy society.

Integrated reporting is gaining in popularity, but it needs the right skills among non-executives if their credibility is to be enforced, writes Prof. Carol Adams, professor of accounting at Durham University.

The barriers preventing women entering boardrooms in greater numbers are various and complex, but new recruiting policies, female networks and mentoring schemes can all be used to help women climb higher.

It’s time to recognise that sustainable development is a strategic issue that can secure the future of business, as well as securing a better future for people and planet, says Jonathan Labrey of the IIRC.

Reforms to corporate governance could require greater board evaluation, but this needn’t be a headache. Technology in the shape of an external evaluation tool can help give businesses an edge, especially in the collection and anonymisation of data.

It’s time for boards to take control of their organisations’ cybersecurity at a time when the threat to data security has never been so severe.

The debate over good governance should be led by practitioners, not regulators, but companies need a deeper understanding of how their boards operate, says Ken Olisa of the Institute of Directors.

Despite efforts to trim their bulk, the battle against the ever-increasing length of annual reports has been lost. Meanwhile, companies have also failed to take the opportunities offered by using digital formats, writes Kevin Reed.

Boards are beginning to acknowledge that sustainability is no longer a siloed concept, but a crucial strategy that lies at the heart of responsible, profitable business, with long-term rewards for both stakeholders and society.

All parties in the shareholder communication chain need to prepare for the enhanced requirements of the new Shareholder Rights Directive—and try to influence its local implementation to encourage a harmonised approach. Broadridge’s Demi Derem and Elizabeth Maiellano highlight the key changes and challenges.