ESG

Contact: Kelly Thomson

ESG

Energy System Data definition: Ofgem publish decision

Ofgem have published their decision to change the definition of Energy System Data (ESD) in Data Best Practice (DBP) Guidance. They consider Data Best Practice Guidance to be their main tool in achieving a culture which values open data. ESD's definition change will ensure that licence regimes both past and future, created by, or by means of the Energy Act 2023, will be part of the data captured.

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Bar Standards Board launches consultation to revise proposals promoting equality, diversity and inclusion

On 3 September 2024, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) launched a public consultation to seek responses on rules to promote diversity, equality and inclusion. Amongst the proposals, the BSB is considering placing a positive obligation on barristers to promote equality, diversity and inclusion when providing legal services. The BSB will also engage with stakeholders deemed to be impacted by the proposals. The proposals put forward are the results of engagement sessions with several stakeholders including the Inns and the BSB Race Equality, Disability, and Religion and Belief Task Forces.

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ESG

Tailored guidance for fashion brands from the CMA

On 18 September 2024, the CMA published a compliance guide based on their Green Claims Code. The guide includes information for fashion brands to drive their compliance with consumer law, including providing accurate product information and detailing requirements for establishing products in sustainable ranges. In addition, the CMA has also issued a letter to 17 fashion brands with concerns over their green claims.

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Speech by Steve Reed on the Water (Special Measures) Bill

On 5 September 2024, Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, gave a speech to mark the Water (Special Measures) Bill's introduction to Parliament. In his speech, he highlights the need for reforms in the sector to address issues such as pollution, infrastructure failures and rising costs for consumers. He also calls for increased accountability for water companies and stronger regulations.

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New vision for customer service published by Ofgem

On 10 September 2024, Ofgem published their vision to deliver optimal customer service following declining levels of customer satisfaction. The proposal includes revised back billing rules and supplier billing practices, improved rules for automatic compensation, new powers for Ofgem to take action against suppliers and the potential to adopt a model similar to the Consumer Duty.

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Navigating the ISSB’s sustainability disclosure standards: practical insights

RPC's Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate, Environmental and Climate Change Practice Lead and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies have published a guide on the ISSB standards with top tips and practical insights from discussions with sustainability, legal and corporate reporting leaders from across the retail, consumer and technology sectors.

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ESG

Lloyd's of London consulting on proposed new conduct framework

The financial services sector continues to face scrutiny over non-financial misconduct (NFM) which can include bullying, sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination and even criminal offences and may extend to settings outside the work environment which have sufficient nexus to work. In the insurance world, Lloyd’s is proposing to implement various changes to its byelaws aiming to modernise and streamline its approach to dealing with poor conduct and behaviours in the market, including dealing with both financial and non-financial misconduct. Its key proposals include:

new categories of misconduct (including mistreating witnesses and whistleblowers)
a non-exhaustive list of misconduct (including harassment, bullying, discrimination and conducting business under the influence of alcohol)
the creation of an Early Account Scheme (allowing firms to investigate allegations within pre-agreed parameters and take disciplinary action themselves).

The consultation is open for responses until 16 December. Full details of proposed changes, and information on how to provide feedback are available on the Lloyd's of London website here.

Key updates on Green Claims from the latest RPC update

In our latest Green Claims update, RPC provide the latest legal and regulatory developments you need to know including:

ASA ruling against misleading Mazda ad
Annual greenwashing report published
ICC updates its advertising and marketing code
Sector-specific updates across food and drink, transport and finance.

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