Director FAQ: Risk Oversight–Sexual Misconduct

In brief: The movement that began in 2017 for victims to openly share their experiences as victims of sexual harassment, known as the #MeToo movement on social media, has called attention to the prevalence of workplace sexual misconduct. Corporations have had to clean house, in many cases firing individuals—including those in the top levels of leadership in government, business, academia, and the nonprofit sector. The movement has broad implications for corporations and for their boards, which oversee risk and culture at the organization. This memo offers board-level guidance on strengthening oversight of this important issue.

How boards can use this resource:

• Understand the risks associated with sexual misconduct;
• Review your company’s existing policies and procedures around sexual misconduct;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of management practices;
• Establish leading practices for board oversight of this issue.

Most relevant audiences: all directors, corporate executives, general counsel