Business leaders are invited to a workshop that examines changes in the definition of a company’s purposes and explores approaches to formulate, embed and communicate purpose to address environmental, social and governance reporting requirements.The Bermuda branch of the Institute of Directors, which has organised the event, says it is appropriate for directors, governance advisers, investor relations professionals, finance professionals and those responsible for communicating corporate positions with stakeholders.Deborah Morton-Dare, a chartered accountant who specialises in financial and strategic management training for all levels of financial background, will lead the workshop, the IoD said.A spokesperson for the group said: “Recently, major index fund managers and leading business, governmental and non-governmental organisations in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe have embraced an expanded view that the purpose of a corporation should be to invest in employees, protect the environment, deal fairly and ethically with suppliers and support their communities, in addition to generating long-term value for shareholders. “In so doing, the community of business leaders have confirmed that environmental, social and governance policies are linked to business risk, value creation, financial performance and sustainability.“While there are opposing opinions to the expanded view from financial advisers, C-suite executives, economists, and others, the heightened expectations on companies to define its purpose, balance the needs of all its stakeholders and measure and communicate success, presents companies with new questions and challenges.“This workshop will explore what is influencing stakeholder demand, revisit the value of purpose statements, and examine approaches to communicate and report ESG to stakeholders.”The event will be held February 24 from 5.15pm until 6.45pm at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The cost is $40 for IoD members and $60 for non-members. • For more information e-mail iodbermudabranch@gmail.com or call 336 2447