Upstake Ltd offers a range of financial services to consumers and small businesses. It is listed on GSE and usually its share price performs in line with market expectations, but its board has been criticised by shareholders at the most recent shareholders’ meeting. Although executive remuneration recommended by the directors was approved at the meeting, a large number of shareholders present complained about the level of remuneration enjoyed by directors and gave the company notice that the shareholders as a body would be looking at taking action to reduce this, if necessary by removing some directors or even the whole board. Finally several questions were asked about the company’s regulatory compliance with regard to CSR and sustainability reporting.

(a) Explain to the board the key issues for shareholders in relation to directors’ remuneration in a listed company.

(b) Explain to the board how the GRI G4 guidelines on sustainability reporting may help the company in reporting on its sustainable development