G. When employee representation on the board is mandated, mechanisms
should be developed to facilitate access to information and training for
employee representatives, so that this representation is exercised
effectively and best contributes to the enhancement of board skills,
information and independence.
When employee representation on boards is mandated by the law or
collective agreements, or adopted voluntarily, it should be applied in a way that
maximises its contribution to the board’s independence, competence and
information. Employee representatives should have the same duties and
responsibilities as all other board members, and should act in the best interest of
the company.
Procedures should be established to facilitate access to information, training
and expertise, and the independence of employee board members from the CEO
and management. These procedures should also include adequate, transparent
appointment procedures, rights to report to employees on a regular basis –
provided that board confidentiality requirements are duly respected – training,
and clear procedures for managing conflicts of interest. A positive contribution
to the board’s work will also require acceptance and constructive collaboration
by other members of the board as well as by management.