ISS launched its Annual Policy Survey (pdf version) for the 2021 proxy season. The survey includes a series of global-level COVID-19-related and other questions, as well as regional-specific questions.
COVID-19 queries cover the potential continuation of ISS's April 2020 multi-faceted policy guidance (which we reported on here), shareholder meeting format preferences (e.g., virtual meetings), and expectations and sentiment around executive compensation adjustments. Other global-level topics include climate change risk, the SDGs, external auditor independence and performance, and racial and ethnic board representation and diversity disclosure. US-specific coverage is limited to independent board chairs. The Society addressed certain of these topics in our response to last year's policy survey.
The survey closes on August 21, 2020, at 5pm ET. Institutional investors, companies, corporate directors and other market stakeholders are all encouraged to participate in the survey. The Society also plans to comment, so please stay tuned for an opportunity to participate in that effort.
Access additional resources on our Proxy Advisors page.