Addressing Issues within an Organisation’s Governance Framework & Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR)
Ian Erskine — Managing Director & CEO, ACI Global & E-Quip
ACI Podcast Episode 89: In this episode, we sit down with Ian Erskine, Managing Director and CEO of ACI Global and e-Quip, for the 89th episode in his ongoing Xraised series. Building directly on Episode 88, Ian goes deeper into the practical application of ISO 26000:2010, moving through all six core subjects of social responsibility and challenging organisations to treat ethical governance and corporate social responsibility as everyday operational commitments rather than compliance exercises.
Ian opens with a question that frames the entire conversation: just how surprised do you really want to be? Risk is rarely unforeseeable, and for organisations willing to observe, listen, and apply due diligence consistently, most issues can be identified and addressed before they become crises. That mindset, he argues, is the foundation of a genuine governance framework.
The conversation works through each core subject in sequence. On human rights, Ian addresses due diligence, complicity avoidance, and the protection of vulnerable groups with direct reference to what is happening in the world right now. On labour practices, he returns to a theme central to all his work: sustained success begins at onboarding and depends entirely on how an organisation develops, engages, and protects its people throughout the employment relationship.
On the environment, he connects sustainability and biodiversity protection to lifecycle thinking and everyday organisational culture. On fair operating practices, he makes the case for going public with policies including a Code of Conduct and Modern Slavery Policy, not as box-ticking but as a demonstration of genuine commitment. On consumer issues, he draws a direct line to total quality management. And on community involvement, he closes by showing how knowledge management, continuous professional development, and future-ready leadership create lasting value beyond the organisation itself.
For any leader serious about building an organisation that earns genuine trust from its people, clients, and wider community, this episode is essential viewing.
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