SHAPING ETHICAL INTEGRITY AND ORGANISATIONAL SUCCESS: ROLE OF THE CCO
The role of chief compliance officer (CCO) is essential for ensuring legal and regulatory adherence and shaping and sustaining a culture of integrity and accountability within an organisation. The CCO plays a critical role in setting the ‘tone at the top’, driving compliance as a core element of the company’s operations and values. The CCO embeds ethical practices into the company’s fabric by promoting shared responsibility across departments and aligning compliance with the organisation’s goals.
Effective CCOs possess leadership, industry expertise and emotional intelligence and demonstrate adaptability, allowing them to influence and guide teams, anticipate emerging risks and integrate compliance strategies with business objectives.
The CCO as a culture builder
CCOs are far more than gatekeepers for legal and regulatory adherence; they are foundational in shaping an organisation’s ethical framework, ensuring that compliance becomes ingrained in the organisation’s culture and operations.
To accomplish this, the CCO must first set the direction by understanding the company’s compliance history and aligning strategies with organisational goals. This foundational knowledge allows the CCO to tailor their approach to the company’s unique needs and challenges.
Equally important is driving engagement. Compliance should not be a mere check-box exercise, but a collective responsibility shared across departments. A CCO who fosters collaboration and accountability ensures compliance is integrated into every facet of the organisation’s operations.
Finally, the CCO must promote the company’s values by translating them into actionable policies and practices that resonate with employees. By embedding these values into everyday decision making, the CCO ensures adherence to rules and cultivates a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour.
Apr-Jun 2025 Issue
BarkerGilmore