Roles inside a company
Board of directors
The body ultimately responsible for a company's strategy, risk oversight and ESG performance.
Background
The board includes executive, non-executive and independent directors. SEBI's LODR rules set minimum independence and require at least one woman director, and an independent woman director for the top 1,000 listed companies.
Scope and powers
The board approves strategy and major policies, oversees risk (through a risk management committee in the top 1,000 companies), approves the BRSR as part of the annual report, and sets executive pay through its committees.
Investor relevance
Board independence, skills and the way ESG issues reach the board agenda are key governance signals. The BRSR asks which director or committee is responsible for sustainability.
Related guides
Key glossary terms
Last reviewed: October 2026