The article emphasizes the significance of independent board members in ensuring accountability and effective oversight in corporate governance. It highlights their role in preventing conflicts of interest and promoting shareholder interests. Assessing a company's board composition and determining the independence of board members is crucial for evaluating ESG scores. Best practices for enhancing a board's ESG profile include embracing diversity, regular assessments of board effectiveness, clear communication of governance policies, and transparency in decision-making. Overall, having a substantial proportion of independent board members reflects a strong commitment to robust governance and positively contributes to a company's ESG score.