Following rape and sexual assault charges against Russell Brand in the U.K., Pan Macmillan’s Bluebird imprint has reportedly severed its publishing deal with him, reflecting the company's commitment to ethical business practices and distancing itself from behavior harmful to marginalized communities.

Macmillan Holdings released a detailed report outlining its measures to prevent forced labor and child labor in its supply chains during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 and through 2024. The report describes robust ethical guidelines, a strict Code for Business Partners, mandatory employee training, continuous supplier due diligence, and a whistleblowing system that collectively ensure no violations were reported, reflecting a strong commitment to ethical labor practices.

Pan Macmillan published a comprehensive sustainability and sourcing policy that emphasizes reducing its carbon footprint, using FSC-certified paper, and collaborating with suppliers and printers to promote ethical and environmentally sustainable practices across its supply chain.

In February 2021, Pan Macmillan issued a detailed statement outlining its sustainable paper sourcing policies, including a commitment to avoid using paper from companies with human rights or labor violations. The policy emphasizes responsible sourcing certifications such as FSC and PEFC, reduction of carbon footprint, and adherence to rigorous environmental and ethical standards.

Pan Macmillan announced that CEO John Sargent will depart effective January 1, 2021, amid internal disagreements over the company’s direction. Sargent, noted for his previous defiant stance against authoritarian pressures—most notably his public resistance to efforts by Donald Trump’s legal team to block publication—and his commitment to free speech, leaves behind a legacy of progressive leadership. His departure coincides with the appointment of Don Weisberg as CEO and the promotion of Susan Winslow, a recognized champion of diversity and inclusion, to lead Macmillan Learning.

Pan Macmillan issued a public statement reaffirming its commitment to counter racism and bolster diversity and inclusion within the company. The company outlined measures such as enhanced diversity hiring, unconscious bias training for all employees, an additional paid day off for community service, and a clear action plan to better support under‑represented voices, including the Black community. These steps were taken in response to global protests against racial injustice and reflect a strong stance against systemic racism.

Macmillan USA, part of Pan Macmillan, announced the formation of a new Trade Management Committee aimed at enhancing diversity, inclusion, and representation in decision-making. CEO John Sargent along with other executives outlined this reform as a strategic move to realign management structures to better reflect diverse perspectives, following broader industry calls for reform.