7 tips to make the new CSR Performance Ladder work for you
Many organizations are increasingly being asked about the sustainability of their operations. This question comes from customers, employees and job applicants, as well as from regulations like CSRD. Sound familiar? The new CSR Performance Ladder (version 4) helps provide even better answers to these questions. Here are 7 tips to make the CSR Performance Ladder work for you.
The CSR Performance Ladder version 4 is here – what's new?
The new CSR Performance Ladder (version 4) has been released to align with CSRD – the European Corporate Sustainability Directive that will apply to more and more organizations. Therefore, the themes have been clarified and linked to reporting guidelines. There are also stricter requirements, for example, regarding procurement policies and sustainability due diligence. Moreover, purpose – the organization's own motivations for working sustainably – has become more important.
Curious about what the CSR Performance Ladder actually is? Then read ‘5 reasons to use the CSR Performance Ladder’.
7 tips to make the CSR Performance Ladder version 4 work for you:
1. Support your sustainability reporting with reliable information
The need for independent and verified sustainability information applies to many organizations. Whether you're required to report according to CSRD or voluntarily report because society demands it, in both situations, good sustainability reporting is essential. We see a clear trend that the information must be verifiable. The stricter requirements and the connection to material themes in version 4 help with this.
2. From compliance to thinking from a purpose perspective
Where many organizations have mainly focused on compliance management so far – ensuring compliance with laws and regulations – they are now also taking their social responsibility from their own motivations. This is called purpose. Think, for example, of contributing to biodiversity because the organization considers it important, not because it's required by law.
3. Sustainability information is also important for SMEs
We often get asked if the CSR Performance Ladder is also interesting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It definitely is. Even smaller organizations are faced with the increasing demand for sustainability information. Transparent and independent evidence of how sustainably your organization operates can make a difference in tender processes and in attracting and retaining skilled workers.
4. Start at the level that suits your organization
There are differences between versions and levels of the CSR Performance Ladder. The newest version is version 4, and it has come into effect on 1 December 2023. The CSR Performance Ladder consists of 5 levels, indicating where the organization stands. Levels 1 and 2 form the first step to grow towards level 3. Level 3 is a general implementation of the themes achievable in the industry. Organizations can then move up the ladder to levels 4 and 5 by working out the themes more specifically and distinctly and aligning them more broadly.
5. Make the SDGs and 3 P's concrete
Use the CSR Performance Ladder to translate sustainability frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and People, Planet and Profit (3 P's) into concrete objectives within your organization. The ladder provides a clear and manageable representation of your organization's CSR management system. This way, you can measure where you stand and the progress of the improvements you are making.
6. Use the CSR Performance Ladder for your procurement
Socially Responsible Procurement (SRP) is a clear trend that we see in more and more organizations. Make your SRP policy tangible and manageable with the CSR Performance Ladder, for example, by using the ladder as a procurement criterion.
7. Implement version 4 or use the transition period
CSR Performance Ladder version 4 is effective from 1 December 2023. If you're already using the ladder and are still on version 3, you can use the transition period. Here are the dates:
- From 01-12-2023, version 4 may be used;
- From 01-10-2024, version 4 must be used
- Certificates based on version 3 expire on 01-10-2025
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Frequently asked questions
Want to know more about the CSR Performance Ladder, what falls under CSR or what the benefits are? Click here to read the frequently asked questions!
The 5 steps of the CSR Performance Ladder
- Create a draft CSR profile: Select the CSR indicators most relevant to your company.
- CSR involves the entire organization: Ensure that everyone is involved in the transition to Corporate Social Responsibility.
- The real work: Develop the organization's ideas into a draft proposal, followed by an in-depth analysis.
- Make it your own: Create a CSR action plan and start working towards achieving the goals.
- Certification: Once the CSR action plan has been fully implemented, your company qualifies for a CSR Performance Ladder certificate.