ESG Compliance
Compliance issues are becoming increasingly important in the context of responsible corporate governance. The corporate culture must be (further) developed with a particular awareness of the importance of ESG and the significant consideration of social, ethical and ecological considerations must be proactively incorporated into decision-making and action. The relevance of compliance from a social responsibility and sustainability perspective will increase considerably.
It is therefore essential that a compliance management system (CMS) is aligned with sustainability reporting and ESG legislation. SMEs in particular are under great pressure in this regard, as they are increasingly the focus of European and national legislators and investigative authorities. However, an appropriate compliance management system can ensure legally compliant conduct in the area of ESG in a structured manner. To this end, it is important that the management communicates its commitment to compliance clearly and comprehensively within the company. Taking legal changes into account creates the basis for a successful compliance management system.
Legislation in the ESG area has increased significantly both in Germany and in the EU in recent years and further tightening can be expected in the future. In particular, an expansion of environmental criminal law, additions to climate-specific regulations, a stronger focus on corporate responsibility and an expansion of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act as a result of the EU Directive are to be expected. It should also be noted that the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act affects not only a company's purchasing department, but the entire organization, making it a question of corporate governance. Last but not least, the prevention of corruption plays an important role here. There is a concrete need for action, especially if no anti-corruption instruments have yet been integrated into the compliance structure. There is therefore a need for a comprehensive risk analysis, a review of current legal developments and appropriate compliance advice. This makes it clear that sustainability and compliance go "hand in hand".
Our services at a glance
- Advice on binding ESG-related requirements and laws
- Designing a sustainable value chain in accordance with the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act
- Support with planning and approval procedures
- Advice and support with the implementation of comprehensive CMS
- Development of codes of conduct/supplier codes
- Establishment and further development of a compliance organization
- Carrying out risk analyses
- Introduction of processes and anchoring of appropriate measures to ensure legal compliance in the area of ESG
- Development of regulations, codes of conduct, supplier codes, CSR agreements, declarations of principle on human rights
- Implementing/adapting suitable whistleblower protection systems and complaints mechanisms
- Conducting training courses
- Advice and defense
- In the event of a suspected breach of CSR requirements: Conducting internal investigations
- Defending companies and managers in the context of any criminal or fine proceedings
- Filing of criminal charges