7 tips to make the new CSR Performance Ladder work for you

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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