Services

What we offer

• Sustainability reporting

  The most effective way for a corporation to communicate their ESG efforts, internally or externally, is through a well-written ESG report. The Governance Group helps clients producing ESG / sustainability reports according to internationally recognized standards and frameworks such as the GRI, SASB, CDP and TCFD. We also provide quality assurance services for reports.

  Our goal is for companies to communicate the right information to their stakeholders in an efficient manner.

  We always make sure to define target audiences before suggesting the scope and structure of the document. We are aware that internal ESG reporting requires a different set of KPIs and actionability than external reports, and we are experienced in supporting the entire reporting continuum.

  Our team frequently interacts with standard setting bodies, academics and regulators to ensure that methodologies applied are in line with the latest industry developments.

  

   

• Risk assessment & benchmarking

  The Governance Group provides a structured approach to ESG. We carry out assessments and analysis on behalf of clients that are used to inform strategy development, risk monitoring, crisis management and reporting efforts. These include:

  • materiality assessments
  • impact assessments
  • risk analysis
  • independent ESG due diligence

  As part of our assessments and analysis, we review value chains and elicit the perspectives of stakeholders including employees, board members, owners, clients and regulators. This approach allows us to identify challenges relating to internal compliance, human rights, corruption, fraud, politically exposed persons, emissions, regulations and standards.

  In addition to our core team, The Governance Group has a global network of affiliated experts that can be mobilized for industry or country specific projects.

• Governance & strategy

  We are not afraid to challenge clients when establishing goals. We help corporations develop targets, policies and strategies that are concrete and to-the-point. We guide our clients in the implementation and execution of these strategies, to avoid internal misunderstandings and slow progress. We help clients structure oversight and accountability according to the Principles for effective risk data aggregation and risk reporting (BCBS 239).

• Sustainable finance

  The European Green Deal and the EU Sustainable Finance Action plan covers a large number of legislative and non-legislative actions that will require financial market participants and companies to consider and disclose how they are working with sustainability in a new and standardized manner. The EU actions include establishing a classifications system (taxonomy) for sustainable activities, strengthening ESG disclosure and reporting requirements, establishing EU labels for green financial products, and incorporating ESG in banks’ and insurance companies’ prudential regulation.

  The Governance Group helps clients navigate new regulations, including the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), the EU Taxonomy regulation, and new ESG requirements in existing financial regulation. We are a registered  International Capital Market Association (ICMA) service provider, and conduct Second Party Opinion reviews of Green Bonds, Sustainability-Linked Bonds and Social Bonds in accordance with ICMA’s external review guidelines.

  

• ESG management training

  The transition into a low-carbon and just society involves new business models and modes of value creation. For many businesses and organizations, succeeding in this transformation will require changing priorities, adjusting culture, acquiring new know-how, and distributing this information in the organization.

  The Governance Group provides ESG management online training courses that equips companies to develop, implement and execute on sustainability strategies in an efficient manner, and for educating and onboarding employees. Courses include topics such as:

  • Supply chain management of environmental and social risks
  • How to manage climate and environmental risks
  • ESG compliance – how to navigate laws and regulations
  • Climate and finance
  • Human rights due diligence

  We also offer tailormade training courses for companies to meet their specific needs.

  Read more here.

• Business and human rights

  Businesses and investors have a responsibility to respect human rights. This responsibility was formalised by the UN and the OECD in 2011, and since then expectations – from employees, business partner, clients, governments and civil society – have only increased.

  Businesses are expected to undertake human rights due diligence (HRDD) in line with global standards. Emerging laws such as the Norwegian Act on business transparency and work with fundamental human rights and decent work (Åpenhetsloven), UK Modern Slavery Act and minimum safeguards under the EU Taxonomy require businesses to report on human rights issues and demonstrate transparency in their supply chain.

  To help companies meet these expectations, The Governance Group provides assistance with risk assessments, develop and implement strategies and management systems, as well as effective communication with stakeholders.