ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)

No business is perfect when it comes to ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) – as issues evolve so does an ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) programme. It requires a sustained approach.

As communications experts, we help clients to identify, manage and communicate their competing priorities.  Our capability is in strategy, reputation and risk management, understanding policy and regulatory environments, stakeholder engagement, capital markets, information design, reporting and storytelling.

We also bring an understanding of the various frameworks including UN Sustainable Development Goals, Integrated Reports, Global Reporting Initiative and climate-related disclosure requirements.

We collaborate with other technical experts to translate complex concepts into accessible, quality content that builds understanding.

Research shows, financial metrics are no longer enough. According to the Acumen Edelman Trust Barometer 88% of institutional investors subject ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) to the same scrutiny as operational and financial considerations. Your company purpose and values influence important stakeholder behaviours – half of New Zealanders buy brands, choose where they work or invest based on their beliefs and values.

Purpose and integrated ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) strategy development

Issues identification & materiality mapping

• A first step is defining your ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) strategy is to define your key issues and opportunities based on the idea ​of ‘materiality’
• Key issues can be environmental (climate change, energy use, water, waste, packaging, supply chain, biodiversity, deforestation) and social (diversity & inclusiveness, equity, wellbeing, modern slavery, health and safety, skills & training)

Stakeholder dialogue & engagement programme

• We help you determine the issues which are most relevant to your stakeholders – employees, customers, investors, partners, regulators, communities. Ongoing stakeholder feedback and engagement is critical in developing materiality. It informs the stakeholder engagement programme and contributes to an open and transparent dialogue around issues and opportunities.
• Stakeholder audits

Positioning & corporate storytelling

• Developing a Master Narrative and key messaging platforms to guide communications, determining content and channels that work for diverse stakeholder groups to optimise impact and reach
• Executive profiling & traditional and social media engagement
• Investor communications
• Sustained corporate storytelling as part of business-as-usual to provide an open and honest insight into the organisation and what you stand for

Change management & internal communications

• Managing change, and developing programmes to encourage staff engagement
• Developing internal champions

Sustainability & integrated reporting

• Reporting roadmap
• Annual Report and integrated reports content & design
• Bespoke sustainability reporting
• Investor fact sheets
• Disclosure framework alignment
• Website and online reporting