Key considerations
- What structure is needed in an organisation to embed sustainable development?
- Would a Board level champion for sustainability help you?
- What about working level champions?
- Who else needs to be involved?
1. What structure is needed in an organisation to embed sustainable development?
Establishing a team or coordinating body responsible and with sufficient authority to manage the process is the first element to embedding sustainable development in an organisation. This central team does not need to be large; however because sustainable development is a cross cutting issue it does need to be able to reach a wide audience across the organisation. So it will need to have support and recognition from the highest level. The organisational structure that the Department for Work and Pensions has established provides an example of how responsibility for sustainability can be run through the organisation. can It is ialso mportant that the individuals leading the applicable sustainability issue have that responsibility reflected in their annual objectives.
2. Would a Board level champion for sustainability help you?
For many organisations having a Board level, or equivalent senior champion for sustainable development is a clear way to signify intent to embed sustainability in an organisation and to ensure that the issues entailed get heard at the high level in the organisation. The Board level champion should ultimately be responsible for ensuring that the organisation delivers on its sustainability objectives. Larger organisations may consider establishing a Board or steering committee tasked with identifying and addressing sustainability issues.
3. What about working level champions?
Organisations can reach a wide audience by establishing a network of sustainability champions. The idea behind establishing a network is that each champion can help promote sustainability in their local department or team, and also share best practice and more effective communication of news, advice and ideas.
4. Who else needs to be involved?
The level of engagement of internal and external stakeholders in the strategy development process is a key test of good governance. This means encouraging the participation of all stakeholders irrespective of their age, sex, language, economic condition, and religion. It is essential that all individuals who will be directly affected by the sustainability strategy are actively engaged in its development. This is particularly true for employees as it avoids imposing structures, guidance and/or policies upon them. Individuals understand their role or business activity better than anyone else and are often in the best position to identify the best way forward. The organisation should be able to mobilise stakeholders and work in partnership and collaboration with them. The importance of engaging with others is explored further in the Partnerships module
Are there any key considerations we haven’t included? If so, please let us know.