Social standards & human rights: strategically anchoring responsibility

We help companies develop and implement a comprehensive diversity strategy. The aim is to systematically integrate social values such as diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as fair and transparent remuneration, into the corporate strategy. To this end, we work together to identify relevant areas for action – such as determining the gender pay gap or implementing the EU Pay Transparency Directive – and outline concrete targets and measures for implementation.

Through stakeholder engagement and participatory formats such as task forces, employee resource groups and town hall meetings, we create acceptance, ownership and relevance for upcoming adjustments. We identify and collect suitable KPIs with a focus on social sustainability, and formulate a communications concept that makes progress visible, both internally and externally.

To effectively support companies in implementing the EU Pay Transparency Directive, we check whether your company is subject to the Directive’s reporting requirements, and then assist you in implementing all requirements in a timely and legally compliant manner. We use a scientifically based, AI-supported analysis tool that offers precise data collection and analysis, with a particular focus on the relevant diversity dimensions, which we systematically analyse with regard to key action areas such as salary, career development, working-time models and continuing education.

We work with you to derive specific goals, practical recommendations for action and measures to effectively reduce existing inequalities. We go beyond mere key figures and strategically use the transparency created by data – as a lever for a more equitable and sustainable corporate culture.

The basis for sustainable action is to strategically integrate human rights standards into existing processes and structures. To this end, we work with you to develop a company-wide human rights policy. Using in-depth gap-analyses and readiness assessments within the company, we create transparency about the status quo and identify areas where action is needed to bring the company into compliance with regulations such as the CSDDD, CSRD and the EU taxonomy.

We provide comprehensive support in establishing effective governance structures for management and in implementing human rights due diligence (HRDD) requirements. We also assist you with external reporting – for example in creating human rights reports or CRSD-compliant disclosures in accordance with ESRS S1 to S4.

Our experts support companies in systematically analysing human rights risks – both within their own business operations and along the supply chain. We also offer country profiles that identify human rights risks and provide specific recommendations for action. We prioritise based on severity and probability of occurrence in order to drive targeted prevention and remedial measures and implement them effectively.

With our industry-specific expertise, we advise high-risk sectors in particular, such as textiles, raw materials, IT and agriculture. Our services include regional risk analyses with a special focus on local challenges and the involvement of affected groups, so that human rights issues are examined from all perspectives.

Many companies face the challenge of systematically identifying and prioritising relevant stakeholders along their value chain, in order to integrate them specifically into human rights due diligence (HRDD) processes. By designing, moderating and evaluating structured dialogue formats with potentially affected groups – such as workers, local communities or NGOs – we create a solid foundation for identifying human rights risks and perspectives. We also reach stakeholders in the upstream supply chain through our international Forvis Mazars network.

Moreover, we develop communication strategies on human rights issues for internal and external communication and advise companies on setting up external advisory boards.

Clear reporting procedures for complaints and human rights violations are the basis for meeting legal obligations and strengthening the trust of all parties involved. We support companies in developing and implementing effective complaint procedures that comply with human rights due diligence requirements.

Together, we create secure and accessible reporting channels through which affected parties can report misconduct. To ensure consistent implementation, we provide targeted training to internal stakeholders on how to handle complaints and seamlessly integrate the mechanisms into existing compliance and HRDD structures.