CSR consulting: when to be accompanied by a consultant? 5 examples of projects

Faced with the current challenges of sustainable development, it is imperative for companies in all sectors of activity to implement an effective and sustainable CSR approach. To be supported in this transition, it is wise to call on a CSR consultant, capable of guiding the organization in the deployment of its social responsibility strategy.

Here is an overview of the projects that may require the support of a CSR consultant.

 

What is CSR consulting?

CSR consulting consists of calling on a consulting firm, or an independent consultant, specialized in Corporate Social Responsibility, to support society in the implementation of practices and strategies aimed at responding to environmental, economic and social challenges. This is done for a defined period of time, in order to offer methodological support throughout the CSR project.

 

CSR consulting: what are the advantages?

CSR consulting is a powerful lever to help the company align its CSR policy with its strategic objectives. Indeed, the implementation of CSR actions not only responds to sustainable development issues, but is also a valuable tool to enable the company to improve customer satisfaction, strengthen its brand image and employer brand, reduce its operational costs and maximize its profitability and competitiveness on the market.

Thanks to its expertise, its benchmark and its external view, the CSR consultant brings real added value to the company. He has a perfect command of ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues, regulations and standards. Thanks to his hindsight and neutral view, he helps the company to quickly identify its CSR gaps and deploy appropriate corrective solutions.

 

CSR consulting: 5 examples of projects

Depending on the organization’s objectives and its level of maturity in terms of social responsibility, this external expert can intervene at each stage of the CSR transition: analysis of the existing situation, definition of a CSR strategy, training, awareness-raising, compliance, CSR reporting, etc.

Here are 5 examples of projects that can be the subject of CSR consulting:

1. Implement a CSR strategy

According to a study by BPIFrance, 9 out of 10 managers of SMEs, mid-caps and VSEs say they carry out CSR actions, but only a quarter of them follow a structured plan.

CSR consulting can first of all allow the company to be supported in the implementation or renewal of its CSR strategy. The consultant helps the organization to evaluate its current practices, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the actions already implemented, define CSR objectives aligned with its strategic objectives, and deploy an action plan structured around several key stages: audit of the existing situation, carbon footprint, reporting and communication of the CSR strategy, etc.

2. Prepare for CSR certifications

Obtaining CSR certifications or labels (ISO 26000, B-Corp, Lucie 26000, Ecovadis, etc.) is an undeniable asset to attest, in a transparent way, to one’s actions and commitment in terms of sustainable development. In this respect, the CSR consultant, who is perfectly familiar with the requirements of each certification, is able to support the company throughout its procedures, in its audit and in its compliance, until it obtains the label.

3. Manage CSR change management

To be effective and sustainable, the adoption of CSR practices within a company requires the buy-in of all stakeholders (employees, managers, management, suppliers, etc.). Often, these large-scale projects also involve a questioning of the company’s culture, mentalities and internal operating methods. However, it is not uncommon for this type of transformation project to generate individual blockages and resistance to change.

To promote the commitment of all the company’s stakeholders and to steer this change management, the CSR consultant plays a central role. Thanks to his experience, proven expertise, leadership and interpersonal skills, he will be able to Raise awareness and reassure teams, welcome their fears, and support them in understanding this transformation and its benefits, in order to remove any resistance to change.

4. Support the company’s energy transition

In the face of the climate emergency, companies are now being encouraged to significantly reduce their energy consumption. To facilitate this transformation, the know-how of the CSR consultant will be very useful. The latter will be able to advise the company on the actions to be taken to Reduce your carbon footprint and improve your energy efficiency : energy audit, implementation of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.), energy renovation of buildings, etc.

5. Integrate CSR into the supply chain

Integrating CSR into your supply chain is a prerequisite for significantly reducing your environmental impact. The CSR consultant will be able to effectively advise the company in the adoption of responsible and sustainable practices throughout the life cycle of products: sourcing of raw materials, choice of sustainable materials, waste management, eco-design, rational management of water and energy resources, selection of responsible suppliers, etc.

In addition to these 5 projects, the CSR consultant can support the company in its entire social responsibility strategy : promoting diversity and inclusion, improving the quality of life at work, implementing a responsible purchasing policy, training employees in CSR, support for CSR communication and reporting, etc. This professional also helps the company to measure and monitor the impact of the actions deployed, based on appropriate KPIs (performance indicators), in order to integrate CSR into a continuous improvement approach.