What Companies Are Dealing With in Practice
Whether occupational health and safety, combating forced and child labour or deforestation – respecting human rights and environmental standards along supply and value chains is increasingly in focus for companies. One reason for this is often the growing expectations of employees, customers and investors.
At the same time, legal requirements for companies to respect the environment and human rights along their supply chains are increasing – both at national and European level. New and existing regulations illustrate this development, for example:
- the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)
- the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
- the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
In practice, however, the greatest challenges arise not from the regulatory requirements themselves, but from their concrete implementation in day-to-day business operations.
Who We Are and How We Help
We are the Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights and advise companies on the practical implementation of human rights and environmental due diligence. In this context, we also support them on the topic of deforestation-free supply chains. Our experienced advisors are the first point of contact for companies and business associations seeking practical guidance.
We are happy to support you with:
- Developing and further developing your due diligence processes
- Conducting risk assessments including the prioritisation of risks
- Developing appropriate prevention and remediation measures
- Establishing effective grievance mechanisms
- Documenting your processes
Our Advisory Services Are Tailored to Your Needs
Depending on where you stand, our four advisory packages provide initial orientation. They are based on three formats that can be used individually or in combination: the initial consultation, the expert sparring session and the document review. In this context, we discuss for example your Code of Conduct, your policy statement or your risk assessment and provide expert feedback and practice-oriented recommendations for possible further development.
We are aware that every company is at a different stage. You do not need to identify the right package or define your request in advance. Simply describe your situation and we will help you determine the most suitable support.
Contact us nowOur Advisory Packages
Package 1: Getting Started & Orientation
Creating Clarity, Reducing Complexity
For whom: Companies at the beginning – particularly SMEs with initial enquiries from customers or business partners on the implementation of due diligence processes.
Typical starting situation: You are uncertain whether and how the LkSG, CSDDD or EUDR apply to your company. You are receiving initial enquiries from customers and do not know how to respond. An internal structure for the topic is not yet in place.
What we do together: In an initial consultation, we jointly assess the relevant regulations, clarify whether you fall within the scope of application and prioritise the key topics for you. In an intensive sparring session, we develop first concrete implementation steps. If desired, we can look at any existing documents and provide an initial assessment.
Package 2: Building a Due Diligence Approach
From Understanding to Structured Implementation
For whom: Companies that have already taken initial steps but do not yet have a consistent overall approach – and companies with increasing requirements from customers or business partners.
Typical starting situation: Individual measures are in place, for example a Code of Conduct. However, a systematic due diligence process is lacking. The risk assessment is unclear or incomplete. The topic has not yet been embedded in the organisation.
What we do together: In several sparring sessions, we jointly develop a risk-based approach, discuss options, prioritise risks and clarify organisational anchoring. During the document review, we provide concrete feedback on existing documents – such as the risk assessment, policy statement or Code of Conduct – and show how these can be further developed.
Package 3: Deepening & Implementation in Everyday Practice
From Concept to Lived Practice
For whom: Companies that already have structures in place but experience uncertainties in practical implementation – in specific departments, with concrete decisions or in day-to-day application.
Typical starting situation: Processes are defined but implementation is inconsistent. Departments such as procurement, sales or compliance face concrete questions. There are goal conflicts that need to be resolved. The effectiveness of the measures taken is unclear.
What we do together: In targeted sparring sessions, we work on your specific questions – whether on risk assessment, remediation measures, grievance mechanisms or supplier management. If desired, we provide targeted feedback on existing documents and support the involvement of relevant departments.
Package 4: Supply Chain Focus
Implementing Due Diligence Together with Business Partners
For whom: Companies with complex supply chains, limited influence over suppliers or risks in deeper supply chain tiers.
Typical starting situation: Requirements are passed on to suppliers but implementation remains unclear. Transparency in the supply chain is limited. Dealing with suppliers – balancing requirements and overwhelming them – is challenging. A realistic strategy for supplier management is missing.
What we do together: In sparring sessions, we jointly develop realistic strategies for your supplier management and clarify what leverage you actually have. We assist with the development and review of Codes of Conduct and expectations for suppliers. If desired, we also directly support with supplier training and train-the-trainer approaches.
Not sure where to start?
In a non-binding preliminary conversation, we get to know your starting situation and discuss together what support makes sense. We clarify initial questions and consider which advisory format best suits your company.
- Free of charge
- Confidential
- Digital or by telephone
Frequently asked questions
Who can use the advisory services?
All companies – regardless of size or sector. We advise both companies subject to the regulations and those confronted with requirements through their supply chains. Typical contacts: sustainability and CSR managers, procurement staff, compliance departments, human rights officers and management of smaller companies.
What exactly do you review in a document review?
We discuss with you for example your Code of Conduct, your policy statement or your risk assessment and provide expert feedback and practice-oriented recommendations for possible further development. We identify concrete gaps and provide suggestions for improvement – verbally and in writing if desired.
Do you also offer follow-up consultations?
Yes, and this is explicitly part of our offering. Due diligence obligations are a continuous process. Many companies return after an initial consultation with more specific questions. We are happy to accompany you over several sessions. Where needed, we also refer you to other public actors in the context of development cooperation.
