Читать книгу Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024) онлайн

It is also necessary to standardize the verifiability and justifiability of the employed social and ecological practices. Of crucial importance is the extent to which the utilized methodologies are substantiated and whether robust procedures for monitoring and assessment of changes – both intended and incidental effects arising within the course of a project or program’s execution – are in place. For NGOs, particularly when projects are financed externally – by grant-making entities or social investors – activities are regularly subjected to rigorous assessment and oversight. Conversely, when a project or program is initiated by a business entity, it lacks an overseeing body that would be obliged to pay close attention to the level of proof underpinning the practices utilized. If such guidance is not included in the standard, CSR programs may turn into a ‘space for experiments on people and nature.’

Additionally, the expert opines that it is essential to embed within the standard the concept of an assessment model. This pivotal term reflects the anticipated process by which results will be evaluated: how data on achieved changes will be collected, and who will be involved in these evaluative undertakings and how, at what stage. According to Natalia, the practice of soliciting assessment services from auditing firms for evaluating social impact is exceptionally uncommon among social investors or non-governmental organization. The mere fact that figures have been calculated correctly is unlikely to offer any significant insights or new knowledge to the project team or organization, particularly in terms of its sustainable development. When discussing an external, independent ‘evaluating’ party that implies a ‘mutually beneficial’ partnership, one should keep in mind universities, where expertise, researchers, and proven scientific approaches can be found.

“A standard will truly become truly significant and valuable when it transcends the prevailing narrative of ‘we’ll grade you – and you might get an F’ to enhance companies’ awareness of how they might further reflect their contributions to sustainable development in all its depth and beauty,” concludes Natalia Gladkikh. – “Once the standard encompasses varied approaches that enable any organization, regardless of size, to ‘see itself’ in a newer, more splendid light.” Described approaches and methods will assist companies in establishing their internal evaluative models, considering the unique aspects of their activities without any retributive implications. The chief advantage should inherently lie in the benefit it presents to the company itself – reveling in the transformations it prompts within the sphere of sustainability.”