Until recently, ESG efforts were often skewed toward climate risk and emissions disclosures. But the social pillar is rising in urgency — particularly around human rights. This is being driven not just by values, but by binding regulations in the UK, EU, and beyond.

Many organisations are still catching up with what these changes mean for hiring and internal capacity. Legal teams are stretched, and compliance staff often lack social impact or grievance mechanism experience. ESG professionals with a grounding in human rights bring the practical knowledge needed to move from policy to implementation.

What’s Driving the Shift:

• New legislation
  The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Germany’s Supply Chain Act (LkSG) now require firms to address risks such as forced labour, modern slavery, and environmental harm.
• Investor expectations
  Leading funds are placing greater emphasis on human rights outcomes and worker welfare in ESG assessments.
• Reputational risk
  Companies that fail to address social harm face increasing backlash — from regulators, civil society, and the media.

The Human Rights Value Add:
Professionals with human rights expertise bring critical capabilities to ESG teams:

• Risk mapping and impact assessments
• Remediation and grievance mechanisms
• Deep knowledge of labour rights, worker engagement, and supply chain ethics

Hiring for human rights, ethical trade, or responsible sourcing roles?

ESG REC works with experienced professionals ready to support your shift from compliance to impact. Connect with us at  www.esgrec.com to know more 

References:

• European Commission – Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
  https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en
• German Federal Government – Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains (LkSG)
  https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/issues/supply-chain-act-1893392
• UN PRI – Investor Action on Human Rights
  https://www.unpri.org/investor-resources/human-rights