Shift Project is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and guiding businesses in respecting human rights throughout their operations. Their core mission is to transform how business gets done by integrating respect for people’s dignity and rights into everyday practices.

Key Goals

• Help companies identify and address human rights risks in their operations and supply chains.
• Empower businesses to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• Advocate for stronger corporate accountability regarding human rights impacts.
• Contribute to a more sustainable and equitable global economy.

While not explicitly focused on “sustainable finance”, Shift Project’s work is inherently relevant to the field. Responsible investors consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and human rights are a crucial social element. By helping businesses respect human rights, Shift Project indirectly contributes to responsible investment practices and a more sustainable financial system.

Offerings

Shift Project provides various resources and services to support businesses on their human rights journey:

• Practical Tools and Resources: Assessments, toolkits, and guides to help companies identify and manage human rights risks.
• Business Learning Programs: Workshops and training to strengthen internal capacity for human rights due diligence.
• Expert Consulting: Tailored advice and support on implementing human rights best practices.
• Research and Reports: Insights and thought leadership on emerging human rights issues in business.

Research Focus

Shift Project actively researches various areas related to business and human rights, including:

• Effective implementation of the UN Guiding Principles.
• Human rights due diligence methodologies.
• Sector-specific human rights challenges and opportunities.
• The business case for respecting human rights.

Overall, Shift Project stands as a valuable resource for businesses committed to integrating human rights into their operations. They offer practical tools, expert guidance, and research-driven insights to help companies navigate this complex landscape and contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

To transform how business gets done in order to ensure respect for people’s lives and dignity.

Shift is a US-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We receive support from a mix of government and foundation supporters.

We also derive revenue from our BUSINESS LEARNING PROGRAM and our FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PRACTITIONERS CIRCLE, which covers advisory support provided under that program. Where we work with a partner like an international organization or a multistakeholder or industry initiative, we typically receive funding directly from them for the project.

Shift can accept donations, to which we apply a set of Board-approved criteria.