Library | ESG issues

Social Licence to Operate

Social License to Operate (SLO) refers to the ongoing acceptance and approval of a company’s operations by employees, stakeholders, local communities, and the broader public. It is built over time through responsible business practices, ethical operations, and trust. Unlike regulatory approvals, SLO is an informal yet important measure of a company’s credibility and long-term viability. Maintaining SLO requires continuous evaluation of supply chains, environmental impact, and stakeholder relationships, ensuring that businesses align with societal expectations and mitigate reputational and operational risks.

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Shopping for a bargain: How the purchasing practices of clothing brands in Australia impact the women who make our clothes

Oxfam
This report examines the purchasing practices of clothing brands operating in Australia and highlights the impact on women workers in the countries where clothing is made. It calls on brands to publish a plan and commitment to ensuring a living wage for workers throughout their supply chains.
Research
25 November 2020

Clean energy negotiations guide for First Nations

First Nations Clean Energy Network
This guidebook provides insights for First Nations communities in Australia to negotiate clean energy projects with companies seeking to establish projects on their land. The guide covers steps to prepare, the unity of representation, access to expert advice, negotiations, and the benefits and opportunities for First Nations people.
Research
3 November 2022

Dhawura Ngilan: A vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage in Australia

Heritage Chairs and Officials of Australia and New Zealand
Dhawura Ngilan (Remembering Country) is a vision statement outlining aspirations for the protection, preservation, and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage in Australia. The report emphasises the importance of Indigenous communities' involvement in heritage management and calls for consistent policies and legislation across jurisdictions.
Research
12 May 2021

Investing for inclusion: Exploring an LGBTI lens

International Finance Corporation
This is a guide for financial investors aimed at closing the gap between LGBTI communities and investors, emphasizing the economic benefits of LGBTI inclusion and providing a five-step framework for LGBTI lens investment.
Research
28 October 2023

Bridging ESG silos: The intersection of climate change and modern slavery

Walk Free
This briefing for investors examines the intersection of climate change and modern slavery. It details how environmental and social risks are interconnected and can materially affect a company's long-term profitability. The report provides case studies and tools to help investors identify, assess, and respond to these risks in their portfolios.
Research
28 September 2023

The purpose action gap: The business imperative of ESG

Jefferies
This report examines the gap between what consumers and brands believe and how they act when it comes to purpose and sustainability. Based on studies of 2,500 consumers and interviews with 125 large consumer companies, the report offers valuable insights for businesses looking to meet consumer and investor expectations.
Research
12 August 2021

Resources, energy and modern slavery: Practical responses to managing risks to people

Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler International (KPMG International)
This report provides practical responses for managing modern slavery risks in the resources and energy sectors. Covering topics such as risk to people and business, human rights risks, and key responses for addressing these risks, the report is an essential guide for companies seeking to effectively identify and manage modern slavery risks.
Research
7 December 2021

'Signals of seriousness' for human rights due diligence

Shift
This discussion draft proposes a list of "signals of seriousness" that could inform administrative assessments of companies' HRDD efforts under potential EU legislation. The document provides comprehensive guidance on human rights and environmental due diligence and highlights key features of HRDD practices, offering critical insights to regulators seeking to enforce the proposed legislation.
Research
5 February 2021

The geography of Australia’s digital industries: Digital technology industry clusters in Australia’s capital cities and regions

CSIRO
This report documents the location of 96 digital technology industry clusters in Australia’s capital cities, regions, and suburbs. The report draws attention to the variables that affect industry growth and development, from company profit growth to housing affordability and quality of life.
Research
7 March 2023

Montreal declaration for a responsible development of artificial intelligence

This report outlines a framework for responsible development of artificial intelligence. It provides principles that should guide ethical use of AI for the well-being of sentient beings, respect for autonomy, protection of privacy and intimacy, solidarity, democratic participation, equity, diversity inclusion, caution, responsibility, and sustainable development.
Research
10 July 2019

Engaging the ICT sector on human rights: Freedom of opinion and expression

Investor Alliance for Human Rights
This report assesses freedom of opinion (FOE) and expression risks in the ICT sector. It identifies negative impacts and provides guidance for companies and investors on how to respect and promote FOE.
Research
6 March 2020

Scaling finance for the Sustainable Development Goals

United Nations Global Compact
Explores the role of corporate partnerships and financial intermediaries that can scale finance and increase capital and activities in regions that are key for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through case studies, it illustrates various pathways for capital markets to maximise SDG investments at acceptable risk levels.
Research
29 October 2019

States of the apes: The impact of infrastructure development on biodiversity

Arcus Foundation
The impact of infrastructure projects on biodiversity are examined, using apes to illustrate how investors can contribute to biodiversity protection. A sustainable approach to infrastructure development, which mitigates environmental, financial and reputational risks of investment, is presented.
Research
5 September 2019

Poverty Footprint

United Nations Global Compact
The Poverty Footprint is a tool that enables companies and partners to implement a people-centred assessment of corporate impacts on poverty. The report is used to better understand the impacts of operations and value chain on people and poverty, and to turn this learning into action.
Research
25 September 2015

How to read a financial institution's policy: Analysing cluster munitions divestment policies

Profundo
Financial institutions consider cluster munitions companies as inappropriate business partners and have made efforts to restrict their investment. Unfortunately, their policies contain loopholes that could still allow their financing. Several steps have been introduced in order to help analyse a financial institution's policy and prevent cluster munitions exposure in portfolios.
Research
23 March 2016

Sustainable signals: Individual investor interest driven by impact, conviction and choice

Morgan Stanley
The report highlights key findings from Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Signals survey. It focuses on individual investor attitudes, adoption rates and barriers to sustainable investment’s position in mainstream strategies. It supports the case for asset managers and financial advisors to expand solutions and capabilities in order to keep pace with increasing investor demand.
Research
11 September 2019
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