Introduction
Assigning the right owners and validators to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) datapoints is a critical step in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your sustainability reporting. Proper role assignment ensures that data is collected, validated, and reported in compliance with regulatory standards and internal requirements. This article will guide you through the process of assigning owners and validators to datapoints using Greenly’s ESG reporting platform.
Understanding the Roles in ESG Data Collection
There are three main roles involved in the ESG data collection process: Owner, Validator, and Auditor. While the Auditor role is not yet ready in our system, understanding the responsibilities of Owners and Validators is essential.
Owner
Expected Contribution:
Collect, input, and update ESG data.
Ensure data accuracy and completeness at the initial stages.
Who Can Be a Owner?
Data analysts, sustainability managers, and operational staff involved in data generation and reporting.
Where in the Module?
Use the “Owner” column/attribute.
Validator
Expected Contribution:
Review and verify the accuracy and consistency of the ESG data submitted by Owners.
Ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Who Can Be a Validator?
Middle management, compliance officers, and department heads with oversight functions in ESG reporting. Typically, this includes the CSRD internal project manager.
Where in the Module?
Use the “Validator” column/attribute.
Auditor (UPCOMING)
Expected Contribution:
Conduct independent assessments of the ESG data to ensure its reliability and adherence to reporting standards.
Provide assurance and identify areas for improvement.
Who Can Be an Auditor?
External auditors and third-party verification professionals specializing in sustainability and ESG compliance.
Where in the Module?
Use the “Auditor” column/attribute (coming soon).
How to Assign the Right Roles to Datapoints
Identify ESG Data Sources
At the end of your Double Materiality analysis, you will be able to identify all ESG data sources you need to work on. Each of these ESG data sources can be linked to specific functions and departments within your company. For instance, “Compensation and benefits” data should be handled by the HR department.
Learn more about Corporate Functions to be involved in ESG Reporting here.
Assign stakeholders thanks to your ESG Onboarding module
In the ESG Onboarding Module that was used by your Project Manager at the beginning of the project, you should have identified every stakeholder to be involved in the initiative (owner and validator, at least). Here’s how to proceed:
Add all needed users to the platform through the “Settings” menu of your account
Filter on the appropriate data source mentioned in the mapping tool (“Data Source” filter)
Select all filtered forms by using the multi-select feature (top left of the table)
Select the name of the Stakeholder in the “Select an assignee” attribute
Click either on “Assign Owner” or “Assign Validator” button depending on the role of the stakeholder
Once this is done, make sure that the assignments are relevant, and adjust them if needed, form by form.
