• Stakeholder dialogue

Stakeholder dialogue

Regular dialogue with stakeholders is one of the key elements of effective ESG management.

It enables organizations not only to meet regulatory requirements but, more importantly, to better understand stakeholder expectations and consciously shape their sustainability efforts. The dialogue includes both internal stakeholders (such as employees and trade unions) and external ones (suppliers, contractors, and local communities), providing a more complete picture of the organization’s relationships and impacts. This allows for the implementation of solutions that genuinely address stakeholder needs and strengthen the company’s long-term resilience.

Engagement with stakeholders is also a key component of the double materiality analysis required under ESRS standards. This stage is essential for accurately identifying and assessing the impacts of a company’s activities on the environment and society. Moreover, stakeholder collaboration is part of the due diligence process, which should be conducted on an ongoing basis within organizations. Entities preparing sustainability reports in accordance with ESRS are also required to disclose a due diligence statement (GOV-4).

Stages of the dialogue process

  • Stakeholder mapping
  • Selection of the dialogue methods
  • Process execution
  • Process report
  • Stakeholder mapping – creation of a new map or verification of the existing one.
    Selection of the dialogue methods – choosing the form and scope appropriate to the organization’s needs.
  • Process execution – implementation of the selected dialogue activities.
    Process report – preparation of a summary with conclusions and recommendations.

We tailor dialogue methods to the organization’s specific context and its stakeholders.

In practice, the most effective approach combines quantitative and qualitative methods, allowing for both a broad and in-depth understanding. Surveys make it possible to gather a wide range of opinions, while interviews and discussion panels provide deeper insight into perspectives and help identify sensitive topics, such as human rights or environmental issues.

  • anonymous surveys
  • in-depth interviews with stakeholder group representatives
  • panels and discussion meetings
  • other formats tailored to the organization’s needs

Stakeholder dialogue allows the organization to:

  • comply with ESRS-aligned double materiality analysis requirements
  • gain a genuine understanding of stakeholder expectations
  • identify actual and potential impacts on people and the environment, and determine ways to mitigate them
  • recognize reputational and organizational risks
  • build stakeholder engagemient and stronger business relationships

Discover our other services

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