CSR Advisory

Challenges in the CSR lifecycle

Despite the opportunities, organisations often face hurdles across the CSR lifecycle:

Policy formulation and governance

Organisations often struggle to ensure their CSR policy is aligned with evolving CSR compliance requirements. Setting up effective oversight by the CSR committee and the Board is equally critical, along with building capacity within CSR teams to manage new regulatory expectations.

Project selection and budgeting

Companies face challenges in selecting CSR projects that align with Schedule VII, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and internal priorities. At the same time, they must ensure compliance with CSR rules, identify suitable geographic focus areas, and manage unspent CSR accounts and ensure administrative expense are within the prescribed limit. 

Partner identification and due diligence

Selecting the right NGO partner is vital to the success of CSR programmes. Organisations need robust CSR partner due diligence services to confirm credibility, assess alignment with social objectives, and implement safeguards for long-term relationships.

Implementation and monitoring

Clear frameworks for CSR project management are required to achieve successful outcomes. Regular monitoring helps identify gaps and track progress, while ongoing oversight from the CSR committee ensures accountability and compliance.

Reporting, impact assessment, and assurance

Meeting disclosure requirements through reliable CSR reporting and documentation services is a common concern. Organisations must aim for balance between adherence to compliances and investing in strategic project assessments, while preparing for reviews, audits, and scrutiny from both regulators and stakeholders.