At CONTEXT, we’re increasingly looking at ways to
meet market demand for more accurate environmental, social and
governance (ESG) data. But our focus on sustainability goes beyond
providing the data for clients to make better informed business
decisions. We also want our own business to be held to higher
standards and become a force for good.
That’s why we’re delighted to share news that
CONTEXT has now reached the verification stage on our journey to
become a Certified B Corporation.
What is B Corp?
B Corp is the certification of global non–profit
network B Lab. Its aim is nothing less than to create a more
“inclusive, equitable, and regenerative” global economy. Organisations
wanting to join this mission must undertake a rigorous certification
process examining business practices across five key areas:
governance, workers, community, customers and environment.
Successfully certified B Corporations identify
themselves as dedicated to creating positive societal and
environmental impact, alongside financial success. This is more than a
badge of honour. It’s a company–wide commitment to do no harm and
benefit all.
Our journey so far
Achieving B Corp certification is no easy feat.
There are three key phases that CONTEXT is currently working its way through:
B Impact Assessment: We have
meticulously evaluated our company’s impact across the five core
areas – identifying the company’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Verification: (the stage we
are currently in) Independent experts are currently verifying the
information we provided, to ensure transparency and reinforce the
credibility of our B Corp commitment.
Certification: On meeting a
tough 80–point threshold, the company will enter a post–verification
stage and sign the B Corp agreement – becoming an officially
certified B Corporation.
A springboard to ESG success
We’re looking forward to reaching the end of the
verification process and achieving B Corporation certification. But
even that won’t be the end. Organisations participating in the scheme
must prepare for recertification every three years, and use the
process as a framework for continuous improvement.
By reflecting on the experiences of those
involved in the process, we gained valuable insights into various
aspects of the business from a fresh and unique perspective. As with
any business, we normally viewed CONTEXT as a company providing
services related to customers, suppliers, and employees. However,
this time, we aimed to assess CONTEXT’s impact on the world, the
environment, and the community we live in. We are pleased to have
discovered that we are on a positive path.
The team spirit was truly remarkable, as everyone
from research analysts to our executive team enthusiastically
collaborated to gather the evidence we needed for the evaluation.
One particularly noteworthy positive aspect that
we were able to rediscover about CONTEXT during the assessment
process was the diversity of our staff. Despite being a UK–based
company, we have sizeable teams in different countries across every
region: Argentina in Latin America with 26 employees, Sri Lanka in
Asia with 61 employees, and Poland in Europe with 56 employees.
Additionally, we achieved an impressive score for
managers who identify as women in CONTEXT, with over 40%
representation. This is particularly noteworthy considering the
male–dominated nature of the IT industry.
CONTEXT will continue to look for areas where we
can make a positive impact – both in the way we run our business and
the services and support we can offer others trying to do the same.
