THE PROCESS

How it Works

Joining the Charter is simple and supportive. Our three-step process is designed to help you make measurable progress.

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1

Application and Assessment

Start by completing a short application outlining your current sustainability communications.

For UK-based organisations, we conduct:

  • Regulatory History Check: Reviewing any upheld complaints from the ASA, CMA, or FCA in the past 5 years.
  • Media & Public Perception Review: Identifying any public greenwash risks.
  • Practice Assessment: Evaluating your current communications to establish a clear starting point.

Following this, you’ll receive a concise Assessment Report summarising our findings and outlining your next steps.

For international applicants, we adjust the process to suit regional contexts. Organisations demonstrating a genuine commitment move forward to the development phase.

2

Development and Approval

This phase begins with developing your Green Claims Policy (GCP), followed by optional support activities based on your requirements.

  • Green Claims Policy (GCP): Created with our support and designed to cover:
    • Governance & oversight
    • Defined, standardised terminology
    • Substantiated, evidence-based claims
  • Tailored Training: Greenwash awareness sessions for your team to ensure consistency and best practice.
  • Materials Review: In-depth, actionable feedback on your current sustainability communications.

Once your Green Claims Policy is complete and approved, you will become a certified signatory.

3

Recognition and Verification

As a certified signatory, you’ll have the right to display your own uniquely numbered logo (see below) on your materials, and we’ll promote your achievement through our own channels to enhance your visibility.

Maintaining your certified status over an initial 12-month license period, involves regular reviews to ensure your communications remain aligned with your Green Claims Policy and the Charter’s standards.

Spot Checks: Periodic reviews focus on specific campaigns, assessing materials, strategies, and governance for compliance with your policy. Evidence such as campaign assets, policies, or records substantiating claims will be reviewed.

  • If any concerns arise, we may conduct additional reviews to assess broader compliance across your campaigns.

Review Outcomes: Each campaign review concludes with one of the following outcomes:

  • Compliant: The campaign fully aligns with your GCP and demonstrates best practices.
  • Compliant with Recommendations: Minor improvements are suggested for future campaigns to enhance compliance.
  • Non-Compliant: Issues are identified that require immediate corrective action to maintain signatory status.

Non-compliance must be resolved promptly. Repeated issues could result in suspension or revocation of your status, ensuring the integrity of the Charter.

In addition to scheduled spot checks, we investigate any external concerns raised about your campaigns. Our team remains available to provide ongoing support, helping your organisation navigate challenges and maintain adherence to the Charter’s standards.