The EU’s simplification package will remove an estimated 80% of companies from CSRD scope and raise CSDDD thresholds to focus on the largest companies. For many companies, the compliance lever just
disappeared. And with it, the easiest argument for boardroom investment in human rights programmes. When “we have to” becomes “we don’t have to”, how do you get internal buy-in?
The answer lies in what didn’t change: investor scrutiny of human rights performance, supply chain disruptions caused by labour violations, reputational damage from exploitation scandals, and the operational advantages of ethical supplier relationships. Regulatory thresholds shifted. Business reality didn’t. The challenge now is translating those realities into a language that resonates with finance, procurement, and executive teams who just heard they’re off the regulatory hook.
This session tackles how to secure internal commitment when compliance won’t do the work for you:
- From obligation to opportunity: how recognising the business case for responsible sourcing drives real impact regardless of regulatory scope
- Storytelling with data: how visibility into supply chain realities can inspire boardroom action and demonstrate tangible ROI beyond compliance
- Meaningful metrics: embedding social impact and worker voice into KPIs and governance structures that prove strategic value
- Practical strategies to sustain leadership commitment when regulatory pressure has eased – anchoring programmes in business value, not just legal requirements
What to expect from this type of session...
Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.
