Impact Insider | December 2023

Uplift Your Sustainability & Social Impact

Uplift Earns Official Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Certification

Uplift is thrilled to share a major milestone–we are now officially certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women!

The WBENC Certification process has officially affirmed that Uplift is not just 100% woman-owned but is also driven, operated, and strategically run by a powerhouse of a woman. It's not just about breaking glass ceilings; it's about building a skyscraper of empowerment!

Every client, every partnership, and every collaboration fuels the momentum for change. Let's continue breaking barriers, uplifting each other, and building a future where diversity isn't just recognized; it's celebrated!

Read More: HERE?

Eight Principles to Follow for Releasing a High-Quality Sustainability Report

Will your sustainability report stand up to scrutiny? Follow these eight principles for releasing a high-quality sustainability report.

When stakeholders read a company’s sustainability report, many may initially be drawn to the overall design, visual components, and writing shaping the narrative.

While these elements are essential to releasing a report that information users find interesting and engaging, high-quality reports must be prepared with credibility top of mind in order to stand up to scrutiny and enhance reputation.?

So where to begin? Uplift (and the Global Reporting Initiative) have you covered with the eight principles essential to releasing a high-quality sustainability report.?

Read the full blog from Uplift’s Marjory Elwell : HERE

A Look Back

Have “A Look Back” at past articles that remain relevant, offering timely insights to stay prepared in the sustainability and social impact landscape.

Understanding Sustainability Frameworks: Navigate Reporting Frameworks with Confidence

Reporting is more than just telling a good story. You must be confident that your report will stand up to scrutiny and minimize the risk of greenwashing, while reflecting the hard work put into ESG efforts.

To ensure credibility and alignment with international standards, it’s crucial to navigate the complex sustainability reporting landscape. That’s why we’re breaking it down for you with Uplift’s series on Understanding Sustainability Frameworks & Reporting:

?? A Comparative Overview of GRI and SASB Frameworks (HERE)?

?? A Look at the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) (HERE)?

?? A Look at the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) (HERE)?

?? A Look at the UN Global Compact Communication on Progress (HERE)?

?? How to Leverage Sustainability Reporting for Success (HERE)?

At Uplift, we have experience with various reporting frameworks, and we know how to streamline the process. Understanding what data needs to be gathered, how to source that information, and what to report is our specialty.?

Joining any reporting framework can seem daunting, but we can support you throughout the journey. Looking to get started? Reach out for more information.

4 Areas to Shift Your Focus to Future Proof Your Corporate Social Impact Program

The world of corporate social impact is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and as change-makers, it's our duty to not only keep pace but to lead the charge.

In an era where each action carries significant weight, how do you ensure your efforts resonate today and shape a better tomorrow?

?? Evaluate Your Current Volunteer Practices

?? Revise Your Goals and Strategies

?? Connect Skills-Based Volunteering with DEI Goals

?? Apply Equity into Grantmaking Practices

?? Rethink You Enterprise Social Impact Goals

?? Conduct listening Sessions with Stakeholders

It's okay to recalibrate. Keeping up with the rapidly changing landscape is always going to be a challenge.

Taking these actions now will position your social impact program to meet the current needs while also helping position you better to meet the needs that are approaching on the horizon.

Read more on how to future proof your corporate social impact program: HERE

Here’s a guide you can use when assessing your brand’s volunteer program: HERE

Uplifting News

Uplift’s Jasmin Brown Earns Certification in Diversity and Inclusion from HRCI

Celebrating a remarkable achievement! Congratulations to Jasmin Brown , Uplift's Director of People & Strategy, for earning her certification in Diversity and Inclusion - HR Leadership from HRCI.?

This accomplishment reflects Jasmin's dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces and catalyzing positive change. We are excited to witness her continued leadership in shaping diverse, equitable, and empowering environments.

Learn More: HERE

Uplift's Deon Glaser Advocates Robust Data Assurance for Social Impact Practitioners at ACCP's Measurement Summit

Uplift’s SVP of Sustainability, Social Impact, and ESG, Deon Glaser , spoke at ACCP’s Measurement Summit last week on data assurance as many companies are now facing demands to validate their impact measurement data. Deon shared invaluable insights into navigating this intricate landscape.

Deon offered actionable advice for Social Impact practitioners, underscoring the need to anchor their work in robust data management practices.?

Transparent and accurate reporting, coupled with cross-functional, collaborative efforts for data collection capacity-building, emerged as key success factors.

CSR leaders should be aware of evolving data assurance requirements, including those outlined in the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. This regulatory shift presents a unique opportunity to showcase the value of social impact work through rigorous, quality data.

Read More: HERE

Uplift Client Case Study: Data Collection and Reporting to the UNGC

One of our clients approached us because they needed a tailored ESG strategy and a robust data collection process to help them report to the UN Global Compact. Our solution?

?? Customized ESG data collection & assessment

?? Three-year implementation plan

?? Strategic refinement aligned with global standards

?? Green initiatives for emissions, design, and waste reduction

?? Collaborative efforts across the organization

?? Environmental policy and work plan

?? Human rights due diligence process initiation

Uplift developed an accurate and compelling narrative and created the client’s first UN Global Compact report, which was released publicly.?

Impact: Advanced the company’s ESG strategy & reporting by improving data collection and assessment, refining its strategy to align with best practices and standards, and creating environmental and human rights policies and plans.??

New Uplift Website Launch

?EXCITING NEWS! ?We are excited to announce the official launch of our revamped website at The Uplift Agency!?

We've been hard at work behind the scenes to bring you a fresh online experience that truly reflects our commitment to accelerating business to create a sustainable and just future for all.

??Dive into the new experience at www.theupliftagency.com