General guidelines
Guides providing a general overview
Corporate responsibility is no longer an option; rather, it shapes day-to-day business operations, particularly in large companies. Systematic risk management protects organisations from legal consequences and strengthens the resilience of global supply chains. The following guidelines and practical tools offer sound support for embedding human rights and environmental due diligence obligations step by step within a company’s operations. They outline how to analyse risks, manage remedial measures and produce transparent reports.
Berlin CSR Consensus on Corporate Responsibility in Supply and Value Chains (National CSR of the Federal Government)
This policy document, which was jointly adopted by the National CSR Forum of the German Federal Government, offers companies of all sizes practical guidance across all sectors in the implementation of responsible supply chain management.
- Author:
National CSR-Forum of the Federal Government
- Publication:
2018
- Download:
Berlin CRS Consensus on corporate responsibility in supply and value chains [PDF, 468 KB]
- Further information:
An Integrated Approach to the Environment and Human Rights – a guide from the Business & Human Rights Helpdesk
This practical handbook addresses the growing regulatory nexus between environmental and human rights due diligence obligations. It shows companies how they can systematically integrate environmental aspects such as climate protection, biodiversity and resource conservation into their existing human rights compliance processes. The publication provides specific recommendations for establishing a holistic risk management framework that fully meets the requirements of the European Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
- Author:
The Federal Government’s Business & Human Rights Helpdesk, in cooperation with the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE)
- Publication:
2025
- Availability:
- Further information:
econsense Supplier Sensor App
The econsense Supplier Sensor App offers – across all sectors – a straightforward introduction to the topic of corporate due diligence: using 16 yes/no questions, employees can identify any issues relating to sustainability during supplier visits. This helps to raise awareness of sustainability issues amongst both company staff and suppliers. The template for the app was provided by econsense member Bosch, which developed a similar app for its collaboration with suppliers. The econsense Supplier Sensor App can be downloaded free of charge for iOS and Android and is available in German and English.
- Author:
Econsense
- Publication:
2020
- Download:
- Further information:
Navigating the diversity backlash
In an increasingly polarised social climate, organisations are increasingly facing resistance to diversity and inclusion (D&I) measures. This background paper explains the strategic importance of D&I for organisational resilience and business success. It offers decision-makers practical guidance on how to take a firm stance, both internally and externally, even in politically charged debates, communicate clear values and ensure that D&I strategies can be maintained in the face of resistance.
- Author:
Global Compact Network Germany (UN GCD)
- Publication:
2025
- Download:
- Further information:
Guidance documents from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control oversees compliance with the statutory requirements of the Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains. To support affected parties in implementing the Act in accordance with the law, the authority provides regularly updated guidance documents. These range from detailed FAQs to specific guidelines for risk analysis. These official documents ensure maximum legal certainty in the day-to-day application of the statutory requirements. The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control makes all guidance documents available on its own website dedicated to the Supply Chain Act.
Contact details for the BAFA: Lieferkettengesetz@bafa-bund.de
SME Compass from the Business & Human Rights Helpdesk
This interactive online portal is an information portal run by the Business & Human Rights Helpdesk in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The SME Compass provides targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises through all phases of sustainable supply chain management. In the Downloads section, users have access to modular practical guidance, including editable risk analysis tools and ready-to-use templates for stakeholder communication. The platform breaks down complex legal standards into easily understandable, directly implementable steps and takes limited operational resources into account.
No way round due diligence – Overview of Frameworks and Legal Provisions on Human Rights Due Diligence (Econsense, Twentyfifty Ltd.)
This English-language publication provides a systematic comparison of the key global standards in the field of business and human rights. It compares ten key frameworks – ranging from the UN Guiding Principles and the UK Modern Slavery Act to European regulations on raw materials. This concise structural comparison helps companies operating internationally to efficiently identify common regulatory features and subtle country-specific differences.
- Author:
Econsense, Twentyfifty Ltd.
- Publication:
2019
- Download:
- Further information:
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct
These updated guiding principles define the global framework for responsible conduct in cross-border business. The current version sets out more stringent requirements regarding climate protection, the conservation of biodiversity and the responsible use of digital technologies and data streams. They serve as the authoritative point of reference for the government’s complaints procedure in cases of alleged breaches of duty.
- Author:
Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
- Publication:
2023
- Download:
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct [PDF]
- Further information:
Gaining Internal Support for HRDD
In practice, the successful implementation of due diligence processes often fails due to internal resistance or a lack of resources in operational departments. This strategic playbook provides sustainability officers with tried-and-tested arguments and tools to convince senior management and embed HRDD processes as a business priority. It provides concrete guidance on cross-functional collaboration between procurement, compliance and HR, as well as on establishing a culture of mutual respect within the organisation.
- Author:
United Nations Global Compact (developed by the UN Global Compact Human Rights Think Lab)
- Publication:
2025
- Download:
- Further information:
Worth Listening: Understanding and implementing human rights grievance management (DGCN, Twentyfifty Ltd.)
An effective, accessible complaints mechanism is a key mandatory element of modern legislation. This document sets out how organisations can establish trustworthy channels through which affected individuals and whistleblowers can report instances of misconduct. Practical case studies illustrate how this can be successfully implemented without creating administrative hurdles or jeopardising mutual trust.
- Author:
German Global Compact Network (DGCN), Twentyfifty Ltd.
- Publication:
2018
- Download:
Worth Listening: Understanding and implementing human rights grievance management
- Further information: