Committed to CSR Label: Coverguard reaches the level Confirmed!

In line with its sustainable development policy started in 2020, Coverguard has chosen the Committed to CSR label to assess and support the deployment of its CSR policy.  

Interview with Claire Wagret, Corporate CSR Manager, who explains how the Committed to CSR label goes hand in hand with Coverguard Group's sustainable development strategy. 

First of all, why use an external label such as Committed to CSR?  

Claire Wagret: We needed an external tool to assess and communicate our commitments. Companies are increasingly being asked by their stakeholders to prove that social and environmental issues are being taken into account in their overall strategy. Coverguard is no exception!    

In 2020, when our CSR policy was taking its first steps, Coverguard chose Ecovadis, an organisation that assesses the progress of a CSR policy by carrying out a documentary study of the information submitted by a company. This platform enabled us to provide a framework for our actions and to learn how to communicate the results by publishing a CSR report. It was a suitable first step.  

Why did you choose Committed to CSR?  

Claire Wagret: In our view, Committed to CSR was the next logical step because we wanted to go further. We felt it was necessary to choose a label that included, in addition to an analysis of documents, an on-site assessment by an independent auditor, so that it was not simply a matter of declarations. This was a key factor in our decision.  

What's more, the methodology of the Committed to CSR label, created by AFNOR, follows the structure and incorporates all the elements of the ISO 26000 standard, which is the international standard in terms of CSR. The international dimension was also a factor: the Committed to CSR label grants us the “Responsibility Europe” label.  In addition to all these factors, the final point that convinced us was to become a member of a national and regional network of Committed to CSR companies: webinars and workshops are regularly organised to share best practice and encourage feedback.   

Let's talk about the Confirmed level you achieved? 

Claire Wagret: The Committed to CSR label has 4 levels: Initial, Progression, Confirmed and Exemplary. We therefore obtain a level that reflects the level of progress of our CSR approach. It's important to know your level, so that you can position yourself and, above all, compare your score with the next assessment (which will take place in 3 years' time, with a review after 18 months).    

We are very proud to have achieved this result for our very first Committed to CSR assessment: of course, we know that there is still a long way to go, but obtaining the Confirmed level allows us to validate that we are on the right trajectory and is a great recognition of Coverguard's sustainable development strategy! 

How did the on-site assessment go?  

Claire Wagret: Very good! The auditor spent 3 days on site last July, during which we organised 17 interviews with all the different departments, 8 interviews with a few of our external stakeholders, 3 interviews with employees and 1 site visit.  

The aim of these interviews is to determine the extent to which CSR is integrated into the company's various processes, and into the priorities of each individual. Coverguard met this challenge, as CSR is already at the heart of all its projects and an integral part of its strategy. And of course, the involvement of all the teams also made the evaluation a success.  

My advice to all companies wishing to obtain a Commitment to CSR assessment: prepare the groundwork well in advance, communicate and explain the strategy both internally and externally, and above all, structure your CSR policy with relevant objectives and indicators!  

The achievement of this confirmed level marks the continued deployment of the Group's CSR strategy. What are the next steps? 

Claire Wagret: Within the Category Management & CSR Department, which deals with products, suppliers, CSR issues and Transformation projects we will continuing to roll out the CSR strategy for 2030, hand in hand with all the departments. For example, eco-design of products, traceability of suppliers, reduction of the carbon footprint, improvement of working conditions, etc. Thanks to the suggestions made by the evaluator, who formulated a number of areas for progress.  

We will also be strengthening our links with our various partners: employees and customers, of course, but also suppliers, neighbouring businesses, local associations, etc. Establishing a dialogue with our stakeholders will enable us to better understand their expectations and respond to them as effectively as possible.  

This involves a major effort to communicate and popularise CSR, an area that is still often too vague. Our aim is to make CSR understandable, and to get everyone on board so that everyone feels involved!  

To find out more, click here: 2023 CSR report