Changing the world for the better needs to be a central value for all companies, and should be demonstrated in a business’s daily actions. For this reason, Kochański & Partners are establishing a Sustainable Business (ESG) Committee, tasked with setting and implementing key sustainability and ESG policies and creating an environment in which ESG is a material, permanent and consistently implemented part of the entire organisation, in line with their identity.
ESG Committee: Objectives and key responsibilities
The Committee will fulfil an advisory and consultative role to the Management Board, oversee firm wide ESG activities and provide a platform for internal dialogue on sustainability.
Its specific esponsibilities will include:
- Participating in the development and implementation of the ESG strategy
- Overseeing the implementation of strategic ESG objectives and key ESG activities
- Approving and reviewing ESG policies and commitments and their implementation across the firm’s business units and departments
- Controlling and monitoring the performance of implemented ESG policies and commitments
- Encouraging discussion of ESG issues
- Strengthening employee and associate engagement
- Developing and overseeing a programme of training and social initiatives
- Shaping the firm’s organisational culture in line with its principles and ESG Policy
ESG Committee: a new level in sustainable business practice
The ESG Committee is comprised of experts with the personal skills and technical ability to ensure that all environmental, social, labour, economic and business issues that are material to Kochański & Partners are identified and properly addressed.
They range from lawyers to specialists in human resources, communications, IT and cyber security, administration and facilities management. In line with their mission to change the world for the better, these positions are completely new within their organization, and are non standard within Polish law firms as a whole.
These are: Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Human Rights Officer, Labour Relations Executive, and Anti-Bribery and Corruption Officer.
The ESG Committee comprises:
- Chief Sustainability Officer – Joanna Barbrich
- Labour Relations Executive – Anna Gwiazda
- Anti-Bribery and Corruption Officer – Mateusz Ostrowski
- People & Culture Executive / HR Director – Daria Matyja
- Head of Energy and Natural Resources – Wojciech Wrochna
- Chief Operations Officer – Marcin Dyński
- Chief Technology Officer – Michał Walczak
- Chairperson – Diana Tavera
Chief Sustainability Officer
As Chief Sustainability Officer, Joanna Barbrich’s responsibilities will include co-creating the ESG strategy, overseeing the implementation of sustainability and responsible business goals and strategies, building a workplace culture based on diversity and inclusion, promoting sustainable business practices and fostering pro-environmental and pro-social ideas in Kochański & Partners.
Labour Relations Executive
Anna Gwiazda will focus on creating a welcoming workplace, free from all forms of prejudice and harassment on the grounds of race, religion, gender, age or disability, where the principles of equal opportunity employment and equal treatment are applied.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption Officer
Mateusz Ostrowski’s responsibilities will include contributing to the development of systemic solutions to detect and effectively prevent corrupt and fraudulent activities, whilst minimizing the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. Mateusz will also oversee the implementation of obligations imposed on employees and associates under their interal policies and procedures.
Human rights, a special concern of Kochański & Partners
Parasto Yari will fulfil the position of Chief Human Rights Office. Due to her unique experience within human rights activism, Parasto is ably suited to promote the awareness of human rights both within and outside of the firm. Parasto’s activities on the ESG Committee also focus on gender equality and women’s rights. She is also an effective supporter of refugees and others in need.
Interdisciplinary ESG Working Group
The Committee will oversee a working group, which will develop lines of action in the area of sustainability and ESG, and be responsible for managing and driving projects, ensuring they are in line with their operational objectives.
ESG and sustainability is an ongoing commitment
Doing business in a way that respects the environment, addresses the challenges of climate change, celebrates diversity and applies the highest standards of governance is an day to day process and a constant commitment to raise the bar higher each time.