At SESG, we recognise that not every organisation needs a full audit.
Our independent reviews provide objective, credible assessments that offer valuable insights while being lighter-touch than an audit. These reviews are designed to evaluate alignment, effectiveness, and readiness across a range of sustainability-related priorities.
Independent reviews can include:
- Framework and submission reviews – such as GRESB, B-Corp, or other benchmarking and certification processes.
- Strategy reviews – assessing whether sustainability strategies align with organisational goals, global standards, and stakeholder expectations.
- Policy and process reviews – evaluating whether systems and practices are fit-for-purpose and effective in driving intended outcomes.
Our approach ensures organisations receive the independent perspective needed to refine their practices, improve performance, and strengthen credibility, without the depth or cost of a full audit.
What an Independent Review Covers
An independent review can focus on frameworks and submissions, such as a GRESB benchmark, B-Corp certification, or another accreditation process. We check whether the submission is complete, well evidenced, and positioned to score well against the assessment criteria. Strategy reviews look at whether your sustainability strategy still aligns with organisational goals, global reporting standards, and what stakeholders actually expect. Policy and process reviews test whether the systems you have in place are fit for purpose and are actually driving the outcomes they were designed for, not just sitting in a folder.
We work with clients across ports, aviation, mining, and other asset heavy sectors, so every independent review is grounded in how these frameworks perform in practice, not just on paper. For background on how GRESB assessments are structured, see the GRESB website.
Independent Review vs Full Assurance
An independent review is not the same as limited or reasonable assurance. Assurance follows a formal standard and results in a signed statement about your sustainability report or data. An independent review is lighter touch: it is a candid, expert check on a specific framework, strategy, or process, without the same formal assurance opinion attached.
Many clients use an independent review as a readiness check before commissioning full assurance, or as a standalone health check when they simply want confidence that a submission, strategy, or policy will hold up to scrutiny. If you are further along and need a formal assurance opinion, our assurance and auditing services cover that next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an independent review take?
It depends on the scope. A review of a single framework submission, such as a GRESB benchmark, typically takes one to two weeks. A broader strategy or policy review takes longer, since it usually involves document review and a small number of stakeholder conversations.
Who typically commissions an independent review?
Organisations preparing a GRESB, B-Corp, or similar submission for the first time, sustainability teams who want a second opinion on their strategy before it goes to the board, and organisations that want to confirm their policies and management systems are actually working as intended.
Is an independent review the same as an audit?
No. An audit or formal assurance engagement follows a defined standard and results in a signed opinion. An independent review is a more flexible, advisory style check, and a good fit when you want expert feedback rather than a formal assurance statement.
Can an independent review be a first step towards assurance?
Yes. Many clients use an independent review to identify gaps before committing to a full limited or reasonable assurance engagement, so there are no surprises once the formal process begins. Contact us to talk through what your organisation needs.
Benefits
Targeted Insights
Gain focused feedback on specific frameworks, strategies, or processes without the depth of a full audit.
Efficiency & Flexibility
Access an independent perspective quickly and cost-effectively, tailored to your organisation’s needs.
Improved Alignment
Ensure strategies, policies, and submissions are consistent with organisational goals and stakeholder expectations.
Credibility & Confidence
Provide assurance to stakeholders that an independent review has validated key areas of your sustainability approach.
Performance Enhancement
Identify practical opportunities to strengthen systems, disclosures, and practices.