The Evolving Role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)

The role of the Chief Sustainability Officer ("CSO") is undergoing a profound transformation. Once seen primarily as a public relations function tasked with crafting compelling sustainability narratives, the CSO is now at the strategic heart of many organisations. This evolution reflects a deeper understanding of sustainability as a critical driver of financial performance and long-term value creation.

Today’s CSOs are tackling complex trade-offs, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") priorities into corporate strategy, and engaging investors in meaningful conversations about sustainability as a value-creation lever. This shift highlights the growing importance of professionalising the CSO role to meet the challenges of a dynamic and often polarised global landscape.

Resource constraints often make it challenging to maintain a dedicated CSO within your business operations. To bridge this gap, Baker Tilly proudly introduces “CSO as a Service.” This innovative solution integrates seamlessly alongside your core business functions, providing organisations of all sizes and industries access to experienced sustainability leadership and expertise. With "CSO as a Service", you can confidently navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving ESG landscape.

What is “CSO as a Service”?

"CSO as a Service" is a comprehensive solution for organisations seeking to embed sustainability into their core operations without the immediate need to establish a standalone executive function. By leveraging Baker Tilly’s deep bench of ESG expertise, businesses can:

• Strategise for Sustainability: Develop materiality-focused ESG strategies aligned with long-term value creation.
• Engage with Investors: Strengthen credibility by aligning ESG disclosures with financial performance and risk management.
• Navigate Regulations: Stay ahead of global reporting standards like ISSB, CSRD, and SEC guidelines.
• Drive Organisational Integration: Foster cross-functional collaboration to embed sustainability into governance, compliance, and operations.

Why Now? The Market Demands It

Global pressures are accelerating the need for robust sustainability leadership:

• Investor Expectations: Investors increasingly prioritise sustainability in decision-making, viewing ESG factors as critical to assessing long-term risks and opportunities.
• Regulatory Evolution: Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are adopting stricter ESG reporting requirements, demanding greater transparency and consistency.
• Stakeholder Scrutiny: From employees to customers, stakeholders are holding companies accountable for delivering measurable impact.

However, many organisations lack the resources, clarity, or expertise to address these pressures effectively. “CSO as a Service” bridges this gap, providing immediate access to specialised capabilities while building long-term sustainability leadership within your organisation.

The Baker Tilly Difference

• Tailored Expertise
  Every organisation has unique challenges and opportunities in the ESG space. With "CSO as a Service", Baker Tilly offers bespoke solutions that reflect your industry, geography, and strategic objectives.
• Comprehensive Solutions
  From materiality assessments to board education, investor engagement, and strategic reporting, "CSO as a Service" provides a full spectrum of support.
• Agile Delivery Model
  Whether you need interim leadership, project-based expertise, or a roadmap for integrating ESG into your operations, our service model adapts to your needs.
• Empowering Companies for the Future
  By launching "CSO as a Service", Baker Tilly aims to redefine sustainability leadership for organisations at every stage of their ESG journey. Together, we can navigate the complexities of climate change, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder expectations to create lasting value.

Are you ready to future-proof your organisation with strategic sustainability leadership? Let’s talk.

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