Policy review and formulation
Principles in action
Let’s face it. Most policies sound impressive when drafted, but they rarely leave the page. They get written for compliance, tucked into digital folders, referenced during audits, and quietly forgotten in the rhythm of daily operations. At best, they create the illusion of control. At worst, they contribute to confusion, disengagement, or even risk.
But policies don’t have to be passive. At SAGE, we see them differently. We see them as living frameworks, ones that bring clarity in grey areas, empower people to act with confidence, and offer a shared language for accountability and alignment.
A good policy should speak to the people it’s meant for. It should make sense in practice, not just in principle. Whether it’s a code of ethics, climate policy, grievance mechanism, or human rights framework, a policy should reflect the actual choices, constraints, and realities faced on the ground.
That’s why our approach to policy review and formulation is deeply human. We begin by listening, to those who will apply the policy, those who will be affected by it, and those who will be held accountable to it. We align the language, intent, and structure with your organisational culture, legal requirements, and sustainability ambitions.
We don’t write for shelf-life. We write for usability. Our aim is to co-create policies that are clear enough to guide action, strong enough to hold weight, and flexible enough to evolve with your journey.
Because when policies are alive, not just approved, they can move people, shape culture, and create lasting change.
FAQ's
Why do policies matter for sustainability?
Policies formalise your intent and set the tone for behaviour, compliance, and accountability across the organisation.
What kinds of policies fall under ESG?
Common examples include Code of Conduct, Environmental Policy, Health & Safety, Human Rights, Anti-Corruption, Whistleblower Policy, and Supplier Code of Conduct.
Can we adapt existing policies instead of starting from scratch?
Yes. We help you review and revise existing policies to bring them in line with current ESG norms and business context.
Do you align policies with standards such as GRI or ISO?
Absolutely. We map content to frameworks such as GRI 2021, ISO 26000, BRSR, IFC PS, and the SDGs where relevant.
How often should policies be reviewed?
We recommend a formal review at least every two to three years or whenever there is a major change in regulations, operations, or material risks.
What we offer
Policy review and benchmarking against ESG frameworks and national laws
Drafting and revision of policies across environmental, social, and governance domains
Alignment with GRI, ISO 26000, IFC PS, and BRSR guidelines
Policy kits including implementation notes, communication formats, and sign-off templates
Support for integrating policies into employee handbooks, supplier contracts, and audit systems
Our collaborative process:
Policy scoping and prioritisation
Identify which ESG policies are required or due for review, based on business risks and regulatory context.
Benchmarking and standards mapping
Compare existing content against leading practices, legal norms, and sector expectations.
Drafting and Customisation
Develop new or revised policy text that reflects company values, operational context, and ESG goals.
Validation and feedback
Facilitate reviews with internal stakeholders and external advisors (if needed) to ensure clarity and buy-in.
Deployment and Integration support
Support internal communication, training, and inclusion into reporting systems and audit frameworks.
Outcomes you can expect:
Policy review matrix
A detailed comparison of current policies against ESG standards and compliance expectations.
Revised policy set
Drafted or redrafted ESG-related policies ready for internal approval and external disclosure.
Implementation toolkit
Formats, roll-out notes, and internal messaging materials for effective policy adoption.
Compliance readiness
Policies aligned to regulatory and voluntary frameworks, reducing risk exposure.
Organisational alignment
Stronger policy ownership, clarity on expectations, and better integration into day-to-day practices.
Where are you on your Policy review and formulation journey?
Whether you are formalising your first ESG policy or refreshing a mature suite, we meet you where you are. We help companies across stages ensure that policies aren’t just paperwork but are meaningful commitments in practice.
Our approach
We combine policy rigour with practical relevance. Our team works across functions to develop language that is clear, grounded in your reality, and aligned with both compliance and culture.
Why choose SAGE for your Policy review and formulation strategy?
SAGE delivers more than policy templates, we help you build internal consensus, improve governance maturity, and communicate your commitments credibly. Our experience across sectors and frameworks ensures your policies stand up to both scrutiny and implementation.
